Neil Delahaye (Dectek) showed that his form is coming nicely to a peak as An Post Ras approaches with an impressive solo win on a demanding course in the Orwell Wheelers’ Noel Hammond Memorial in Roundwood today.
Delahaye forged clear of a six man leading group on the fifth and final ascent of the five kilometre climb of Callowhill and once clear opened a comfortable gap over his nearest pursuers on the downhill run to the finish line at Vartry Reservoir.
Greg Swinand (Irish Road Club) edged a close sprint for second ahead of Anthony Walsh (UCD) with Dave Peelo (Murphy Surveys Kilcullen), Odhran Connors (Orwell Wheelers), Chris Reilly (Bohermeen CC) and John Lynch (Murphy Surveys Kilcullen) all arriving in alone for fourth to seventh positions, respectively.
Brian Ahern thundered down the hill to the finish at the head of a small group to take eighth making it two riders from the promoting club in the top eight.
Martin Mizgajski (Wexford Wheelers) took the top prize for A2 riders on a day when recording a finish was an achievement.
Earlier the five lap A3 race for the Kieran Hammond Memorial trophy had also featured a solo winner with racing rookie John McCormack (Lucan CRC) enhancing his burgeoning reputation with a convincing victory.
Behind McCormack, Darragh Zaidan (Stevens Cyclelogical) edged a tight sprint ahead of Orwell Wheelers duo Diarmuid Collins and Patrick O’Brien. Christopher Graham (Unattached) and local rider Mark Murphy (Bray Wheelers) rounded out the top six.
The accompanying Trek Women’s Classic League event was won by British-based Rebecca Curley (For Viored) who came in ahead of Orwell’s Orla Hendron and league leader Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen CC).
The A4 race was an altogether more tactical affair and when a useful looking early break of four was pegged back before the first of two ascents of Callowhill, it developed into a race of attrition.
Dermot Keelan (Cuchulainn CC) led home a greatly depleted main group for the win ahead of unattached riders James O’Rourke and Murt Rice.
As usual the Hammond Memorial event featured a full programme of youth races and the first race of the day produced a great solo win for Orwell’s Naoise Sheridan in the Under 12 event ahead of Elliot Young (SERC) and Laura Wall of Navan Road Club.
There was a Slaney CC one-two in the one-lap Under 14 race where Adam Thatcher took the win ahead of clubmate Ryan Byrne. Adam Stenson (Lucan CRC) rounded out the ‘podium’ finishers.
Finally, the Under 16 laurels were taken by Thomas Fallon (Wolftrap) ahead of Danny Bruton (Stamullen CC) and Fintan Ryan (Sorrenton CC).
Orwell Wheelers Hammond Memorial Road Races,
Roundwood,
Sunday May 8th
Noel Hammond Memorial A1
1,Neil Delahaye (Dectek);
2, Greg Swinand (Irish Road Club);
3, Anthony Walsh (UCD);
4, David Peelo (Murphy Surveys Kilcullen CC);
5, Odhran Connors (Orwell Wheelers);
6, Chris Reilly (Bohermeen CC)
7, John Lynch (Murphy Surveys Kilcullen CC);
8, Brian Ahern (Orwell Wheelers).
A2
1, Martin Mizgajski (Wexford Wheelers);
2, Enda Connolly (Garda CC);
3, Declan Kinch (Slipstream CC);
4, Gavin Haberlin (UCD);
5, Mike Brookfield (UCD);
6, Edward Barry (Blarney CC).
Kieran Hammond Memorial A3
1, John McCormack (Lucan CRC);
2, Darragh Zaidan (Stevens Cycleogical);
3, Diarmuid Collins (Orwell Wheelers);
4, Patrick O'Brien (Orwell Wheelers);
5, Christopher Graham (Unattached);
6, Mark Murphy (Bray Wheelers).
Trek Women’s Classic League
1, Rebecca Curley (For Viored)
2, Orla Hendron (Orwell Wheelers)
3, Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen CC)
4, Monica Marconi (HJ Lyons);
5, Siobhain Jacob (Unattached);
6.Mandy Colley (Team Basso).
A4
1, Dermot Keelan (Cuchulainn CC);
2, James ORourke (Unattached);
3, Murt Rice (Unattached);
4, Kenneth Berry (Lakeside Wheelers);
5, Matthew Heary (Apollo CC);
6, Paul Quinn (Island Wheelers);
Under 16
1, Thomas Fallon (Wolftrap CC);
2, Danny Bruton (Stamullen RC);
3, Fintan Ryan (Sorrento CC).
Under 14
1, Adam Thatcher (Slaney CC);
2, Ryan Byrne (Slaney CC);
3, Adam Stenson (Lucan CRC).
Under 12
1, Naoise Sheridan (Orwell Wheelers);
2, Elliot Young (SERC);
3, Laura Wall (Navan Road Club).
-ends-
