Cycleways Cup a big success

The Navan Road Club-promoted Cycleways Cup attracted an entry of over 300 cyclists on Sunday for all senior and junior grades - the largest number ever for the event - Northern cyclist Peter Hawkins (IG Sigma Sport) claimed victory in the A1/A2 category ahead of Emyvale rider Conor Murphy with Kerry man, Sean Lacey finishing third and Ryan Sherlock (Cycleways) in fourth place. At the finish line 45 seconds covered the whole field of approximately 100 finishers. Race organiser PJ Nolan said that he was delighted to see how the race progressed, adding that in previous years, he would have seen gaps of up to five minutes between the various groups of riders. In the A3 race, which covered two laps of the same course, Liam Blanchfield (Bray Wheelers) scored a deserved victory while the best placed locals were Danny Bruton (DID Dunboyne) in fifth and Conor Campbell (Drogheda Wheelers) in sixth place. Navan rider Pat Doocey finished in a very creditable third place in the A4 race race which was won by Eoin Morgan (UCD), second was Richard Farrell (Team 905). Aidan Wall (Navan Road Club) took third in the junior category. Wall has already shown impressive form this season and this was further evidence of his potential. Navan's Simon O'Dea was taken down in a small crash and while his bike was broken he escaped without any serious injuries. Brian Moran (Navan RC) also fell, but recovered to finish the race putting in his customary lion-hearted effort. Niall Doggett also featured in the main group after taking second in Dundalk the week before in what was his first championship outing. Doggett has been previously involved in ultra-marathon cycling and took part in the Race Around Ireland. John Kenny (Navan Road Club) who showed exceptional form last season was seriously hampered on Sunday with a puncture. Navan Road Club members James Lynch, Declan Byrne and Colm Farrell also finished in the main bunch.