Michelle Geoghegan fifth in Sint Niklaas/Puivelde

Sint Niklaas/Puivelde, Belgium, 9th August

Orwell Wheeler's Michelle Geoghegan recorded a top result in Sint-Niklaas/Puivelde, Belgium, when she was fifth over the line last weekend. In her first full season in the sport the Kerry woman has been putting in impressive performances all year, and has been based in the Sean Kelly House in Merchtem, Belgium, for the past couple of months.

Sint Niklaas/Puivelde racing

The racing in Belgium is fast and furious, with many of the top pros using the Kermesses as part of their racing and training programmes. Tough competition in guaranteed.

The 90km race was flat as a pancake, with just one stretch of cobbles. While there were many moves early on, nothing stayed away until the 40km mark - when a group of 7 got a gap. Recognising the strength of the group, Michelle broke out of the bunch and bridged the gap across to them. For the next 30km the break worked well together, opening the gap to 1 minute 40 seconds, with nobody contesting the primes.

Michelle Geoghegan setting the pace.. while others photograph their shoes

As the race was coming to a close, in the last 2 laps the pace eased off, with everyone conserving a little - the peloton closed the gap to 40 seconds, and in the sprint for the line Michelle got a credible 5th place.

What a great result for Michelle, in her first season racing. Next week she will be hoping to move up a couple of places with the support of an Irish Development Team, when she will be racing in De Klinge and Haasdonk.


Results

1. Charlotte Van Damme
2. Patricia Thys
3. Elien Vercamer
4. Adeline de Vestele
5. Michelle Geoghegan
6. Annick Van Leuven
7. Lieve Koninckx
8. Alice Monger Godfrey
9. Nana Steensens
10. Lensy Debboudt