CYCLING | McCrystal leads the way at Nenagh Classic

Racing in Garda CC colours, Dundalk cyclist Eve McCrystal confirmed her dominance in the women’s Elite Road Race at the Gas Networks Ireland Visit Nenagh Classic on Sunday afternoon.

Competing in the women’s 80km event, the Rio 2016 medal-winning Paralympic pilot set up a breakaway with last year’s National League champion, Claire Milwaine, Des Hanlon, Katharine Smyth and rising star Orla Walsh.

Riding tempo on the front, McCrystal rode Walsh off her wheel first, then McIlwaine at the next climb, before pushing down just enough power to leave Smith behind on the downhill run to the town centre finish.

Having won the first two races in the Women’s National Road Series, McCrystal leads with 80 points, 15 ahead of Smyth and McIlwaine in second. Round three, the Deenside Cup, takes place in Kilkenny on May 7th.