Lakeside Wheelers in good racing form

Lakeside Wheelers club notes

Members from the racing fraternity have been busy these last few weeks with several local races attracting Lakeside Wheelers members as the summer weather dried up a bit.

Most recently, the Navan Road Club hosted a weekend of races in Kilmessan last Saturday and Sunday. Saturday’s event, the Maxi Maguire Cup for A1/A2 riders saw Padraig Moran compete in his first A1 race since his upgrade to that category two weeks ago.

Against a very tough field, Padraig took a creditable top twenty placing which is a good result and it will take him a few races to get used to the top level he is now competing in.

On Sunday it was the turn for the A3s and A4s, with the Collins Christle Memorial race. This was run off in a combined format and Lakeside Wheelers had lots of representation. Richie Lenihan, Mike McCafferky, Neil McDermott and Timmy Murphy were in the A3 bunch while Paul Murtagh was the sole A4 racer.

After a hard 55km race over an undulating course Richie came home in 5th place with Paul Murtagh coming in an excellent 6th place ahead of several A3s. Well done to all who took part.

Two weeks ago, Padraig Moran came home in 3rd place in the Bob Crilly race in Antrim, a result that saw him upgraded to the A1 category. This is a well deserved reward for a lot of hard work over the last year and good timing too.

With just a few races left this season, it will soon be time for a short rest period before starting a long winter programme to prepare for next year.

In recent weeks Timmy Murphy has also been upgraded from A4 to A3 so the 2025 season is already looking bright for Lakeside Wheelers racers.

Midland League

The Midland League is coming to a close with just two more rounds to go in this year’s edition of what is a good local race league.

Last week, it was the turn of Tullamore CC to host and it turned out to be a bumper round for Lakeside Wheelers as club members took six of the first nine placings in the A race.

In the B race, Mick Walsh finished 2nd, which should be enough for him to win that category overall, but celebrations are on hold until after the last two rounds in Kilbeggan and Horseleap.

Norman Blakeley was the only club rider in the C race and he took a 7th place in that event.

Stephen Corroon fundraiser

There has been a phenomenal response to the fundraiser set up by Lakeside Wheelers in aid of our friend and member Stephen Corroon.

In just over two weeks, the fund has raised more than €140,000, which is an incredible reflection of the generosity shown by friends, work connections, the Irish cycling community, the general sporting community, strangers and simply, those who want to help.

There has been lots of media and social media attention drawn to the concept and it is hoped to continue this worthy cause for another fortnight or so.

Those who wish to donate can access do so here.