Yvonne Doran receiving her new National Champion's jersey
Pinergy-Orwell Wheelers' Yvonne Doran is the new Women's National W40 Champion, after she came out victorious at the National Masters Championships in Castlebar this weekend. Doran will now wear the coveted Masters Champion's jersey for the next year. The result is the biggest win of her career to date and fitting recognition for a rider who's consistently gotten results against top level competition. Her win also makes it two National Masters titles for Orwell, after clubmate Orla Hendron triumphed in last years W50 event.
Doran was part of a four-strong Orwell team competing in Castlebar, competing with Josephine Lynch in the W40 race, while Cahir O'Higgins and Diarmuid Collins took on the M40 race. The team was ably support by Aine Kelly behind the wheel of the Orwell team car, who very generously gave up her weekend to support her clubmates.
From the start, Yvonne was determined to make it a difficult race for the group, attacking over every climb on the testing circuit. The main climb of the day was half way through the race lasting approx 10km. Coming towards the end of the climb she attached and got a gap. Only Brid Murphy from Carlow CC was able to respond and go with her and the two riders worked well together to stay away.
Yvonne Doran (center) with team manager Aine Kelly (left) and teammate Josephine Lynch (right)
Over the remaining 30km, the chase group of four riders worked hard to close the gap. Josephine Lynch did the majority of the work, but the gap continued to grow. Unfortunately 8km from home, Josephine punctured. Despite a fast bike change and chase back to the cavalcade, it was too close to home to make it back on to the chase group. In the end, first place came down to a very tight sprint between the two riders in the break, with Yvonne beating Brid by half a wheel length.