Race Results Tour Reports Marshalls Race cal 2004 Leisure Cal 2004 Photo Gallery links Emails Archive 2003 Membership fees are now due. Click here for form Contact the IVCA Gen Sec secretary@ivca.info Wicklow 200 Sunday June 12th 2005 Check for details on www.wicklow200.ie Weather Forecast © Met Éireann	The magazine cover POULIDOR retrouve June 1969 La Fete A Brian Mr. Brian Monaghan, stocky, squatting on his bicycle, pedalling ferociously. He battles with his machine and the white line approaches. Behind, the group also battles with him, nibbling, meter after metre. Too late! Monaghan's enthusiasm continues. The Avenue Jean-Jaures of Petit- Quevilly will henceforth remain in this Irish cyclists life like a very long triumphant avenue. And Brian, who didn't know whether to laugh or cry, soon received congratulations from his fellow travellers, who like him had come from the other side of La Manche. They thumped him on the thighs as if to say, "you have beaten them well!" The others laughed, but laughed good heartedly. The festival was complete when the Russian, Koulibine, holder of the leaders jersey after his victory of the morning and not in the least spiteful, came to him and shook his hand warmly. The sun which had eluded us since early morning shone it's comforting rays on Brian's shiny bicycle which was lying on the pavement. It was like an artificial fire. It was the festival! At the beginning of the Rd and final stage of the 35th Grand Prix Cyclist de L'Humanite the position is confused. Some of the leading candidates for the final victory are being caught up unexpectedly by an Irish man called Monaghan who has won more than 40 victories in his native country since his debut in 1953. Brian, during the two stages of the the day, was very pleased - like his teammates - to remain in the wake of the lively ones. Nevertheless, at several points, white jerseys with green and red bands, were at the head of the bunch. But during these short moments no-one would have thought that the epilogue of the second stage would be in favour of these Irishmen who have participated for four years in our trials. However numerous the enthusiastic ones were, two men in particular made them more ambitious, the Czechs, Labus and hrazdira.	Report on the Grand Prix Cycliste De l'Humanite Les Classements Brian Monaghan