McNally's hillclimb hat trick
IVCA Hillclimb Championships, Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow
27 September 2009
In a ride which some believe may have provided the inspiration for Fabian Cancellara's group shattering surge on the last lap of the world road race championships later that afternoon, McNally broke his own IVCA hill record to record his third event win in four years and then announced that he has finally finished racing for the year.
"That's it, I'll take a rest now," McNally announced to thunderous applause and unanimous approval after stopping the clocks just seven minutes and 15 seconds into a ride on a course that for most riders is still a 'hill' which is 'long'.
It was only when the ovation subsided that the general assembly realised that the season is over anyway but the rumour that McNally has recently acquired a mountain bike helped fuel a general acceptance of the gesture...
Monica Marconi produced a similarly exceptional ride to finish sixth overall and seventh on handicap with Barry Redmond 12th on handicap and recorded time.
