Irish Time Trial Championships - CN

Enniscorthy, Ireland, July 19, 2003

2002 Results Results

O'Loughlin makes his mark

By Tommy Campbell

David O'Loughlin re-emphasised his time trialing ability when he won the Irish Time Trial Championship held in Enniscorthy and prompted by the Slaney CC.

The start list of 77 starters was very impressive considering, it was a test where they raced individually against the clock. The majority shy away from this type of contest as it is great leveler. You only have to look at the bearing on the Tour de France over the last couple of days with the seemingly invincible Lance Armstrong giving way to the German Jan Ulrich in the 'test'.

For the last six weeks or so, O'Loughlin has been out of sorts, but this win over 40 kilometers on the Wexford Road on an out home course with a start and finish via Barnstown from Enniscorthy was a true test of character. The strong headwinds and an abnormal amount of traffic kept the cyclists ever vigilant.

"Winning the champs was a real bonus for me. Considering last weekend I was involved in a charity time trial, which took me the length of Co. Mayo from Belmullet to Shrule for Western Care. It certainly removed the cobwebs from my legs. Today, I settled in quickly on the out and home course from Enniscorthy to Barnstown a distance of 40 kilometres. The head wind on the outward journey was a hindrance, but the return leg, I just upped the gears and went hell for leather," said David who is also studying in Limerick University.

He may not have won gold in the individual, but Brian Kenneally of the Carrick Cidona team, adding gold in the team award to his silver in the individual. Timmy Barry and Martin O'Loughlin made up the successful trio. Success on this side of the Atlantic in preference to the USA for David O'Loughlin continues unabated after his fine display in winning the Irish National Time Trial Championship in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.

David a member of the San Francisco based Ofoto Lombardia cycling outfit is keeping his options on hold, as in the coming weeks he will be immersed in competition both on the domestic and European scene.

Certainly one to watch in the future is the Killorglin Junior, Theo Hardwick. He claimed the top prize in the junior section and with the upcoming M. Donnelly Junior Tour, which starts the first week of August, he'll carry the hopes of the Hibernian Ireland team.

All of thirty years ago, Hughie Davis was the ace sprinter in these islands, but now a veteran. His time of 56 minutes and 33 seconds was commendable thus ensuring of victory in his section. Kate Rudd a sister of Tom Rudd the chase jockey was herself in the winner's enclosure.

The promoting club, Slaney CC, with the aid of sponsors, JJ Byrne Citroen are adamant that they will be back next year with at least a two-day.

Results, 40 km

Senior
 
1 David O'Loughlin (Ofoto Lombardia Sports)              50.49
2 B. Kenneally (Carrick Cidona)                           0.36
3 P. Healion (North Kildare CC)                           2.29
4 T. Barry (Carrick Cidona)                               3.37
5 R. Whelan (Navan/Avonmore CC)                           3.52
6 C. Bracken (Usher IRC)                                  3.55
 
Team: Carrick Cidona (Kenneally, Barry & M. O'Loughlin   54.46
 
Women
 
1 K. Rudd (Orwell Wheelers)                            1.04.10
2 M. Reilly (Bohermeen CC)                                0.23
3 S. Mara ( Dublin Wheelers CC)                           2.25
 
Veteran
 
1 H. Davis (Usher IRC)                                   56.33
2 L. Kirk (Ards CC)                                       0.10
3 J. Sweeney (Newry Haldane CC)                           0.36
 
Junior
 
1 T. Hardwick (Killorglin CC)                            55.38
2 P. Brady (Emyvale CC)                                   1.32
3 O. Concannon (Killorglin Credit Union CC)               2.48