There was thunder on the horizon in Bawnboy last Tuesday, May 21 but thankfully it was rolling out, as competitors rolled into St. Aidan’s GAA Grounds Bawnboy, for Round Two of the Cavan Interclub League, hosted by Smugglers Cycling Club.

Eager to follow up on their strong performance from the previous week’s Round One Individual Time Trial, 10 riders from Lakeland Cycling Club were there to take on the 7.2km Hill Climb course, towards the peak of Benbeg Mountain.

The road was dry, but the atmosphere remained warm, heavy, and sticky after the thundery weather. With the time ticking down and the clouds of midges growing, riders did not hang around long before commencing the 5km transition to the course start at the foot of the R202 road.

Bursting from the start line, riders immediately railed a 90-degree left turn, which kicked them straight into ascending the 236 meters of elevation, on the category three climb.

And what a climb it was. A fantastic course, beautifully surfaced, with a mix of short snappy, and long sweeping turns, as well as bridge crossings and a few flat spots to try and recover the legs, before assaulting the next part of the ascent.

The climb is famous for its natural beauty, and stunning views abound for those who have the time to take them in. But strained gulps of air were the only thing the Hill Climb competitors were trying to take in, as they ground their way through sweat, tears and, blurred vision, inexorably upwards to the peak finish line.

The Cavan Interclub League accommodates men and women racers of a wide range of abilities, and every single one of them put in a heroic effort going up the hill on Tuesday evening. 

Congratulations to everyone who took on the challenge!

With the grunt work done, it was back to The Keepers Arms in Bawnboy for the results.

Lakeland CC put in some top-class performances, with Conor Sprice taking 3rd place overall.

Triathlete turned roadie, Adam Stockdale scorched up the hill, giving his brand-new steed a real baptism of fire.

And saving the best for last, Dessie Fivey is now leading the M60 category after his two excellent consecutive Cavan Interclub performances.

The groups have already been drawn for next week’s Round Three Scratch Road Race hosted by DB Cycling Club. 

Also next week, RR3 of the Lakeland Cycle Club Racing League. Originally scheduled to take place on the Ballinamallard laps course, this may be changed due to the interruption of road works on the route. Watch this space; we will make an official announcement ASAP.

Lakeland thanked the organizers for accepting us into the Cavan Interclub League this year.

Once again, every element of the event from organization, marshalling, timing, promotion, ambulance, food, and much more was impeccably well organized.