The Cork-based Aquablue team may have seen the departure of Keith Gater and Robin Kelly but it has added to its already very strong roster with the signing of Chris Reilly; seen here in the climbers' jersey at the Suir Valley Three Day (Photo: Sean Rowe)
Following the departures of national veteran champion Keith Gater and strongman sprinter Robin Kelly, the Aquablue team has wasted no time in strengthening its number by acquiring the services of Chris Reilly.
Reilly, formerly of Bohermeen CC and more recently Liquidworx-Fitscience, discussed the potential move with the Cork-based team’s manager Timmy Barry recently and the pair have now agreed terms.
It’s a big blow for Liquidworx-Fitscience, which will be known as Fitscience next year.
But it is a considerable coup for Barry and the Aquablue team which is already home to many of the country’s top riders.
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Reilly rode the An Post Rás again this year; this time with the Louth team Cuchulainn CC.
He improved as the week went on and managed to escape in an eight-man break on the final day.
Reilly won the Ballivor GP with a late solo move that held off the charging bunch led by Eoin Morton back in July (Photo: Amy-Norah Farrell)
It looked for a long time like that move would stay away to contest the finish.
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But it was to be a heartbreaking day for Reilly who dropped out of the escape in the final kilometres and was eventually swept up by the bunch behind.
He missed out on a potential county rider prize, at the very least.
The Navan-based carpenter attracted the attention of Aquablue throughout the year.
He continually rode well for himself and teammate Paddy Clarke, who finished second overall at the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan.
And he will hope to be in the team for the Rás next year, one surely capable of landing a stage win.
In further transfer news, Eddie Barry has also left the Fitscience team and opted to join Tralee BC-Manor West.
However, Ballina-based Fitscience have a number of signings in the pipeline which look set to be unveiled in the weeks ahead.
After a very successful stint with Aquablue, Dylan Foley (in blue, left) is heading to France. Damien Shaw, in blue on the right, really bumped up the team's profile this season again by taking some of the biggest races in the country for Tim Barry's outfit (Photo: George Doyle)
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