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Irish Championships - CN
Waterford, Ireland, June 29-July 1, 2007
Main Page Results Overall standings Previous Day
Day 3 - July 1: Elite/U23/junior men, 171.2/107.0 km
Photography
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Images by Stephen McMahon
- Despite the stormy skies, close to 100 riders signed on for the senior event at the Irish National Championships in Waterford on the 1st of July.
- A strong group, including newly crowned National TT Champion Nicholas Roche (Credit Agricole) and his cousin Daniel Martin (VC La Pomme) went clear early on the first lap.
- Former National Champion David McCann (Colavita Sutter Home) rode strongly early on but was forced to retire from the race due to illness.
- Looking as determined and focused as ever, David O'Loughlin's contributes to the early pace setting on lap two.
- Nicholas Roche (Credit Agricole) started the race as one of the favourites and was keen to make his presence felt.
- The initial break also included Paidi O'Brien (Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly Sean Kelly), Rory Wyley (Dan Morrissey) and Ciaran Power (Navigators Insurance).
- Weather conditions were very changeable, alternating between brilliant sunshine and heavy rainfall, but had little impact on the appetite for racing among the leading riders.
- David O'Loughlin forces the pace as the leading group tackles the long, steady climb up to the finish line.
- With the majority of teams represented in the group, the chances of escape were good. Here Damien McCabe (Team Ponte) sets the pace.
- Local rider Rory Wyley (Dan Morrissey) was highly motivated. His good form was complimented by his considerable experience and tactical expertise.
- The leading group took full advantage of the tail wind on the back section of the 21 kilometre circuit.
- Nicholas Roche (Credit Agricole) leads Paidi O'Brien (Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly Sean Kelly).
- Neil Delahaye (Usher Insulation) dictates the pace of the leading group.
- Nicholas Roche (Credit Agricole) has taken flight from the breakaway and quickly builds a one minute lead.
- Roche's intention was clear, his commitment absolute.
- Heavy showers of rain did not impair the steady progress of the chasing group. David O'Loughlin (Navigators Insurance) leads Mark Cassidy and Paidi O'Brien (Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly Sean Kelly) in pursuit of Nicholas Roche.
- Mark Cassidy and Paidi O'Brien (Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly Sean Kelly) persevere in the wet and windy conditions. The combined efforts of the chasing group are rewarded - Roche's lead begins to fall rapidly.
- Rory Wyley (Dan Morrissey) applies a little pressure as the road rises on one of the strength-sapping climbs. At the back of the group is the recently recaptured Nicholas Roche (Credit Agricole).
- Roche pays the price for his monumental solo efforts when he is struck by leg cramps.
- David O'Loughlin's strength is apparent as the leading group approaches the finish.
- Mark Cassidy (Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly Sean Kelly) discusses tactics with Sean Kelly.
- Then there were four - O'Loughlin, O'Brien, Cassidy and Roche make their way toward the finish with menacing clouds on the horizon.
- With 10 metres to go David O'Loughlin (Navigators Insurance) senses victory. Roche, Cassidy and O'Brien battle it out for second place.
- David O'Loughlin (Navigators Insurance) celebrates a convincing sprint victory in the 2007 Irish National Elite Men Road Race Championship. Paidi O'Brien (Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly Sean Kelly) took second while Mark Cassidy (Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly Sean Kelly) completed the podium and took the U-23 National Title in the process.
- Rory Wyley (Dan Morrissey) showed exceptional class and character, eventually finishing an excellent fifth.
- U-23 National Champion Mark Cassidy (Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly Sean Kelly).
- Elite men podium (L-R): Paidi O'Brien (Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly Sean Kelly), David O'Loughlin (Navigators Insurance), and Mark Cassidy (Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly Sean Kelly).
- 2007 Irish Road Race Champion David O'Loughlin (Navigators Insurance).
Results
Elite - 170 km 1 David O'Loughlin (Navigators Insurance) 4.07.43 2 Paídi O'Brien (Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly Sean Kelly) 3 Mark Cassidy (Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly Sean Kelly) 4 Nicolas Roche (Crédit Agricole) 5 Rory Wyley (Dan Morrissey) 0.05 6 Sean Lacey (Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group) 0.07 7 Neil Delahaye (Usher IRC) 3.35 8 Paul Healion (Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly Sean Kelly) 4.09 9 Martyn Irvine (Ards CC) 7.05 10 Glenn Kinning (Castlereagh CC) 7.12 11 Michael Hennessy (Fermoy CC) 7.17 12 Eugene Moriarty (MyHome.ie/BBDBC) 7.30 13 Damien McCabe (Team Pointe) 10.39 14 Simon Coughlan (Donamon Dynamos) 10.58 15 John Dempsey (Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly Sean Kelly) 12.14 Team 1 Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly Sean Kelly Under 23 1 Mark Cassidy (Murphy and Gunn/Newlyn Group/M. Donnelly Sean Kelly) 2 Martyn Irvine (Ards CC) 3 Adam Armstrong (Northern Dave Kane) Junior - 106.4 km 1 Denis Dunworth (VSK Pays Lamballe) 2.47.06 2 Philip Lavery (Usher IRC) 3.20 3 Sean Downey (Banbridge CC) 3.50 4 Michael Duffy (Donamon Dynamos) 5.51 5 Peter Wilson (Maryland Wheelers) 6 Allister Fiddes (Orchard Wheelers) 7 Damien Gavin (Cover Wheelers) 5.55 8 Aaron Buggle (South Dublin CC) 6.00 9 Geoff Hanrahan (Clonmell CC) 6.10 10 Mark Hennegen (South Dublin CC) 6.27
