Another Irish championship for Fermoy cyclist

Liam O’Brien, of Fermoy Cycling Club, travelled to Armagh last weekend for the All-Ireland cyclo-cross championships and after riding a tremendous race, came home a clear winner in the junior (U18) championship.

This was his second All-Ireland championship as he won the All-Ireland U16 criterium championship last autumn, before stepping into the junior grade for the winter cyclo-cross season.

Liam has been having a very successful winter cyclo-cross season and was hoping to do well, but the manner in which he won the race on Sunday was very impressive. He took the lead for the very start on a very tough course and soon opened up a big gap on the cyclists behind, which he maintained to the finish.

This event has brought the domestic cyclo-cross season to an end. However, the world championships will be held in the USA at the end of January and Cycling Ireland has yet to decide if an Irish team will be sent. Following his successful season, Liam has been invited to attend a Cycling Ireland training camp this weekend in County Louth, while the decision on an Irish team is being decided.

If a team is sent, Liam will be a strong contender for selection.

His younger brother Shane was also in action over the weekend. Competing in the U14 grade, he finished 8th place and was disappointed not to get in the medals after a very good season. He will be U14 again next season and will plan to get there next year in the championships.