Having just faced the best in the world, Fran Meehan has her eyes fixed on another national crown this weekend and then the World Championships (Photo with thanks to Matthias Goossens)
By Brian Canty
Reigning national cyclocross champion Fran Meehan said her result at the Superprestige race in Deigem, Belgium, last weekend came about after hard work and dedication over the Christmas period.
The Aquablue rider dug in hard in a star-studded field in freezing conditions on a day when some of the best riders in the world were listed as non-finishers.
Meehan was 37th, finishing on the same lap as the world cyclocross champion Marianne Vos as well as runner-up Paulie Pervot of France, the world road race champion.
“It was the most competitive field you could imagine,” said the Tullamore woman.
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Winning the national championships in Belfast 12 months ago; a crown Meehan is determined to again take home from next Sunday's clash in north Dublin (Photo: Sean Rowe)
“Vos won, Pervot was second and Katerina Nash, the Czech champion, was third.
"There were over twice as many Belgians as last year, five or six from the USA, the Swiss champion, the British champion, the French champion and the Italian champion.
“The race was two minutes faster than last year but I also improved a lot so I was happy enough. It was such an incredible experience.
“The atmosphere was electric even though it was very cold; minus five and five inches of snow.
"But I think there were over 10,000 people there and they all cheered for their hero Sven Nys,” she said in reference to the elite men’s race also down for decision.
Riding the Suir Valley Three Day stage race on the road against some of the best male riders in the country back in August (Photo: Dc Images)
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“The wall of sound just chased him around the lap, it was a class experience to be part of.”
On how she can improve ahead of the World Championships next month she said: “I need to be more aggressive from the gun.
“There is a lot pushing and jostling in the first 100m and it was flat-out into an icy turn.
“Having said that, I was a lot stronger than last year and far fitter. It’s completely different to anything we ride at home.
"There's a lot of running, mud, sand; you're flying over ramps made from scaffolding. It's so hectic."
On the way to the bronze medal at the national time trial championships in Westmeath back in June; Caroline Ryan won gold and Lauren Creamer the silver (Photo: Sean Rowe)
Meehan will start the National Championships on Sunday in Swords, north Dublin, as the red-hot favourite.
She is now relishing the nationals clash given her good form.
“I stayed disciplined over the Christmas. I’m used to it now; I don’t over eat and I train hard.
"I actually think Christmas Day is the best day of the year to ride because the roads are quiet.
"I’m just hoping for a bit of good luck on the day (of the nationals) and I’m sure things will come together.
"It should be great race with all the new riders this year. I can’t wait.”
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