Race Diary of Cian Lynch,
Swords McNally Joinery

Race: Tour of Ulster, Stages  4,  1st May 2000

4 mile circuit race.

This afternoon was always going to be a bit of fun - what with the overall sorted out in the morning, and beautiful weather - why could it not have been like this on the Saturday? A word of praise to David Kenneally who must have thought that using the "I was only in the cars trying to get back on" line would work when spotted by a diligent commissaire….in a time trial ….

Cass respeldent in yellow, and not for the first time, and we spin out and on to the circuit. No sooner has the flag dropped than, Lennon, John O'Brien, O'Loughlin, John Leonard, Eugene Moriarty and Paul Healion took off up the road. A rolling circuit that included a few big ring drags fairly much sorted out the bunch. Get your wheel and hold on to it. Aidan for his part did go away for a couple of laps, yet when Cass went to the front, the fun only started. In fairness to Paul and John Nolan, they certainly did their bit, and they were joined by Paddy Moriarty and even more briefly by the Dermster Healy. The break did start coming down, from about 1'20" to 40" and then more substantially as the pressure was poured on.With the likes of Brian Kenneally, Colm Bracken and our own Mr. Crowley sitting very comfortably in the bunch, one could not have been forgiven for thinking that the break was going to stay away. When we did eventually reel in the group, a couple of attacks did take off up the road, futile thinking that they were going to be let take the honours.

Up and down those drags one final time and we are heading in towards the finish. There is chaos in the group as guys try to hold on to wheels at high speed. I decided to sit up after the 1 k to go sign, I have achieved my objective for the weekend. Race hard, get in a couple of breaks, and keep improving for the Ras. Up ahead, Aidan was beaten by Bracken at the line, both are in scintillating form, and are to congratulated on their placings. Hard luck to Brian Lennon, who suffered Martin, Ras '99 syndrome, when he punctured every day.

A good turnout at the finish, an the day that was in it, and flowers and so on ……
What next? Maybe the Park Gallop tomorrow night, but there is also a Club Meeting, at which a few items need to be sorted out. Next weekend brings the Tour of the Mournes, and then to try and do a ride in Bohermeen, maybe give Crowley a lead out, maybe not…

Well done again to Cass, Evans and Sully for their great ride yesterday and today. And now the question begs ……..who do you put your money on for the Ras ?

IrishCycling.Com: Would like to thank Cian for his excellent reports