The opening Hare and Hound Cross country race of the 2010 Irish Enduro calendar kicked off at Cahir, Co.Tipperary on Sunday the 28th of February.
The riders were greeted by a break in the recent freezing conditions by a fresh winters morning and as this event was being run as a charity fundraiser for the Eddie Laycock Fund, sponsorship cards and cash were handed over at sign on and everyone was in good spirits, keen to start racing after the winter lay off.
After a brief and somewhat odd ‘protest’ by local huntsmen, who drove slowly through the start area as they were concerned that they couldn’t go and shoot some nice animals for one weekend, the race began at 11am.
The course, which has been run there twice before was fast and choppy, with a few technical bits to keep the riders alert. It was a long lap aswell with the average Expert lap time around the 18 to 20 minute mark. The toughest bit for most must have been the never ending hill climb on the moorland about half way round. This has been used in previous years but just seemed harder than ever before this time round!
There were some new faces for this race, Josh Green has come all the way from Australia to ride for Electraction TM in the BEC and WEC, but was unable to compete at the opening BEC on the same day due to some travel visa complications. Adding to the international flavour was Andrea Bassi from Italy also on a TM and there was a welcome comeback ride for Robbie Lynn after nearly 2 years out of action due to a leg injury.
All eyes were on Josh at the start but it was Andrew Reeves that sneaked the holeshot and set off up the first hill climb in the lead with the chasing pack following behind. Reeves and Green then came in together at the end of the first lap but while leading at the end of lap 2 Josh succumbed to a puncture as he was riding a totally stock TM as his race prepped bike had been taken to the BEC. Reeves inherited the lead, but it was short lived as a crash on lap 4 left the front of his KTM twisted and ended his chances. This left Paul Mcloughlin to take control of the race and take the win leading home Danny Connolly in 2nd and recently promoted Expert Seamus Muldoon in 3rd.
In the Senior class Ger O’Grady lead from start to finish and was enjoying the extra power following his jump from a 125 to a 250 2 stroker. Ian Gentles was 2nd and Danny Balmforth was 3rd on his first ride out in Seniors.
Richard Leonard moved up to the Clubman class this year and opened his 2010 season with a win with Paul St John 2nd and Local boy Matt Burke 3rd all on 8 laps.
Trials riding superstar Cillian Doyle traded his stretchy lycra pants and open face helmet for some proper riding gear and blitzed the Sportsman class, obviously having had some riding tips from his Uncle Paul Mcloughlin. William Dalton was 2nd and Sir Richard Murphy (New club secretary) was 3rd.
It was a great race and a good course and most importantly no lovely little forest animals got shot that weekend.
Who says motorcyclists harm the environment?
Thanks to all at TORC.