Martin and Christie fastest at UCI Gran Fondo Ireland

The inaugural UCI Gran Fondo Ireland in Sligo attracted 1,100 riders from 20 different countries

In the 25.6 km time trial on Saturday, the overall winner was for Marcus Christie (CC Isle of Man) who rode the distance in a time of 30m 53s and an average speed of 49.73 km/h. Paul Kennedy (Team Skyline Cadence) came second 12 seconds behind, while Ian Inglis (Kinnngs Cycles Cycling Club) came third 22 seconds behind.

In the women's category, Hazel Smith (Kinnngs Cycles Cycling Club) was fastest in a time 39m 56s, an average speed of 38.46 km/h. Karen Hull (Pheonix CC) was second and Lucia Borradaile was third, both a few minutes behind.

The next day, Marcus Christie also won the Granfondo in a time of 3:05:12. The rider from the Isle of Man finished solo with a 25 seconds gap to Bryan McCrystal with time trial runner-up Paul Kennedy finishing in third place

In the Mediofondo for all women and men over 60, the overall winner was for John Madden attacked and finished solo with an impressive 7m 39s ahead of a large leading group of 30 riders sprinting for second place. In that group were also the top 3 women with Harriet Martin sprinting to overall 5th to take the female win ahead of Mary Corless and Gabrielle Fox.

Riders finishing in the top 25% of their category automatically qualify to participate in the 2024 UCI Gran Fondo World Championships taking place in Alberg, Denmark this September.

Link to 2024 UCI Gran Fondo Ireland Results: https://www.irishcyclingnews.com/results-all-events-gran-fondo-ireland-sligo-2024