A championship race is something special. It usually stands out as being a main event of any cycling discipline, and it was no different last Sunday in Killarney for the Munster Cyclocross championships. The Munster league proved that the standard in Munster was high, and now the riders were set for one final battle to close out a hugely successful Munster season. Russell and Richie took to the line for the Barrs, and both were hunting for a medal on the back of their success in the league. However in a championship race anything can happen, and league results mean nothing. In one race there is no room for a mechanical, a bad patch, or an off day. The course in Killarney had been changed from their league race and the "descent of doom" was no more. However this was replaced with a fast section of flowing single track, and a long tarmac section through the finish line, heading back up into the field where the spiral and the bridge remained from the previous course. It was an excellent mix of skill and fitness, and would provide a worthy winner. Even though it was a slightly longer lap, it was much faster, with riders lapping 6 and half minutes. This would make for a nine lap race, where anything could happen. Riders were gridded on their league position, which meant Richie once again started on the front row alongside Richie Maes (Killarney) and the winner of the Munster League, Matt Slattery (Velo Revolution). Just behind were close rivals John Dempsey and Kevin Keane. Matt was the clear favorite after his dominant performances in the league, but the battle for the podium would be hard fought between the two Richies, John, and Kevin. Russell lined up on the 3rd row of the grid and was motivated to get a medal in the m40 category. This was going to be another hard fought battle. While Trevor Woods was the clear favourite after his league performances, the race for second and 3rd would be between Russell and John "the pizza cutter" Crowley. This rivalry (albeit friendly) has been going since this race last year, after John came out on top after a close fought battle. Richie got off cleanly from the start and immediately settled into the front group of four alongside Richie Maes, Matt Slattery, and John Dempsey. John wa making the early running and really sticking it to the other three. On lap 3 Richie Maes dropped back with a small mechanical issue, but with the pace full on at the front would find it hard to get back. This left 3 at the front. Matt pushed on up the next climb, distancing John but taking Richie with him going into the forestry. Richie fell going through the ditch, but despite losing precious seconds to Matt, kept his position ahead of John. With six laps to go it was a solo race for all the contenders. Matt capitalised and put 5-10 seconds a lap into Richie. However Richie managed to extend his lead on Maes and Dempsey as the race went on. This is how the race would finish with Matt showing that he is still the strongest in Munster, but with Richie getting his best result of the CX season finishing in the silver medal position, and Richie Maes rounding out the podium in 3rd. The m40 race also hosted a titanic battle between the favourites. Trevor, as usual, blasted away and wasn't too far off the leading elite riders for most of the race. As expected Russell and John Crowley renewed their rivalry. At the halfway stage of the race Russell was ahead but John was still close enough to be a threat with his trademark strong finishing. With two laps to go, Russell hit a root hard off a drop off and his handlebars dropped with a loud bang. Worried about damaged bars he had to execute a slick bike change at the pits just beyond the finish line going onto the last lap. However he limited his time losses and rode the last lap like a man possessed to keep the gap and claim the silver medal. The Munster Championships provided a fitting end to the hugely successful Munster Cyclocross season. A huge thanks to all the clubs involved who have come together to create a wonderful racing experience for all riders. Killarney CC deserve a special mention as they hosted two races this year, and stepped up to the plate to host the Championship Race. From our club's perspective we have had a great CX season. We were lucky enough to kick off the Munster season with a bang in Fota (which seems so long ago now!), and we proved strong enough as a club to be competitive throughout the season. Once again a big thanks to our own main sponsors Centra and McCarthy Cycles, as well as our race sponsors Cafe Velo and Johnson and Johnson. Hon the Barrs!
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St.Finbarrs Cycling ClubEst. 1938 Archives
October 2017
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