The first of the Irish spring classics took place in Carlow yesterday. The main race drawing of field of over one hundred and twenty riders. Weather conditions were ideal for the 150km race.
The race followed a format typical of most Irish races - aggressive from the off. A breakaway of about ten riders was established within the first twenty kilometers. I found myself in a chasing group with Timmy Barry (Edge Sports) and Thomas Martin (Eurocycles). Our collaborative efforts ensured we reached the leading breakaway before the beginning of the second lap.
The breakaway group was too big and it was only a matter of time before this poorly functioning group splintered into a more cohesive unit.
On the second ascent of the short steep hill, after turning left off the main road, the group split into a front group of five. The group consisted of: Greg Swinand (Usher), Sean Lacey (Edge Sports) Peter Hawkins (Deecock, Belgium), Mark Dowling (Deetek) and Myself.
The group worked well together, sharing the pace making and establishing a winning lead over the chase group.In the closing kilometers the group took turns attacking each other any time the road went up. Swinand seemed to be hurting the most but to his credit fought back on through the cars on numerous occasions.
The five leaders sprinted it out from the five hundred meter mark, Greg Swinand was the fastest by some distance and secured a superb win. I didn't have much gas left in the tank for the sprint and placed 5th.
All in all it was a good days racing and my form is progressing so I'm happy. The next big target is not until Easter weekend but plenty more minor races between now and then.
Photos from Liam Ruth
Posts
