The open Seven Springs 40km TT report and results of last weekend promoted by Connacht’s Seven Springs CC

On what turned out to be a nasty day weather-wise, Seven Springs CC were delighted to welcome a high-class field of over 30 riders to East Galway to take part in the second edition of their Open Time Trial in association with our good friend and sponsor Pat Callanan. Starting just outside the village of Kilrickle, the riders headed along the old N6 for Ballinasloe where they turned and headed back towards Kilrickle. The course is a regular feature of the club’s TT league and was also used for last years’ edition of this event. 2019 Champion Paul Kennedy returned to Loughrea to defend his title and faced some stiff opposition from riders drawn from across the country. The entire field was able to take to the course in dry conditions but not long after the defending champion had started his run as the last rider off the start ramp, the rain started to come down. Combined with stiff south to south-westerly crosswind it meant challenging conditions on the return from Ballinasloe. However, and thanks in no small part to the help of An Garda Síochána in Ballinasloe and our many club members who marshaled the junctions on the route, all of the participants were able to complete the course safely.

In the end, it was Kildareman Conn McDunphy, who is currently plying his trade with the CC Nogent-sur-Oise team in France, who came out on top, covering the 40km in a staggering time of 50:31 and an average speed of 47.51 km/h. Kennedy followed behind in second, 1m 33s adrift with Jurgen Simpson a further 1min 31s back in third. Given the current situation regarding COVID 19 and the extra measures needed to ensure the safety of organisers and riders alike, Seven Springs Chairman Andy Conaghy was happy with the numbers but even happier with the display of quality riding on the day. “For sure, it was a much bigger task to organise this years’ event given the restrictions. Not having a central base was initially an issue but with all event registration through the Eventmaster portal, we were able to have the starting order prepared in advance. We also added some more features this year, including a restroom for riders at the start line and offering refreshments on a ‘takeaway’ basis at the end. Of course, we couldn’t have done it without the input of our members who marshaled the roads and in particular to Colm Riordan and Frank Creaven who were instrumental in setting up the course and facilities. All in all, we are very pleased with the event, especially when you consider that our entries were up 25% in 2019. We’re looking forward to increasing the profile of this event again in 2021, hopefully in more relaxed times! “