Aideen Keenan was a happy woman in Nenagh after winning an enthralling women’s race. The Scott Orwell Wheelers rider was in a break of four that came to the line and after finishing runner-up last year she was determined not to suffer the same fate again (Photo: Shayne Murphy)
By Brian Canty
Aideen Keenan won the women’s race at the Gas Networks Ireland VisitNenagh Classic this afternoon, edging Orla Montague in a four-up sprint to the line.
The Scott Orwell Wheelers rider admitted with seven teammates present in the race, she knew they had to make their advantage count.
But things went according to plan whenof Orla Hendron (Scott Orwell), Roisin Kennedy (Arcane Adamstown) and Julie White (Black Rose), went up the road with the latter taking the sprint prime after 19.16 kilometres.
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Lakeside Wheelers had five in the bunch so they were obviously keen to make something happen and when the leading trio tired, Orwell sent a rider up the road to cover another who was trying to bridge.
Perhaps sensing it would all come back together, Keenan kept a close eye on the big guns who were happy to let the race play out up the road.
Indeed, the rolling course took its toll on all those who went clear and with 25 kilometres to go Keenan hit out.
Ciara Kinch (Scott Orwell), Claire McIlwaine (Phoenix CC) and Orla Montague (Dublin Wheelers) all managed to stay with her and they immediately got down to work.
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One rider who missed the move but must be commended for her bravery was promising junior Emily Birchall (NRPT).
She crashed in the sprint for the early prime and broke two wheels and landed very badly, though she managed to get up, chase back on and even pulled out a result, finishing sixth.
However, she used up too much energy in her chase and that possibly cost her a higher placing; though it was an incredible perhaps after such bad luck.
The break of four pressed on for him, with Scott Orwell knowing they needed to work as they outnumbered the other two in the move; McIlwaine and Montague.
The headwind into Nenagh was hard going for the four but Keenan was strong and she took things up at the front in an effort to sap the others of energy.
And though she went early for the line she managed to hold off Montague by a bike length, with McIlwaine edging Kinch for the final spot on the podium.
We'll have an interview with Keenan tomorrow.
Women’s race, (81 kilometres)
1 Aideen Keenan (Scott Orwell Wheelers)
2 Orla Montague (Dublin Wheelers)
3 Claire McIlwaine (Phoenix CC)
4 Ciara Kinch (Scott Orwell)
5 Sinead Oakes (Unattached)
6 Emily Birchall (NRPT)
7 Monica Marconi (Sc0tt Orwell Wheelers)
8 Michelle O’Halloran (Lakeside (Wheelers)
19.16 Sprint: Julie White (Black Rose)
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