Healion cashes in on Roche’s absence to claim time trial title

PAUL HEALION (South Dublin) won the senior men’s national time trial title in the absence of the professional riders at Newcastlewest last night.

Nicolas Roche was obviously focused on tomorrow’s national road race championships promoted by Midleton CC around the Ballinacurra circuit where he will bid to wrest the title from David O’Loughlin.

His absence cleared the way for a clear-cut victory by Healion who won from Neil Dennehy (Usher) and John Hevery (Clann Eireann).

The under-23 title was won by Denis Dunworth (An Post/Sean Kelly) from Adam Armstrong and his An Post teammate Ronan McLoughlin.

The senior women’s title was won by US based rider, Olivia Dillon, from Heather Wilson (Maryland Wheelers) and Louise Moriarety (Swift Racing) while the junior women’s title was won by Elaine Cawley (Castlebar).

The junior men’s title was won by Sean Downey (Banbridge CC) from Marcus Christie (Ushers) and Michael Duffy (Donamon Dynamoes).

Martin O’Loughlin (Dan Morrissey Carrick Wheelers) won the veterans title from Mark Greer (Maryland Wheelers) and his Dan Morrissey clubmate, Rory Wyley while the tandem was won by David Peelo and Michael Delaney.

The big cycling weekend continues today with the ladies road race championships at Glounthaune where three time national champion, Siobhan Dervan (Fenixs), will be bidding for a local victory as she had been based in Cork with Louise Moriarty (Swift Racing), who is also racing in Europe, likely to pose a big threat.

Another dark horse that could come up trumps is Olivia Dillon, who has been racing well in America this season. But, don’t be surprised if local Fiona Meade causes a big upset!

This year organisers are hoping for a record number of entries, and are encouraging all the women who have participated in the women’s leagues to enter. Organisers say this is a unique opportunity for riders to race against the full spectrum of Irish racers, from our top International riders, to the first year competitors.