Fiona Mangan, past student LC 2014, of Cynisca Cycling won gold in both the elite time trial and road race at the National Road Championships in Limerick. She attributed her success to thorough preparation and the inspiration of competing on familiar roads with strong local support.
In the road race, she displayed exceptional skill by catching and overtaking Grace Reynolds, who had led solo for nearly 70 km. Fiona described her strategy of managing energy and making a decisive move on the final hill. The chasing group included notable competitors like Lara Gillespie, last year’s winner.
Reflecting on her achievements, Fiona expressed joy at her victories and looked forward to wearing the Irish champion’s jersey while racing abroad with her American team, Cynisca Cycling. Notably, in 2023 Fiona competed in the Vuelta Femenina in Spain, becoming the first Irishwoman to do so. She also hoped for increased participation in future women’s races in cycling.
It’s interesting to note that Fiona was a gaelic football player with Mungret Gaa in her early years and then dipped her toes competing in triathlon before settling for competitive cycling in her mid twenties.
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