Seymour, O'Grady crowned in Leinster; Meehan's long run ends

Newly-crowned Leinster cyclocross champion Robin Seymour romped to victory at main event in Valley Park, Swords, north Dublin. It was a well-attended affair but once again Seymour emerged triumphant in an event that hasn't been held since 2007 (Photo: John Coleman – Dc Images)

By Brian Canty

It was business as usual in Leinster on Sunday as Robin Seymour was crowned provincial cyclocross champion in the elite men's event but the big news was Maeve O'Grady winning the women's showdown.

The never-say-die Cycleways rider trailed reigning national cyclocross champion Fran Meehan (Aquablue) for much of the event but she overhauled the Offaly woman on the final lap to take the title in fine fashion.

Meehan, who is training with the paratriathlon squad at the moment, has only ridden two cyclocross events this year but has won both.

In fact, Meehan hasn't been beaten in eight years but that came to an end today just over a month out from the national championships.

Rose Griffin (IMBRC) took the bronze medal in that particular race.

For Seymour, it was a straight-forward afternoon at the office, though the forced withdrawal of the luckless Paul O'Reilly (Fixx Rouleurs) made life much easier for the winner.

Sean O'Toole of Bray Wheelers was next best of the challengers while Seymour's teammate Evan Ryan had to settle for bronze after a great tussle.

More to follow.

Dublin-based soldier Maeve O’Grady took the Leinster title in Swords; a fantastic achievement for somebody who only began racing less than two years ago (Photo: Toby Watson)