Lara Gillespie claims second national road race crown

Lara Gillespie was crowned national elite women's road race champion on Saturday.

Hosted by Island Wheelers CC, Gillespie proved strongest from a reduced group sprint after a day of searing heat.

The race ultimately proved a war of attrition following an early breakaway move from Ellen McDermott.

Making a move in the opening loop before four laps of the race circuit, McDermott opened a gap that extended out to over +1:45 as the riders approached their first crossing of the finish.

But in a talented field featuring eight professional riders, the big names came to the front as McDermott was reeled in before the fireworks began.

In the following laps, Imogen Cotter, Megan Armitage, Lara Gillespie looked strongest as they continuously tried to whittle down the leading group.

However, with each elite selection made over climbs, riders such as Orla Walsh, Jemma Speers, Kelly Murphy and Aoife O'Brien continuously fought and got back on to the group.

As the riders hit the final lap with just over 20km to go, spectators were given a preview of what was to come as the eight at the front would ultimately make up the first eight across the line.

Gillespie, Armitage, Cotter, Alice Sharpe, Caoimhe O'Brien, Linda Kelly, Fiona Mangan and Eve McCrstal making up that group.

Kelly looking particularly impressive as McCrystal produced a huge effort to get back to the front following a bike change on the previous lap.

Other chasers would get back on but on the last sharp climbs the group stayed together as they lined up for the final 500m.

Cotter was first to open up the sprint, but it was Gillespie who had that extra kick of speed as O'Brien also finished fast to take second place. Megan Armitage rounded off a talented elite podium.

Gillespie and