Larkin crowned Irish elite champion after commanding ride in Sligo

*The Champ: Maria Larkin shows her delight at winning the elite women's title at the National Cyclocross Championships (Photo: Bryan Keane - Inpho)*

Maria Larkin has taken a commanding victory in the elite
women’s race at the National Cyclocross Championships in Enniscrone, Co Sligo.

The US-based rider, competing in the colours of Donkey
Label Racing p/b FK Law, took a solo win from Michelle Geoghegan (ILLI-Bikes
Cycling Team).

Top junior rider Lucy O’Donnell of Verge Pi Cycles
rounded out the podium after being in second place behind Larkin for a long
time.

In the early stages it was Caoimhe May of Orwell who took it up, pushing the pace on the front right from the gun and opening a small gap.

*Michelle Geoghegan took silver in the elite race; a great ride at this level (Photo: Toby Watson)*

May was soon reabsorbed by the front of the race, with a group of six just nudging clear on the opening lap, though a number of chasers were just behind.

It was Maria Larkin who then took it up and when she hit the front she began to string it out, though a crash as she led with Roisin Lally temporarily derailed her.

Larkin was soon back up after that spill and at the end of the first lap it was Lally and Larkin leading from Lucy O’Donnell.

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Larkin’s running looked very powerful at times on that opening lap; something that was always going to prove a big asset on a very muddy course that saw the riders off their bikes as much as on them.

*Lucy O'Donnell, Ireland's top junior rider, collected a bronze medal in the elite race for the second year in succession (Photo: Toby Watson)*

Larkin had about 10 seconds on O’Donnell finish the
opening lap, with Michelle Geoghegan in 3rd just a few seconds further back.

On the second lap Larkin continued to tap out a very
strong pace; exercising caution when she needed but also pushing it when she
could and running strongly throughout.

Behind her, the gap opened more back to her closest
rivals, with Geoghegan catching and passing O’Donnell.

With the third lap about halfway through it looked like
the destination and order or the medals was set; Larkin leading from Geoghegan
and O’Donnell next.

And that’s the way to stayed; Larkin storming home for a deserved
win and being crowned Irish elite champion.

Geoghegan took a very strong silver and junior rider O’Donnell claimed bronze for the second year in a row.