Nulty proves best way out west

Stamullen cyclist Javan Nulty displayed the consistent form required to claim victory in the Mayo International Youth Tour at Kiltimagh, Mayo last weekend. The cycling was held in unseasonal weather conditions with the opening stage of the u-16 race on Saturday morning consisting of a 43km road race. After 35km of racing a seven-man break went clear of the pack. This break included three members of the Belgium team as well as Jack Wilson and David Boyd, competing in the Ireland colours, Cormac Clarke from the Irish Development selection and Nulty, who was competing with the Leinster side in this three-day, four-stage race. The leading break managed to stay clear for the remainder of the race and riding into a very strong headwind in the long finishing straight, Nulty proved to be the strongest and blasted his way to victory. Second place went to Wilson and third to James Baeyens from the Belgium Lotto Team. Time bonus of 3-2-1 were awarded to the first three over the line. After the race, a delighted Nulty, who was presented with the race leader's jersey. In the second stage on Sunday morning which was a 4km time trial, Nulty proved to be the strongest once again, by taking the honours this time from Robert Anderson (Ulster) with four seconds to spare. With Anderson missing out on the leading break in the opening stage, this meant that Nulty stretched his overall lead to 14 seconds over Wilson in second place. Stage three was a road race held on Sunday afternoon and it ended in a bunch sprint with victory going to Wilson, with Nulty finishing on the same time as the winner in ninth position. A three second bonus time went to Wilson, thus reducing Nulty's lead to 11-seconds going into Monday morning. However, on Monday's final stage, Nulty and his Leinster team-mates defended his overall lead extremely well and at the finish of the stage victory went to Robert Anderson with Belgium rider Robin Schuermans second. Jack Wilson clinched third gaining a one-second bonus time, leaving Nulty the outright winner by 10-seconds from Wilson. The next three placing went to Belgium riders. Another Meath rider David Boyd (Clonard CC) and riding on the Ireland team, rode extremely well throughout, finishing in seventh place overall. This was an outstanding win for Nulty as all of the top riders in Ireland, as well as riders from Belgium and UK, were present. It certainly augurs very well for this talented young cyclist's future in the sport. MARK MULLEN The Mark Mullen Memorial Handicap League, promoted by Drogheda Wheelers, incorporates riders from underage right up to veterans grade proved to be a big success, most particularly for the under-age participants. Originally the Mark Mullen League was held on a Thursday nights, but because of a very packed calendar with few available dates, the organising committee decided to try out Monday nights instead. This was an unusual step to take because there was scepticism over whether cyclists, having raced over the weekend, would be prepared to tog out again for another race on a Monday night. However, such fears were short lived, as this annual league has been growing in magnitude, with ever increasing numbers. The 2009 League wrapped up on Monday of last week with victory going to Sean Rigley from the Eurocycles Club in Dublin. This was the first time that the magnificent Mark Mullen Memorial trophy crossed the Liffey. Over the four-night's of the League, promoter Gerard Campbell was meticulous in the handicapping, giving all grades an equal chance of victory. Going into the final leg, Rigley held a lead of four points over Clonard CC's Blane Maloney. This final race of the series was won by Fiona Guihen from the Navan Road Club, who really rode hard throughout the race and took full advantage of her handicap. Second place went to Ciaran Campbell (Drogheda Wheelers) with Darragh Long (Orwell) in third place. When the final classification was drawn up, it emerged that Rigley had indeed held off his challengers but Campbell, with his very good finishing position, moved into second place in the overall standings level along with Darragh Long. Fourth place went to Maloney, Mick Rock (Swords CC) was fifth and Javan Nulty (Stamullen M Donnelly) was sixth. In the u-12 and newcomers section, it was Siobhan Murtagh (Navan Road Club) who finished top of the leaderboard while second place went to Eric O'Brien from the promoting club, riding in his first series of races. Luke Farrell (Navan RC) finished third, with fourth place claimed by Cathal Clarke (Drogheda Wheelers CC). Joe Boyd (Clonard CC) finished fifth and Nicole Farrell and Laura Wall both members of Navan RC finished in joint sixth place. SWORDS GRAND PRIX Next week Swords Cycling Club will promote the Swords Grand Prix in Ballyboughal with a starting time of 1.0. CIARAN HARTE Dublin cyclist Graham Thomas claimed the Ciaran Harte Cup after he won the Ballivor Grand Prix cycle race. The event attracted over 50 cyclists. The 'Ballivor or Bust' charity cycle raised over €3,000 for the ARC Cancer Support Centre.