By Shane Stokes
Winner in 2018 and 2019, Kelly Murphy was back on the top step of the podium
on Thursday evening, taking the third national time trial title of her career.
The track specialist aced the course in Nenagh, beating last year’s winner
Joanna Patterson (Independent Pedaler-Nopinz) by a slender 1.12 seconds. The
2020 champion Eve McCrystal (Bellurgan Wheelers) was third, 58.4 seconds back.
“I didn’t expect it this year, if I’m honest, because the field gets stronger
and stronger each year,” Murphy told stickybottle right before the podium
celebration. “I wasn’t here last year so there were a few unknowns for me. It
was a nice, pleasant surprise and that doesn’t happen often in time trial.”
The 32-year-old missed out on riding the race in 2021, and clearly enjoyed making her return. “I predominantly ride track and we were at the European championships last year,” she explained.
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“I’ve still been going, still been trucking along, but in a different way. So it was really nice to come back, see everyone, race again and get a nice result on the side for myself.”
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Having put in a good warmup at the sign on area, Murphy then travelled five
kilometres to the TT course. She looked focussed and composed before the start
of her TT, sitting in a chair about 20 metres from the start point until it was
her time to go.
She said that she didn’t realise right away that she was going well. “I haven’t done so much this year. Because track and road collide I have been taking a slightly easier season,” she said.
“I’ve had a few good times out but it was in different places against different people. So when you come here, you should never take anything for granted.”
Murphy’s nationals record is a very impressive one. In addition to her three
gold medals in the time trial, she was also silver medallist in 2017 and 2020,
as well as fourth in the road race in 2018.
Saturday’s road race will be held on a hilly course in Kanturk. How does
she feel about her chances?
“The road race is always a bonus for me. It is not my forte,” she said. “A lot of girls are getting stronger and stronger at it, so I never expect anything. The time trial is my main focus, so the road race is a free ride for me. Just go, enjoy it. If I can do something, I will do something. I am looking forward to it.”
