Corkagh Park was the scene of round two of the Orwell League, on a damp and dull April evening. Ryan McCarthy and Peter Gerrard took home maximum points in two races that forced out all but the toughest riders, in a demanding and draining opening criterium.
It wasn't quite the baptism of fire hoped for, but even though the weather proved miserable and wet, the Corkagh Park track proved its worth. Riders zipped through the corners safely, the tarmac providing ample grip. Generous handicaps were the order of the evening, with each chasing group having half a lap to cover.
The first race saw the bunches splinter almost immediately, with small groups of chasers scattered around the course - so much so that at times it was hard to tell who was leading the crit. The front limit group stayed away until the end though, taking all placings. First across the line in the sprint was youngster Ryan McCarthy. Third in last week's TT of the limit group, he's off to a flying start to the season, and we have little doubt he won't be long in limit!
McCarthy in action in Pine Forest last week (photo courtesy of SwimCycleRun.com)
Special mention also to Isabel Cogan, who was not only first woman across the line, but got up in the sprint to take a well-deserved sixth place.
In the second race, the strong men of semi-scratch used their numerical advantage to keep the scratch riders at bay easily. The top finishers from Pine Forest featured heavily at the front, using their testing skills to burn off weaker riders over fourteen laps. Six stayed away to the finish, defying the four remaining scratch riders to scoop all the points. Peter Gerrard outsprinted Tom Blennerhassett for the win, but we sense both riders are probably due an upgrade.
Like Liam Rowsome in round one, Gerrard's legs have been toned and his skills have been honed at the Gorey 3 Day, where he put in a strong performance across four stages. While he'll be taking part in open races throughout the season, he's gunning for a result at the hill climb champs, so keep an eye out for him tearing up the Wicklow mountains!
Gerrard preparing for his Gorey time trial (photo courtesy of Charlotte M)
Orwell League R2: Corkagh Park Criterium
Race #1 (L/SL)
1 Ryan McCarthy (L)
2 Paul Kane (L)
3 Jules Cantwell (L)
4 David Maher (L)
5 Brian Doyle (L)
6 Isabel Cogan (L) also first woman
Race #2 (S/SS)
1 Peter Gerrard (SS)
2 Tom Blennerhassett (SS)
3 Gavin Dodd (SS)
4 Liam Rowsome (SS)
5 Cormac Bracken (SS)
6 Pat Conlon (SS)
