One of the most aggressive riders of the season, Máire Claffey has landed her biggest win to date after powering home at the Laragh Classic.
A rider who has made constant progress in recent seasons, she is now among the top tier of Irish riders; proven by a clear victory today on very difficult terrain.
The UCD Cycling Club woman can now face into Rás na mBan full of confidence, a race her club has a team in for the first time in its history.
She finished solo today, beating National Road Series leader Grace Young (Strata 3-VeloRevolution) into 2nd place with Katharine Smyth (Ballymena Road Club) rounding out the podium.
The Laragh Classic, which has been
developed by St Tiernan’s CC into one of the hardest races in the country, is a
major result on Claffey’s palmares.
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She pulled clear in a five-rider group
riding up the Wicklow Gap from Laragh.
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In that group with eventual winner Claffey were some very strong riders; Smyth, Young among them.
Also present was former national TT champion Eileen Burns (Ballymena RC) and reigning national criterium champion Ellen McDermott (Team Boompods).
They combined well together and pulled away from the rest
of the field to take the top five positions on the day.
After they had gained a gap, Hollywood proved the next
significant juncture of the race as the gradient began to bite again.
However, the leaders were up to the task and kept the
pressure on to ensure nobody else got back on terms with them.
As the race entered the final kilometres, Claffey was
clearly feeling strong and decided to go for broke; attacking hard and pulling
clear to win solo.
Sat, Aug 31: Laragh Classic
Promoted by St Tiernan’s CC
- Máire Claffey UCD Cycling Club
- Grace Young Strata3 VeloRevolution
- Katharine Smyth Ballymena Road Club
- Eileen Burns Ballymena Road Club
- Ellen McDermott Team Boompods
- Agnieszka Wozniak Strata 3-VeloRevolution
- Monica Marconi Scott-Orwell Wheelers CC
- Caoimhe O'Brien Lakeside Wheelers
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