Stage race weekend round up

The seasons first stage races ended on Monday for all 5 UCD riders involved. First we will look at Gorey where Gav and Ciaran took part in the 4 stage, 3 day event.

The race overall was "what could have been" for the UCD team. On the first day Ciaran was feeling very good and tried to get in an early break but couldn't. Finally a strong group of 3 riders got away (Including the eventual winner) and when the race hit the first KOM a short 1800m climb in Hacketstown, Ciaran attacked the bunch and made up the 30secs on the group bridging with about 6 riders making a lead group of 10 with 50km to go.

Sadly only half the group were riding but it was a strong 5 with 3 Isle of Man riders involved. One got a puncture which slowed things down and with the gap at a maximum of 30secs after about 10km the group got swallowed up. The race came to a bunch sprint and Ciaran got 11th but would have been higher had 2 lads in front not sat up. For Gavin it was Ciarans attack over Hacketstown climb that split the bunch into two for the whole day with 70lads coming in 1min 20 down, Gavin included. It was only a question of his position in the bunch that led to him being in the second group on the road. Ciaran finished the day in joint 4th on KOM after getting a 4th and a 2nd on the climbs.On the 2nd day Gavin was excited about the TT and got a time just over 8mins placing him in the top 30. Ciaran was 5 secs slower at about 40th making him 26th overall. Gavin looked very comfortable in the TT position and would have finished higher up if the TT was longer. Anto Walsh has to be thanks for the lend of the gear to Ciaran which shaved numerous seconds off his time.
The new leader, Gareth Enright had the strongest team and on the 3rd stage he let a break go away but chased them down in the closing kilometers to lead it to a bunch sprint again. Ciaran on the second time over the climb tried to attack and get across to the break but couldn't break the bunch or bring riders with him so it all stayed together. Gavin certainly learned his lesson from the day before and was riding in the front of the bunch and looked very comfortable.

With a group away all day taking the KOM points it was assumed that the competition was sealed but Ciaran actually stayed in with a chance of 2rd or 3rd in the competition going into the last day.

On last day he needed to get first or 2nd over KOM to get 2nd overall so he attacked from the gun with it being 26km out and a 3km drag to the top of it. His group of 8 riders got a 40sec gap but again only half the group was working with the rest sitting on. The yellow jersey was with us and we sadly got caught 500m from the top of the hill with Ciaran getting 4th on this and 4th overall and out of the prizes of top 3.

The rest of the Day was fast with a big tailwind and Gavin had a few fans on the course along the way. Again he was in the middle of the bunch and looking strong. Both riders got home safely with some of the fresher lads breaking clear in the final kilometers to finish infront of the main bunch.

It was a tough weekend but nothing compared to what the Ras Mumhum riders faced. Overall it was filled with good racing but nothing really to show for it. The miles will see both riders coming into form soon for sure.

The real miracle of the weekend was the fact that Ciaran made it to the finish line on the Tubular below despite the fact its filled with holes. New one fitted this week. Niall must also be thanks for the incredible work in taking time away to help his team mates when not being able to ride due to injury. His help along with Gavins fathers driving meant the lads could focus on the racing only. Final thanks to Mil for his great assistance in all cycling events the club partakes in.