Cyniscas Claim Seventh National Champion Title with Ireland and Canada Wins

Cyniscas Fiona Mangan and Mara Roldan added four more national champion titles and jerseys this weekend to the collection worn by the team’s national winners. Fiona captured the Ireland elite women’s titles in both the individual time trial (ITT) and road race in Athea, County, Limerick, Ireland. Mara claimed the Canadian U23 titles in both events in Beauce, Quebec, Canada, and also took the bronze in the elite women’s road race. 

“It’s so special, so special and such a relief as well because I’ve worked so hard,” Fiona told reporters after winning her titles. “I just want to thank everyone that’s helped me throughout the years… it’s so nice to wear the Irish champion’s jersey.”

Mara is relatively new to road racing and brand new to the time trial but never fails to give her all. After the time trial, she thanked her team director Gillian Ellsay for motivating her over the radio and noted that she felt like she “bled out her eyeballs to the end” from her effort. 

In the road race, Mara raced with some tough competition including World Tour team members from Movistar, EF Education and LIDL-Trek, beating favorites like EF’s Alison Jackson.  “I didn’t expect to take the top step twice,” said Roldan. “Some of these women I’ve watched on TV for the last five years of my life and to be able to run with them is an incredible opportunity.”

The Canadian road race took place in brutal conditions with some pouring rain and winds, but Mara was all smiles and full of appreciation at the end. “I want to thank my team and sponsors — Shimano, Ventum, Pearl iZumi, Jeff and Margaret Jones — for supporting me to get here.” 

The team echos Mara’s thanks, as we couldn’t do it without our partners and supporters.