2018 Aqua Blue Sport Cycling Ireland Monthly Awards.
The Female Rider of the Month for March is Katharine Smyth (Ballymena CC). The Ballymena Cycling Club racer has had a phenomenal start to the racing season, winning the Des Hanlon in an impressive manner.
“I had only one race before the Des Hanlon, so I wasn’t sure where my form was before the race,” Smyth explained. “I was shocked at how well I went, I didn’t think it would split until a lot later in the race, so it was a long time to be out by myself!”
The Des Hanlon was the opening round of the Cycling Ireland National Road Series and is one of the toughest road races each year. Smyth attacked early in the race, enjoying a significant lead throughout the race.
“I was two-and-a-half-minutes ahead at one stage, but then it came back to a minute and a half, so I had to go again! I was seeing stars for the last 10km, there was no let up. But I love that, the harder the course the better.”
Considering the rest of the season the Ballymena rider who is currently leading the Cycling Ireland National Road Series (NRS) rankings said “My big goal is to get a top three in the NRS, it should be achievable. I’d also like a podium in the National Championships. I have two young kids – nine and eleven, so I’m not sure yet about Rás na mBan in September.”