Hassett claims Clare Cycling Championship

Jarlath Hassett, West Clare Cycling Club, emerged victorious in the Clare Cycling Championships last Wednesday after a hard-fought sprint with clubmate Mike Storan.

Storan had gone clear on the category four climb at Knockjames before Hassett bridged across from the chasing bunch with 8k to go. The pair worked to keep the gap over 20 seconds and then jostled for sprinting position. It was no surprise that Storan paid for his earlier efforts on the line, as Hassett jumped for victory.
DID Dunboyne’s Barry Sutton grabbed third, followed by West Clare’s Daithí Queally. Dolmen’s Aidan Considine and Philip Colleran rounded out the top six.
The championships were revived this year by Dolmen Cycling Club after a break of two decades. Over 35 riders took the flag from clubs across the county on a dry but windy 60k circuit.
Dolmen Cycling Club secretary, Martin McDonnell, was delighted with the turnout but lamented the trophy went out of Dolmen hands.
“We’ll be fighting hard to get it next year,” he said. “We saw a great battle on the course and it augurs well for the future, especially by giving local racers an opportunity to prepare for Rás Clár in two weeks.”
Event sponsor Fergal Cahill, whose family are synonymous with Banteer Cycling Club, presented prizes to the first six riders over the line.
“It’s been a great evening of racing and I’d like to commend all the riders and clubs on their participation,” he said, before acknowledging all the marshals and volunteers who made sure the event ran smoothly and safely.
The next competitive fixture is Rás Clár, which takes place over the same course on July 29. There will be three laps for the A1s/A2s, two laps for the A3s and one lap for the A4s.
Local riders are expected to be competitive in all categories, especially the A3s, after Barry Sutton and Aidan Considine both made the podium in last week’s Midleton GP.

Results
1. Jarlath Hassett, West Clare CC; 2. Mike Storan, West Clare CC; 3. Barry Sutton, DID Dunboyne; 4. Daithí Queally, West Clare CC; 5. Aidan Considine, Dolmen CC; 6. Philip Colleran, Dolmen CC.