Rohan show his class at paracycling time trial

Shannonside Cycling Club pulled out all the stops last Saturday to ensure the smooth running of the inaugural event in the 2012 Invacare Paracycling Time Trial League in Athlone. A field of 15 bikes took to the start line including solo bikes, tandems and hand-cycles for the 10 mile Time Trial on an out and back course along the old Dublin Road. Shannonside CC marshals and the local Gardai ensured the safety of the riders all along the course which resulted in great times in all classes. The fastest time of the day was set by World Pursuit Tandem Champions Catherine Walsh and Fran Meehan in a superb time of 22 minutes and 29 seconds to give them victory in the Female Tandem Category. Fran is a member of the Tullamore club. Shannonside CC duo Mark Rohan and Billy Walsh both triumphed in their respective categories and hopes are high in Shannonside CC that this event has provided the platform for Mark to achieve all his goals at the Paralympics in London at the end of the Summer. The Male Tandem Category was won by Andrew Fitzgerald and pilot Denis Toomey in 24:52. The C1-C3 Solo Bike Category was won by Banbridge cyclist Chris Burns in 28:13. The C4-C5 Solo Bike Category was won by local Shannonside CC member Billy Walsh in 25:11. Local Hero and double World Champion Mark Rohan had no problem taking the H1-H2 Hand-cycle title in a time of 29:46. Presentation of prizes took place at the Athlone Institute of Technology who opened their doors for the day and local club supporters put on food and drinks for all participants after the event. Prizes were presented by Shannonside CC Chairman Gordon Brett. Gordon thanked Shannonside CC Secretary Jim Maguire, who was the chief organiser of the event, and all others who help out with marshalling and hospitality. The local Gardai were very helpful and the Order of Malta provided ambulance cover. Paracycling Commission Chairman Denis Toomey thanked the Shannonside Cycling Club for hosting a great event and AIT and all the helpers who ensured it was a great start to the league. He also thanked Paracycling Development Coach Frank O'Leary for getting the league up and running. Full Results Female Tandem: 1st Catherine Walsh & Fran Meehan 22:29; 2nd Katie-George Dunlevy & Brian Nugent 25:11 Male Tandem: 1st Andrew Fitzgerald & Denis Toomey 24:52; 2nd John Goldrick & Frank O'Leary 25:57; 3rd Martin Gordon & Rory Considine 29:37 C1-C3: 1st Chris Burns 28:13; 2nd Jerry Towey 28:24. C4-C5:1st Billy Walsh 25:11; 2nd Dominic Walls 27:06. H1-H2: 1st Mark Rohan 29:46; 2nd Darrell Erwin 35:35; 3rd David Kerr 35:41; 4th Tom Kelly 39:57; 5th Declan Slevin 45:14; 6th Liam Casey DNF.