clash between Philip Cassidy & Sean Kelly fails due to no arrival at the event

The year long awaited clash between Former FBD Insurance Ras winner Philip Cassidy and Irelands best known cyclist Sean Kelly failed to come under starters orders in Westport, Co. Mayo yesterday. Just hours before the mid day start for 40 miles of racing in the Hamper Extravaganza, race organizer Joe McGuire accepted the advice of the local gardai that the roads in the general area where unsafe for anybody. Most of the 50 odd competitors were on site from Sunday night in preparation for the event. In Carraroe, Co. Galway Ras na Nollaig was also called off because of the icy conditions. Both events were organized to raise funds for local charities.
So, both organisers who in my column before Christmas were in opposing corners in the ring and unfortunately the bell never rang. With 12 months ahead now, hopefully the matter of scheduling events over the festive period can be avoided, but in my humble estimation, I think things will get steadily worse in that area of the country. Of course it is an Irish problem.
This coming weekend is all about leisure cycling and the main benefactors will be charities in the various areas. Well, there is a 50 and 100km cycling in East Galway. Hopefully they will have better luck which was not afforded to Mayo Wheelers who incidentally, despite the non race off loaded the prizes which were donated to a number of local charities.
The cycling event will be held on Friday the 1st January. The event will be run over the roads of East Galway. Sign on will be at Killimordaly GAA Club from 9:30 with the start at 10:00am. Showers and changing facilities are available at Killimordaly and food stops will be available on route. There will be two distances of 50km and 100km to choose from. There will be a sign on fee of 30 Euros with all funds going the the IHCPT charity (Irish Pilgrimage Trust) which brings children with special needs on holidays. This event will be a perfect start for your new years cycling plans. If you have any more questions please contact Michael Finn Tel 087-7741134 or at mfinn2002@eircom.net