Dolmen Cycling Club gearing up for 2011

INCOMING chairman of Dolmen Cycling Club, Philip Colleran is inviting the growing numbers of cyclists in the county to get involved with the club over the coming winter.
“Dolmen aims to help and support everyone interested in cycling – beginner or old hand, leisure or racing cyclist, young and not so young. We have people to support newcomers at every level. We’re looking forward to meeting new members and helping them train for the Dolmen Tour or the Etape in 2011 or even just to enjoy a leisurely weekend spin.
“We know there are now huge numbers cycling throughout the county. By joining Dolmen or any of the clubs in the county they can get access to great advice on getting the most out of both body and bike,” he acknowledged.
At last week’s annual general meeting in Ennis, new officers were elected and the club reflected on a very successful season, as well as putting in place plans for the winter and the upcoming season.
The standout memory of 2010 was Colleran’s sprint to keep the Etape Hibernia prize at home despite the efforts of the 1,800 strong field in the 82 mile event. He was followed home by nine Dolmen jerseys in the top 30.
Also on the competitive front, Dolmen’s Cyril Keane emerged as the A4 Munster champion, as well as scaling the podium in the last five races of the 2010 calendar.
On the endurance front, there were two super performances to savour. David Dowdall’s high placing in the eight-day TransAlp cross-country race was one of the best ever Irish performances in the race. With a route of nearly 600km, 20,000 metres of vertical climb and eight days of competition, the TransAlp is one of the most challenging mountain bike events in the world.
Meanwhile, Fergus Kerins completed his first Ironman event in Zurich, comprising a swim of almost 4km, a solo bike ride of 180km, followed by a full marathon run.
Outside the competitive arena, the club exists for the growing numbers involved in leisure and touring cycling. Members had many great days out over the season at the An Post tour series, as well as reviving the Dolmen Leisure tour for the first time in over a decade.
Club training is now ongoing and building up at off-season pace and distance for both those with experience and those new to cycling. Newcomers are most welcome to the club spin, which departs each Sunday morning at 9.30am from the Temple Gate car park.
Cyclists should have a helmet, working bike, pump, spare tube, drink and energy bar.
These spins are at a relaxed pace and last up to two hours at this time of year. Spins are led by an experienced leader and no cyclist is ever left behind.
Those interested in training for longer tours or racing are welcome to join the performance group. This meets on Saturdays at McDonalds, Gort Road at 8.30am for a 100km plus spin and Sundays at 9.30am for a slighter shorter route. This programme will build up over the winter.
In spring, the race training league will commence in Bunratty each Wednesday evening. This brings many of the country’s fastest racers to the roads, where they compete against lower category riders on a handicap basis.
At the club’s annual general meeting last week, Colleran was elected club chairman, with Martin McDonnell moving to the secretary’s role. Tony Reilly remains club treasurer.
For more information on cycling with the Dolmen Cycling Club, visit www.dolmencc.com