Maria Larkin has flexed her muscles just weeks away from defending her Irish elite cyclocross title when she took victory today in 'Round 5' of the Munster Cyclocross Series 2021.
US-based Larkin, who is competing with Donkey Label Racing p/b FkLaw this year, claimed the Irish title two years ago but remains the reigning champion as last season's National Cyclocross Championships were scrapped due to the pandemic.
Today in the final round of the Munster series, Larkin took victory just ahead of Grace Young, the All human-VeloRevolution rider who has been dominant in the series in recent months.
Larkin just prevailed over Young today after a battle at the head of the field that was only settled in the closing stages of the Over The Hill CC promotion in Watergrasshill, Co Cork,
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Rounding out the podium behind winner Larkin and runner-up Young was Stephanie Roche; the Scott Quanta Racing rider who has taken repeated victories this season on the Leinster scene.
In the men's race today, Richard Barry (St Finbarr's CC) was on top again; taking the final round of the series after proving unbeatable at times on the Munster scene in recent months.
Barry was a delighted winner today ahead of Conor Hennebry (Dan Morrissey-MIG-Pactimo) and Masters 50 Irish champion, Trevor Woods of All human-VeloRevolution.
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Mark Pinfield of Blarney CC was very unlucky to miss the podium in the men's main event. He held his place in the top three through the race but punctured with two laps to go and lost ground.
In the series overall, Richard Maes wrapped up victory; the All human-VeloRevolution rider's prolific run of late having put him into an unassailable lead even before today's final race.
That meant while Maes did not race today, he was crowned series winner and was on hand for the podium presentation.
Maes, who was 5th in the 35-39 years race at the Masters World Cyclocross Championships in Britain last month, won the series from today's race winner, Barry, with Hennebry taking the final step on the podium.
In the women's series, Young made it a double for All human-VeloRevolution; claiming the Munster series title for this year.
More to come.
Sun, Dec 19th: Over The Hill CC Cross
Watergrasshill, Co Cork
Women's Race
- Maria Larkin Donkey Label Racing p/b FkLaw
- Grace Young All human-VeloRevolution
- Stephanie Roche Scott Quanta Racing
Men's A Race
- Richard Barry St Finbarr's CC
- Conor Hennebry Dan Morrissey-MIG-Pactimo
- Trevor Woods All human-VeloRevolution
