The Leinster Autumn Classic 2019 won by ex “Man of the Ras” Jody Wright (Phoenix CC) in Bellewstown Co-Meath, promoted by Drogheda Wheelers with support of Cycling Leinster

This report is made in memory of Gabriel Howard (RIP) the ultimate “Man of the Ras”

Day 2 of my visit to some races held in the Cycling Leinster fraternity (Technically Saturday’s visit to the Mountnugent GP was in the Ulster region of the sport) was at the Racecourse of Bellewstown in Co-Meath, close to Stamullen, the village known in the Irish Cycling Fraternity as the place Gaybo lived and tragically killed due to a farming accident. Also known for some of the climbs used in the Ras on the last stage to Skerries and mostly split the race in the finale. A 12km pure climbers course with 3 hills to conquer each of the 7 laps. I studied the faces halfway through the race and saw some desperation in many of them and by the end, relief for many to hear the last lap bell sound and hearing one rider shouting at the top of his voice passing the finish line “Thank the Lord for this” I had to smile as a non believer but hey…each to their own I say. Thanks and appreciation for the donation received of Drogheda Wheelers to help with my fuel costs, a gesture who keeps me going, not forgetting Paddy Doran from http://www.peakendurancecoaching.ie who donated some cash to keep the project on the rails! A weekend who made me tired due to the miles of driving but something I had to do for the followers of the project at the other side of the now world-known border. Thanks so much for the welcome as it inspires me to keep going, yours in sport Dany