Results and Reports for July 1, 2001

Ireland

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Ras Connachta, stage one - 54 miles

Set in Cong, Co. Mayo the Ras comes directly after the National Championships and has attracted a large entry of 73 starters.

If ever a success was merited in an event it was the style of Paul Griffin from Tralee in Co. Kerry who took the chequered flag first.

In the last weeks it was evident that it was a matter of time before Griffin would land a big win. 'My form started to gain momentum at the time of the FBD Milk Ras at the latter end of May. It was great to triumph in this historic village, now I'll have to defend. Unfortunately I am an unattached competitor and it will be tough going. Anyhow we'll give it a good try,' said Paul.

The event held over 7 laps of a Cong/Clonbur/Cong course was full of action throughout the 50 odd miles. There was never a let-up in the sponsored event by McGrath's Limestone Ltd. Mid-way through the race the decisive break went clear and in its wake there were five groups on the road which in itself told the story of the pressure that was being applied by the leaders. They combined well as a group and shared the work rate equally.

The village of Cong is steeped in history with most interest in the world-renowned Ashford Castle where world leaders have stayed.

For movie buffs, nearly fifty years ago the famous Quiet Man was filmed here. Today many of the landmarks are indicted for the visitors, but yesterday evening it was the cyclists in there lycra gear with there costly machines that were held in awe by the tourists who pass through every day of the year.

Results

Men - 54 mile
 
1 Paul Griffin (unattached)                     1.52.36
2 Denis Easton (Ulster Cycling Federation)
3 Eddie O'Donoghue (Carrick Cidona)
4 Martin O'Loughlin (Carrick Cidona)
5 Patrick Moriarty (Dublin Skip)
6 Vincent Gleeson (Mayo Wheelers)

Ras Connachta, stage two (Cong/Finney/Ardaun/Cong) - 112km

Over a testing 112km, which included a number of climbs, the majority of the field practically stayed intact. As the key competitors approached Claggan, a small group detached themselves and went into a clear lead with Griffin now adrift close on a minute. Leading the breakaway group was David O'Loughlin, the defending champion in the company of Eugene Moriarty who was setting a brisk pace.

On the run in to the finish at Cong, Moriarty seized the initiative by sprinting clear to edge out his companions. Back the road Griffin was in full flight of the break and at finish he had sufficiently cut back the deficit to remain in yellow for the final two stages.

Results

Mens road race - 112km
 
1 E Moriarty (Cycleways)                     2.42.20
2 D Lynch (Kanturk Credit Union)
3 D O'Loughlin (Mayo Wheelers)
4 R Cahill (Banteer)
5 A Crowley (Cycleways)                         0.39
6 J Jacobs (Holland)
 
General Classification after stage two
 
1 Paul Griffin (unattached)                  4.35.30
2 Denis Easton (Ulster Cycling Federation)      0.02
3 Eddie O'Donoghue (Carrick Cidona)             0.04
4 Martin O'Loughlin (Carrick Cidona)            0.05
5 Patrick Moriarty (Dublin Skip)
6 Vincent Gleeson (Mayo Wheelers)
		

Ras Connachta, stage three and four

The fourth and final stage of the Ras Connachta proved to be a bonus for Eddie O'Donoghue from Carrick-on-Suir, when he came through to land overall victory in the three-day event held over the weekend in Cong.

Always within striking distance of Paul Griffin who hails from Tralee, who had led for three of the four stages before the final stage around the rugged countryside of North Mayo. Evidently the tough climbs on the 120km course took their toll on Griffin who without team support was left wanting as those closest in the classification listing took advantage. For a time it looked as though Ritchie Cahill would be the one to benefit, as he was race leader on the road for the last 48km, but in the end O'Donoghue came through to snatch victory. He ended with a 13 second cushion over second place Shane Prendergast with Denis Lynch a further five seconds adrift. Certainly Lynch's efforts in going for the KOH award at Aldo split the stage apart which ultimately decided the destination of the overall prize in the event. Griffin finished in 12th place all of 3 minutes plus in arrears.

UCI Commissarie, Maurice Murphy who was in charge of the race, said 'Technically it was a great course. Good racing over the three days. It's a pity that the competitors did not take in the scenic views, but I'm sure they'll be back because of the hospitality afforded to them over the weekend,' said Maurice.

Race organiser Brian O'Loughlin was full of admiration for the competition. "It's my aim to get the event up to UCI standards where it will be compatible to bring in overseas teams in the not to distant future," said Brian.

Results

Stage three - 12km time trial
 
1 D. O'Loughlin (Mayo Whls.)                 15.32
2 E. Moriarty (Cycleways)                     0.08
3 P. Griffin (unattached)                     0.25
4 E. O'Donoghue (Carrick Cidona)
5 D. Lynch (Kanurk Credit Union)
6 R. Cahill (Banteer)                         0.29
 
Stage four - 122km road race
 
1 A. Hedermann (Cycleways)                 3.20.30
2 Lynch
3 Cahill                                      0.07
4 J. Vanderhoven (Holland)
5 J. Dempsey (UCF)
6 B. Aherne (Classic Walls)
 
Final Overall
 
1 Eddie O'Donoghue (Carrick Cidona)        7.54.36
2 Shane Prendergast (Leinster)                0.13
3 Denis Lynch (Kanturk Credit Union)          0.18
4 Ritchie Cahill (Banteer)                    0.22
5 Denis Easton (UCF)                          0.51
6 Aidan Buckley (Limerick CC)                 1.38