The Munster Time Trial championships took place in Co Tipperary last Saturday. North Tipperary wheelers were the host club. The 29.77km course took the riders from the Birdhill roundabout in Birdhill to Five Alley roundabout and back again. Mike Gowen represented the club in this prestigious event. The windy conditions made it tough for cyclists on the day. Mike put in a superb ride to average over 36km/hr, and finish just behind some of the strongest riders in the country.
Well known rain dodgers, Bernard Burke and Simon Martin cried enough recently due to the unseasonly low temperatures and heavy showers. Due to the risk of getting wet, they decamped to the south of France for some warm weather training. The lads have cycled some of the steepest climbs in France. There have been rumours circulating that they dropped a French ex pro on one of the climbs. God help us all on their return.
Conor Mac Aree took a break from masquerading as a triathlete, and headed to the Wicklow hills last weekend. The Wicklow 200 is one of the most popular sportives in the country. Starting at Bray Emmets GAA Club the route takes the riders to Enniskerry, Old Long Hill, Roundwood, Laragh, the Wicklow Gap, Hollywood, Baltinglass, Aghavannagh, Slieve Maan,Glenmalure, Drumgoff, Rathdrum, south through Ballinaclash before turning north for Glenealy and Ashford when the route takes the riders through Newcastle, Kilcoole, Greystones, up the short climb at Windgates before cutting west to Enniskerry and on to the finish at Bray Emmets. The route is 200km in length and includes 2,700m of climbing.
The Saturday cycle headed north for New Inn Co Tipperary. There was a big group on the road led by Pat McHugh. Some members are training for the upcoming club cycle of the Ring Of Kerry, but with a twist. The hardy bucks will start in Watergrasshill, cycle to Kenmare, and then cycle the Ring Of Kerry, totaling 300km for the day.
Also preparing for a big cycle is Joe O’Leary who is heading to France to tackle the Marmotte on the 7th July. The Marmotte is an iconic sportive, taking in some of the toughest climbs of the Tour de France. Since 1982 the Alps make up the breathtaking backdrop of this heroic sportive, 174 km in length with 5,200 of climbing. The cycle commences in Bourg d'Oisans and tackles the legendary mountain passes such as the Glandon, Télégraphe and Galibier, to finish in the village at the top of the Alpe d‘Huez after navigating the 21 world famous hairpin bends.
There was two groups left the village on Sunday morning and headed for Glenville, before turning for Templemichael, and on to Whites Cross. The steep climb to Rathcooney was followed by a quick descent to Sallybrook, where both groups stopped for coffee. Re-fueled, the cyclists headed out the new line, on to Pigeon Hill, and Kearney’s Cross. The final leg back to the village was wind assisted, completing a very enjoyable 42km.
Club cycles continue each Saturday and Sunday. The club is always delighted to welcome new members. On Sunday mornings at 9am, all levels of cyclists are catered for, with the group split into 3 levels. New members are very welcome to turn up and cycle provided they have a racing bike, a helmet, and are over 18. For further information, check out our club Facebook page or contact us by email info@overthehillcc.com. Details of cycles will be posted on club Facebook page.
