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John Sweeney Memorial 2009
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| Ciaran F |
Posted on 25-11-2009 14:51
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Maillot Jaune
Posts: 300
Joined: 07.03.07
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Another year has passed and soon it will be time for our annual Christmas race.
The John Sweeney Memorial Race takes place on the 20th December 2009. It will be held on a slightly altered Green Sheds circuit. The new road has opened from the Sheds corner across to the old elbow junction and Drumree is now bypassed. There are 4 roundabouts on the new stretch of road and shelter from the wind is minimal.
The race will cover three and a half laps of the circuit. Sign-on and Start is at the Warrenstown Arms and the Finish is at Dunsany.
The race will be a handicapped event so there will be a group to suit every ability.
Most members will remember John so the following information is for newer recruits.
John Sweeney was a valued member of Dublin Wheelers CC for many years. He was an integral part of the club and his presence and humour were appreciated by all. He raced from a young age and later he enjoyed leisure cycling. John was definitely one of the nice guys of cycling and the DWCC was enriched by his membership.
Sadly, John's life was cut tragically short as a result of a road traffic accident. He was taken from us in the prime of his life and has been a huge loss to the club, his family and friends.
At Christmas each year we run a race in his memory. This is an important event in the calender and enjoys almost 100% support from club members.
RIP John.
See you all there.
Ciarán |
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| Ciaran F |
Posted on 28-11-2009 02:14
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Maillot Jaune
Posts: 300
Joined: 07.03.07
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John Sweeney Memorial 2009
DATE: 20th December
SIGN ON: Warrenstown Arms Pub from 9.45am
START: 10.30am
DISTANCE: 60km
Ciarán |
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| Ciaran F |
Posted on 08-12-2009 01:19
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Maillot Jaune
Posts: 300
Joined: 07.03.07
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DIRECTIONS TO WARRENSTOWN:
Most of you know the race location but for those who do not, and especially for newer members, here are some directions:
If driving, proceed across the M50 and take exit for N3/Cavan/North. Continue Northwards on N3 for about 10km.At the 2nd roundabout you meet (immediately after Gardenworks/Plantagen garden centre) take the 1st exit. This is the Trim Road.(R154) Warrenstown is 11.5km out the Trim Road.
Driving from Northside of city, or cycling, take the Navan Road/N3 through Phibsboro, continue straight ahead, passing Halfway House pub, until you reach Exit 4 off the N3(Clonee). Drivers can follow directions as above(ie continue straight along N3 until they reach the Trim Road roundabout) but cyclists must take this exit to avoid section of motorway.
After taking exit proceed straight through Clonee village. Take 1st exit off roundabout and take left turn after 200 metres.(direction Dunboyne) Continue through Dunboyne village to roundabout, take 3rd exit (R157 direction N3/Cavan/North) Cycle along this road until you arrive at the N3 roundabout(2.2km). Take 1st exit and proceed straight ahead, passing Gardenworks/Plantagen, until the next roundabout where you take the 1st exit onto the Trim Road (R154).
Warrenstown is 11.5km out this road.
Edited by Ciaran F on 09-12-2009 13:31
Ciarán |
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| Ciaran F |
Posted on 13-12-2009 16:51
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Maillot Jaune
Posts: 300
Joined: 07.03.07
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The John Sweeney Memorial Race is, as usual, an invitation race.
It is not a CI open race.
The clubs that normally attend are invited again as are some individual riders.
Ciarán |
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| Ciaran F |
Posted on 14-12-2009 17:14
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Maillot Jaune
Posts: 300
Joined: 07.03.07
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The Finish for this race has been changed. It will be on the Drumree bypass (new road) instead of Dunsany.
This finish line was tested yesterday in the Obelisk CC race and satisfies all requirements.
The race will be 7km shorter as a result of this change.
Edited by Ciaran F on 16-12-2009 21:20
Ciarán |
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| Ciaran F |
Posted on 20-12-2009 09:58
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Maillot Jaune
Posts: 300
Joined: 07.03.07
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Unfortunately, the weather was the only winner today. Due to the deteriorating conditions which led to an extremely dangerous road surface, it was decided to cancel this event.
Although it is a huge disappointment, it was the only course of action open to the organisers.
Thanks to everyone who showed an interest.
Ciarán |
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| Ciaran F |
Posted on 21-12-2009 10:15
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Maillot Jaune
Posts: 300
Joined: 07.03.07
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The John Sweeney Memorial race has been rescheduled for Sunday 27th December 2009.
Over indulged on Christmas Day? Too many mince pies? Shirt buttons slightly stretched?
Work it all off at this post festive race on the 27th.
Time and venue remain the same.
Looking forward to seeing you all!
Ciarán |
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| Ciaran F |
Posted on 27-12-2009 23:33
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Maillot Jaune
Posts: 300
Joined: 07.03.07
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THE TALE FROM A REARVIEW MIRROR:
On a very cold morning (+2 degrees) this rescheduled race finally took place. The original circuit could not be used due to the icy conditions on the back roads. After driving the course to check it, regarding safety, a dejected Jimmy Lally returned to the sign on area. As he slowly shuffled across the carpark there was a tear in his eye. "We can't race on that" he stated sadly.
We then told him about PLAN B. Race the ice free main roads using the roundabouts as turning points. It was just as well because the turkey had eaten the rest of the hamper and was now attempting to escape from the basket. A week is a long time in captivity!
Despite the circumstances there was a good turnout of riders and officials. It was good to see Andy O Hara back from the Netherlands.
3 groups were formed with the scratch at 10 minutes.
Each bunch rode well together but the scratch riders were motoring. Before the end of lap 1, a four man break had left the rest of scratch behind. It was a blend of youth and experience. Those involved were Philip Cassidy(Dunboyne), Andrew Donnellan(Dublin Wheelers), Philip Lavery(Winning Solutions) and Stephen Halpin(Bio Agrico).
Before the Trim Road on the 2nd lap these four riders had caught everyone. Philip Lavery had to retire after his rear wheel became entangled on Casso's front skewer. Luckily nobody fell.
Heading towards the Trim roundabout and lads were throwing themselves off the front. Most notable in these attacks were Séamus Kelly(Usher/IRC) and Andrew Donnellan.
It was at Warrenstown, with 5km to go , that the decisive break went clear. It consisted of 4 riders, Cassidy, Donnellan, Halpin and Kelly. They quickly built up a lead of 30 seconds and with 2km remaining split again. Halpin and Cassidy forged ahead. At the line it was experience outfoxing youth as Philip took the win. Stephen finished 2nd with Andrew 3rd and Séamus 4th.
The remaining places went to the main bunch with Mike Brookfield 5th and Terry Ferris 6th.
The racing was extremely competitive and the volunteers, who turned out in force, allowed it to be run in a safe and efficient fashion.
Thanks very much to all concerned and Happy New Year from the Dublin Wheelers CC.
Edited by Ciaran F on 28-12-2009 13:18
Ciarán |
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