Ortiz takes “Stickybottle National League” crown with sprint win in Donore

Report & Video by Caroline Martinez

Former Spanish professional Sara Ortiz has taken overall victory in the “Stickybottle.com-Joe Daly’s Cycles Women’s National League” by winning the final round in Donore, Co Meath, at the weekend.

The Black Rose Racing rider edged out the ever-improving Eve McCrystal (Garda CC) in a bunch gallop at the end of the final round at the Brendan Campbell Memorial races on Sunday.

Despite the threatening skies, there was a record turnout for this year's league; a real sign that women's racing continues to grow apace.

Ortiz was leading the league at the start of the final race in the 2012 series. However, trailing her by only a single point was none other than the newly crowned Irish national road race and MTB champion, Melanie Spath (Cycleways). Behind her, Anne Dalton (Orwell wheelers DTC) was in a secure third place.

The race started in cagey fashion with many of the stronger riders marking each other, mindful of their overall standing in the league as well as their chances in the race on the day.

With the two favourites paying most attention to each other, there were opportunities for others to exploit the deadlock.

In a brave attempt to split the race Orla Hendron (Orwell Wheelers DTC), Tonya Moran (U/A) and Valerie Considine (Usher IRC) broke clear from the bunch 10km into the race and built a small gap that they held for most of the following two laps. But just as the rain started to intensify the bunch caught the three out front.

The rural roads, which had just been used by some 200 plus combine harvesters as part of a charity event the day before, quickly became very muddy and slippery.

With few willing to risk what would be a dangerous escape on treacherous roads, this race was going to be decided in the sprint.

In a stylish and confident move with 500m to the line, Ortiz attacked from the bunch to take her fourth win of the league and secure the 2012 title. Eve McCrystal (Garda CC) was clearly delighted to take second in the sprint followed by Amy Brice (Phoenix CC) and Anne Dalton (Orwell Wheelers DTC), with a slightly disappointed Melanie Spath (Cycleways) crossing the line fifth.

Ortiz’s experience racing as part of Spanish professional team Bizkaia-Durango as well as the Spanish national team, coupled with her sheer strength made this year's league more competitive than ever.

The friendly rivalry between her and Spath made for faster racing for all and exciting finishes, showing that strong riders can raise the standard for all participants.

Anne Dalton (Orwell Wheelers) and Amy Brice (Phoenix CC) who came third and fourth in the league respectively are both members of the Irish development squad, led by coach Gillian McDarby. Their progress this year was marked, as they also got placed in every round.

Next up for the National League racers will be the Rás na mBan in September. Ortiz has already announced she is targeting a good performance in Ireland's premiere stage race for women and Spath will get her chance to even the score between them.

Last round of the women National league - July 29, Donore Meath.

1. Sara Ortiz (Black Rose racing)
2. Eve McCrystal (Garda CC)
3. Amy Brice (Phoenix CC)
4. Anne Dalton (Orwell Wheelers)
5. Melanie Spath (Cycleways)
6. Valerie Considine (Usher IRC)

Final Overall StickyBottle.com - Joe Daly's Women's National League

1. Sara Ortiz (Black Rose Racing)
2. Melanie Spath (Cycleways)
3. Anne Dalton (DTC Orwell Wheelers)
4. Amy Brice (Phoenix CC)
5. Róisín Kennedy (ESB)
6. Bronagh Rogers (LCRC)

Homepage photo and all photos below by Amy-Norah Farrell