The season opener sportive for the Orwell leisure section was most unseasonal. However despite the very high winds, cool temperatures and constant threat of rain a huge contingent of Orwell jerseys swelled the ranks of the KARE Tour de Foothills yesterday in Naas.

With numbers down significantly because of the very uninviting and intimidating conditions and the unfortunate withdrawal by Naas Cycling Club due to unresolved timing chip issues, the presence of such a large Orwell legion was an important boost for the organisers. With around 300 participants, Orwell had over 30 entries representing more than 10% of those on the road.

Impressively, there were members there from all leisure categories, ranging from the red paced Paul O’Neill (who finished in the top 5 with a fantastic average pace of 29kph) through to Orange, Yellow and White. While there were a few isolated Orwell jerseys on the route, for the most part there were well organised Orwell groups ensuring that best advantage was obtained into the wind.

For many it was their first sportive and they performed heroically. Denis Gleeson was very proud of his representatives.

The event was a 118K loop (there was also a 60k route which some may have opted for given the very testing conditions) leaving from Naas, around the Blessington lakes, then Donard, Dunlavin and back. The Lake Drive section was into the a very strong head wind however the Dunlavin/Naas section felt like you were in a taxi heading home.

It was well run, well organised with good food stops. The marshalling was the only weak aspect of the day and perhaps to be expected without the assistance of Naas Cycling Club. There were sections with an abundance of marshals and other junctions, some dangerous, with no one present.

A tough day out but a great achievement for all the leisure participants and hopefully better cycling conditions lie ahead for the forthcoming multitude of summer sportives!

Some photos are available on the event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/KARETourdeFoothills

And for those who took chips, timings are available here: http://www.racetecresults.com/results.aspx?CId=74&RId=20041