Results and Reports for August 19, 2001

Ireland

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Mayo Grand Prix
JJ Burke Car Sales Criterium

Mayo Grand Prix

Castlebar, Co. Mayo, August 18, 2001

By Tommy Campbell, Irish Independent/Evening Herald/Sunday Independent

Two Munster cyclists were the centre of attention in the Mayo Grand Prix held in Castlebar, Co. Mayo yesterday, the 18th of August. One was soaking up the glory whilst the other was at odds with the officials.

Paul Griffin, the 28 yearm old aluminium worker was accepting all the plaudits for his brilliant win the Grand Prix held over rugged but beautiful countryside. He engineered his win on the Windy Gap 1200 meters above sea level. On both occasions he sussed his rivals' weaknesses as they tackled the tortuous ascent. Going over in front on the first passage he opted to wait on the chasing pack because of the strong winds that prevailed on the opposite side of the course.

Due to the nature of the terrain, the leaders never put any real distance into the bunch on the first lap. This changed the second time around, as Griffin exerted his authority and went for broke. Once the gap was opened he stuck resolutely to his task and on the finishing line he was ahead of a case group of five by a margin of 30 seconds.

On the line for second place was Michael Fitzgerald, who has been showing exceptional form of late with wins in the Moriarty and Crotty Cups, though during the race he was on the wrong side of officialdom. After a hearing, Race organisers disqualified Fitzgerald for ungentlemanly behaviour.

Moving up to second was Gary McQuaid, who now faces his biggest test of his career when he lines out for Ireland this coming weekend of the 25th and 26th of August, in the European under 23’s. In third place was Jonathan Dempsey, a noted time triallist.

Paul Griffin said, "For me it was a good win. The tally is four now, but prior to that, I had 14 second placings. I am just back from international duty in France. In all probability the racing there has improved my rate of recovery. Three events in two days and I still feel good. It’s back to Munster for a little bit of a celebration."

In bright sunshine, it was noticeable the amount of walkers who were out and about in the hills around this popular town. It was also noted that they were aware of the event on the road and stood to applaud the competitors for there efforts.

For those who ever pass this way, a very quite and ultra modern guesthouse where all would be welcome is the Carragh House in Castlebar. The e-mail address is: carraghhouse@ireland.com

Results - 90km

Men
 
1 P Griffin                     2.21.00
2 G McQuaid (Emerald)              0.30
3 J Dempsey (Classic Walls)
4 S Coughlan
5 M Quigley (Mayo Wheelers)
6 M McNena (VC la Pomme)           0.50
 
1st grade B: S Coughlan
 
1st Junior: M Concannon (Kilorglin Credit Union)
 
Sponsored by Michael Bryn

JJ Burke Car Sales Criterium

Castlebar, August 19, 2001

By Tommy Campbell, Irish Independent/Evening Herald/Sunday Independent

The second event on the programme in Castlebar was a criterium, which was sponsored by JJ Burke Car Sales. Unfortunately while the weather held up for the time trial, it was a different kettle of fish for those who were eager to take more punishment.

Michael Fitzgerald with his back-to-back wins was the strong favourite plus he likes crits. Unfortunately he didn't have it all his own way as the win was recorded by Paul Healion who was at home in the conditions despite having a lap out as did Fitzgerald.

Towards the end of the event, Healion made an escape from the break, which included many of the leading contenders. Paul etched a comfortable lead as he negotiated the tricky corners made apparently dangerous because of surface oil.

At the finish he had close on a minute over Fitzgerald who came through to take second place ahead of Paul Griffin who has recently returned from France where he was on international duty. In fourth place was Philip Duignan who led the junior tour for three days last week.

In the judges room the placings were altered with Fitzgerald being related to fourth place because of an indiscretion with the chief commissarie, M/s Casburn. This decision had the full backing of the organisation.

Oddly enough it was the fishermen who were happy with the weather becase their catches significantly increased whereas the winners in the race sadly were noticeable because of their absence.

Still the winner and the runner-up shared the podium with two attractive ladies who added brightness to the proceedings on a damp and dismal evening.

Results - 45 minutes plus 5 laps

Men

1 P. Healion (Usher IRC)
2 P. Griffin (unattatched)
3 P. Duignan (Four Masters)
4 M. Fitzgerald (Classic Walls)

1st Junior: P. Duignan

1st B: O. Jefferies (Dave Kane Cycles)

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