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Results and Reports for April 20-21, 2002

Ireland

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Safe Link Brendan Carroll Memorial

April 21, 2002

Professional Power Makes Successful Return

By Tommy Campbell, Irish Independent, Evening Herald, Sunday Independent
Ciaran Power a professional with the Navigators outfit in America made it a double celebration when he won the Brendan Carroll Cup on Saturday, but yesterday, April 21, 2002, along with Paul Griffin of the Earl of Desmond Club and David O'Loughlin of Ofoto Lombardia in America they demonstrated there fitness by simply showing there superiority over a tough racing circuit in Co. Meath.

From the start in Stamullen, the trio were part of a 14 strong group who clipped away from the main pack on the approach to the only climb of the day at Snowtown Hill. It was at this particular point of the six-lap race on each passage that invariably there were casualties. On the penultimate lap there were six still very much in contention but again on the climb it was Power, Griffin and O'Loughlin who finally moved ahead to decide the outcome of where the Joey Whyte Trophy would be on display this coming year.

The last mile of racing was very similar to the finish of a track event with the trio psyching themselves up for the sprint.

In the end Power simply showed his ability to sprint clear in the final meters at the finish in Stamullen and claim his second victory of the year for his American based sponsor, Navigators.

Powers double whammy over the weekend must leave the selectors of the Irish team for the Ras next month with a minor irritant. Up to yesterday those on the peripheral did not count on Power making the cut. Obviously team selections for the 8-race will now be back on the drawing board. The odds are very much now in favour of the Waterford man attempting to win the event for a second time.

By Shane Stokes
Home on a brief break from competing with his Navigators team in Europe and America, Irish professional Ciaran Power made a triumphant return to domestic racing on Saturday, April 20, 2002, when he won the Safelink Brendan Carroll Memorial in Stamullen. The victory was Power's first in two and a half years, with his last win occurring back in 1999 when he took the final stage of the Tour of Hokkaido.

Power and fellow US pro David O'Loughlin (Ofoto-Lombardi Sports) were in the thick of the action from early on, racing ahead as part of a five man breakaway which went clear on the second of five six mile laps. Also present were Dave Smith (Cahills Naas), Robert Moore (Stamullen M. Donnelly), and the promising junior rider Paudi O'Brien (Kanturk).

Moore punctured on the third lap, and shortly afterward Power blasted clear on the ascent of Cottage Hill. O'Loughlin calmly waited until the Navigators rider opened a good lead and then jumped across the gap, building a commanding lead over those chasing behind.

Somewhat predictably, Power was the fastest at the finish in Stamullen. Two years ago he took fifth and sixth in stages of the Tour of Italy, and more recently he placed 4th in the Grand Prix of Rennes French Cup race; clearly he was the fastest of the two on paper, and so it proved in the dash to the line.

'It is great to win again', says Power. 'It has been quite a while.it is a good feeling. I have been going well lately and this is good encouragement for the races ahead.'

By Tommy Campbell, Irish Independent, Evening Herald, Sunday Independent
The Brendan Carroll Memorial race held over six laps of a local circuit with a start and finish in Stamullen, Co. Meath attracted a top class entry including Ciaran Power and David O'Loughlin both professionals with American teams.

Evidently there professional training procedures was very much in evidence when they cut loose from the main pack to dominate the event.

The victory went to Ciaran Power who was winning his first race of the season in the Navigators colours. Just off the pace was David O'Loughlin who had accompanied Power when they moved ahead of the main peloton.

First of the home based competitors was Paul Griffin of the Earl of Desmond Tralee Bicycle Club.

Last years winner Paudi O'Brien, recent overall winner of the Dublin Skip Gorey Three-Day was placed sixth.

Results - 30 miles

1 Ciaran Power (Navigators)                  1.12.22
2 D 0'Loughlin (Ofoto Lombardi Sports)
3 P Griffin (Earl of Desmond)                   0.56
4 C Bracken (Usher IRC)
5 D Smyth (Fig Rolls Naas)
 
Senior 2: Dan Nulty (Stamullen Martin Donnelly)
 
Senior 3: Derek Cunningham (Bray Wheelers CC)
 
Junior: Paudi O'Brien (Kanturk)
 
Woman: Marica Attorresti (Cycleways Lee Strand)
 
Veteran: John Bell (Classic Walls)

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