Irish women embarking on French campaign; face best in world at UCI-ranked stage races

Left to right: Mel Spath, Mary Costelloe and Siobhan McNamara taking the medals at the recent National Road Race Championships; they are in the DID Electrical line-up for two stage races in France. (Photo: Adrian O’Connor – www.blackumbrellaphotography.com)

The DID Electrical Racing Team is heading to France with the three medal winners from the recent National Road Race Championships in its line-up in the shape of Siobhan McNamara, Mary Costelloe and Melanie Spath.

The team will line out against some of the best riders in the world in two 2.2 UCI races; the Tour de Bretagne Féminin and the Tour Feminine en Limousin. The two races will take place over 10 days, from July 11th to 21st.

Caroline Martinez, a regular contributor to stickybottle, has been planning the team’s French campaign since its creation just a few months ago. She says the trip should be a major boost, not just for those in the team but also women’s cycling in Ireland generally.

“When we set up the team at the start of the year, this is exactly what we had in mind,” she said.

“We wanted to send Irish girls to the toughest races in Europe, not only for experience but also to show off how women’s cycling in Ireland has grown and is more competitive than ever. We’re grateful to have been in constant touch with Siobhan Horgan who has been our mentor since the birth of the team.”

She added the team was delighted to bring such a strong line-up to the Tour de Bretagne and Tour du Limousin.

“No Irish county team has ever sent a squad to Europe the way we are doing it this year. All of our core riders work full time and it’s not always easy to get the time off work but we have been lucky enough to find the best guests possible to compliment the team this summer.”

The line up will also include Amy Brice, one of the founders of Team DID, Belgium-based super domestique Michelle Geoghegan, Breton Clemence Copie and Scotswoman Julie Erskine.

The team will be managed by Stewart Carr, while regular Rás soigneur Amanda Clifford will look after the riders.

“Mel Spath will definitely stand out as she rides in her Irish champion’s jersey,” said Martinez.

“She is probably our strongest rider but we don’t want to name a team leader too early. We’re going to these races to gain experience and to prove that our Irish girls can be competitive even at the highest level.”

The fields in the two French races will include national teams from the USA, Canada, Belgium, the Netherlands and pro trade teams such as Team HiTec, Vaino Fondriest, GSD Gestion Kallisto will also be on the start line. Last year, the Tour du Limousin was won by world champion Marianne Vos.

The two-week trip is backed by DID Electrical, the team’s main sponsor. Europcar Ireland has also come on board and will be providing the team with a much needed second vehicle in France, while Irish Ferries is transporting the team car and crew to Brittany.