Emer Hevrin (16) was out on her own at the end of the junior women's road race at the National Road Championships in Cong, Co Mayo, today, Saturday (Photo: Toby Watson)
Emer Heverin (CAMS Majaco) has emerged from her first appearance at the National Road Championships - for seniors and juniors - with two gold medals to add to the elite National Criterium Championships she won last month.
The 16-year-old was out on her own at the end of the junior women's race in Cong, Co Mayo, on Sunday morning, after having already won the junior women's TT last Thursday.
"This one is for my team mate Shane, he was a great friend to us all and he is really missed," she said of CAMS Majaco Irish junior
Shane O'Brien who tragically lost his life in a training accident on the road just outside Lismore, Co Waterford, last Tuesday week.
Heverin wore a black armband in the race today in memory of Shane, said the last couple of weeks had been tough, though she raced as hard as she could in his honour.
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Heverin said she "made a few moves at the start just to see" the response from the others in the field.
"Then around the back of the circuit, halfway through the first lap, I just pushed on up the hill and Aoife came with me," she said, adding she then "went again", going solo for about 40km.
"I was feeling good, I just made sure not to go too deep at the start and just keep it controlled," she said, adding she did not feel pressurised by the fact people saw her as the clear favourite.
"I knew I was feeling strong and I knew what I had to come and do," she said of winning the event by 3:51 from the three-rider chasing group.
From that group, Ffion Dolan (VW Breda) took the sprint from silver, with Aoife O'Donovan (Dungarvan CC) 3rd in what was a very tight finish with Ysabella Huele (Rudyco Cycling Team vzw).
Heverin's next assignment is the European Track Championships in just over one week's time in Cottbus, Germany. Her focus will be on the individual pursuit, though she will also ride the omnium.
She goes in with no pressure, saying she does not know where she will be in the European pecking order because "I've never done a big track race before".
Then she goes to Spain with her team for a three-week block of road racing, which will include three stage races, with some racing against U23s and elites.
Junior Women's Race (57.3km)
- Emer HEVERIN Camsmajaco 1:36:24
- Ffion DOLAN VW Breda +3:51
- Aoife O DONOVAN Dungarvan CC
- Ysabella HUELE Rudyco Cycling Team all same time
- Holly MC CAFFREY Longcourt Hotel - NCW Wheelera +3:53
- Clodagh MOLYNEAUX Bohermeen CC 1:46:16
- Aoibhe REILLY Bohermeen CC 2:03:48
- Ami FLAVIN Dungarvan CC 1:44:37
