One of the rapidly emerging riders in the Irish peloton this season, Gabriele Glodenyte has taken her first big career win by outsprinting two decorated riders at the end of the Brian O’Loughlin Memorial in Co Mayo today.
The UCD Cycling Club rider only began racing last year – and is
a graduate of the intermediate racing in Corkagh Park, Dublin – but has now
cemented her reputation as a leading rider on the Irish scene.
At the end of today’s race she came to the line in a three-rider group and managed to overcome Caoimhe O’Brien (Torelli-Assure-Cayman Islands-Scimitar), who was 2nd, and Eve McCrystal (Bellurgan Wheelers) in 3rd.
Both McCrystal and O’Brien are repeat winners in the National Road Series and Glodenyte’s ability to go with them in the breakaway from the opening lap and then beat them at the finish represents a very impressive win.
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How it unfolded
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The women’s race split early today, with a six-rider group going clear and proving the winning move. They established a large advantage on the first lap of four in the 112km race.
In that group were: Eve McCrystal (Bellurgan Wheelers), Caoimhe
O’Brien and Aoife O’Brien, (Torelli-Assure-Cayman Islands-Scimitar), Gabriele
Glodenyte (UCD Cycling Club) and Jemma Spears (North Down CC).
At the end of that opening lap, with the front group packed with firepower and working well, the leaders had already gained a one minute advantage on the chasing pack and it was very clear that bringing them back was going to be a big task.
By the end of the second lap, five had become three up front.
McCrystal, Caoimhe O’Brien and Glodenyte pulled clear of Spears and Aoife O’Brien;
that latter pairing staying together and trailing by 45 seconds by the time
they went out to start the third lap.
There was no change up front on the third and penultimate lap,
with O’Brien, McCrystal and Glodenyte staying together and headed for the
podium placings as they set out on the last loop of the Co Mayo circuit.
They were still being chased by Spears and Aoife O’Brien, while a second chase group – of five riders had also formed. That second chase group was comprised of: Jennifer Neenan (Sundrive Track Team), Ella Doherty (UCD Cycling Club), Cleo Harvey (Dublin Wheelers) and two others.
However, the leading trio remained out front by a clear margin,
with Glodenyte taking the victory in the three-up sprint.
More to come.
