Drogheda team make the podium as they lap up Mondello Park 24-hour test of strength

UNDER the name The Free Wheelers, Drogheda Triathlon Club entered an eight-strong team into the recent Mondello 24 - where riders complete as many laps as possible of the iconic 3.5km race circuit.

Stepping up to the plate to take on this huge challenge were Sinead Delany, Ken Shevlin, Niall Doyle, Joanne White, Roly Hudson, Amy Ball, Elisa Navarro and Shane Coyle embarked on the 24 cycling challenge on Kildare’s iconic Mondello track.

The Free Wheelers were led out for the 12 noon start on the Saturday by Roly Hudson who stayed in the leading pack for his first stint.

Each team member took their turn for 30 minutes before returning to the pit and snapping the wrist band onto the next team member. They then had approximately three hours to refuel, rest and recover before warming up for their next 30-minute stint.

Night lights were compulsory from 9.30pm until 5am on the Sunday. The Mondello track has no floodlights, so the only light was the headlights attached to the bike, thus adding an extra challenge.

While the day started off sunny, by midnight a mist and then rain descended, making conditions somewhat trickier until 2am.

It was at this stage that the team realised they were placing third in the overall eight-person event and were leading the mixed eight-person event. With each hour that passed The Free Wheelers were determined to maintain their lead, with consistent and strong cycling from all team members.

By 8am the sun was shining, bodies were tired, but spirits were high.

Team captain Sinéad Delany took the baton one last time from Shane Coyle and maintained a steady pace for the final 45 minutes, and by the time the checkered flag was waved at midday The Free Wheelers had completed 230 laps of the track, covering 798km and securing the Eight-person Mixed title as well as placing third overall. It was an incredible result for a group of cyclists who had entered the event just ‘to experience’ the 24-hour challenge.

Also competing at Mondello event were two other locals in Paddy Carolan (Drogheda Wheelers) and Brian Taaffe who were both involved in the solo 24-hour cycle.

Carolan finished ninth overall after completing 174 laps, a distance of more than 600km, while Taaffe completed 219 laps - a staggering 760km - and finished second overall.

There was very much a local club vibe in Garage number 8 where all the Drogheda crews were housed, and all the riders and crews supported and encouraged each other around this epic endurance event.

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