Fran Meehan is all out to defend her title tomorrow. But the presence of a secret weapon in the field spices things up (Photo: Matthies Goossens)
The National Cyclocross Championships women’s race may have a small field, but like the other events on the card in Swords, north Dublin, the destination of the medals is not a foregone conclusion.
It is absolutely impossible to look beyond Tullamore woman Fran Meehan, who has been riding against the professionals in Belgium and finishing races many others have been lapped in.
The Aquablue woman is the defending champion and is looking for her sixth title. Frankly, it would be a brave punter that wagered against her.
But, like the men’s race, there are other contenders. And for a change the outcome is not set in stone.
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Clare Oakley (XMTB McConvey) was 4th last year.
This time around the silver and bronze medal winners from 12 months ago – Mel Spath and Maeve O’Grady – are not on the start list.
And with another year of racing and development under her belt, including making the Commonwealth Games team, Oakley would have been a favourite to medal even if Spath and O’Grady were racing.
John Bogues enjoyed his vets' title win last year. Can he bring home the bacon again this time out in Dublin? (Photo: Toby Watson)
It will also be very interesting to see how Mayo-born Maria Larkin (Chicago Cuttin’ Crew) gets on. While an unknown quantity at home, she has been riding well abroad.
She may threaten for a medal and may even put it up to Meehan; a factor that makes the women’s event more interesting.
The 27-year-old architect has been based in Chicago in the US in recent years and has taken to the sport very successfully there.
Recently she competed in the Illinois State Championships where she finished ninth out of 37 starters.
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Impossible to determine is how that standard of racing compares to the Irish woman who have been mostly plying their trade at home.
But Larkin has gone out of her way to come back to Ireland for these championships and certainly will not be in Dublin to make up the numbers.
The junior men’s race will be a good battle also, though there are just nine starters.
David Conroy looks like one for the future. But can he pick up a national title in his development years? (Photo: Sean Rowe)
James Curry (Banbridge CC) should not be too far from the head of affairs.
David Conroy (Donnybrook Landscapes Co-Scott) and his teammate Gareth Hegarty will not give up without a fight.
Conroy is a tidy rider who did very well in junior race at the recent UCI World Cup in the UK.
Cameron McIntyre – a teammate of Curry’s – could also make the grade tomorrow.
The destination of the title and the order of the medallists is definitely an open contest.
The Masters (M40, M50, M60, M90) event is the race with the biggest entry for the weekend, with over 60 down to start.
Anthony Doyle (STRATA3-VeloRevolution, M40), Brendan Doherty (VC Glendale, M40), Peter McConville (Newry Wheelers, M50), Jason Henry UA/Ulster, M40), Aidan McDonald (Cuchulainn CC, M50), last year’s vets’ champion John Bogues (Phoenix CC, M50) and Eamon Mc Convey (XMTB McConvey Cycles – M50) should all challenge their respective categories.
But in such a big field and with no outstanding favourite it should be another very open race.
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