Callaghan set to scale new heights

By Stephen Leonard

KATE Callaghan is back competing in top international motorcycle trials competition this week.
The former Holy Family CS Rathcoole student, has travelled to Spain where she will represent Ireland in the World Champion-ship and The Trial Des Nations.

Her campaign there will kick off with three laps of a 14-kilometre challenge over 10 sections (marked obstacles) on Friday.

Taking centre stage on Saturday will be the Trial de Nations, regarded as the most important motorcycle trials competition for national teams organised by the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM).

Held annually since 1984, this event involves teams composed of four riders in the male category and, since 2000, three riders in the female category.

The competition sees riders compete over two laps of a 23km circuit, including 15 sections and the team with fewest total penalties is awarded the coveted title.

It means Callaghan, along with her opponents, will cover 88km of coastal and mountainside terrain in Spain and she is relishing the challenge.

“I really look forward to giving this my all and pushing myself harder and harder each day to get the best result I can” she told The Echo.

“I know myself that this is very hard to achieve as my other female components have a huge advantage with this being their career and every day they get to spend their time training and improving.

“My huge benefit is that I competed in the Irish Championship in The Semi Expert Class.
“This class consists of all male components and is the second hardest class in the country.

“My consistent riding of this grade has brought my riding on hugely as the harder class kept me on top form” she explained.