Cycling Reports

Tour of Ulster - Stage 4

 By Cian Lynch

Lurgan to Newry

Eugene in yellow. And loads of friends. And a chequebook. All sorts of rumours flying around. Fireworks from the line. Interesting afternoon in prospect.

Paddy Moriarty was on the same time. Paul was off the pace at 22 seconds with Ray Clarke on the same time. Andy Roche was of concern to Paul, as he was likely to try and take the mountain jersey.

From the off, the attacks started. I did my 3 miles or so off the front at the start. Dave Peelo joined me, and shortly afterwards the bunch too. As the speed was very high, nothing was going to go away. I had made a big effort to get my head around the climbs, and was not going to sit up today. It worked. I made sure Paul was not badly placed, that he was near to Andy Roche. With different group away at the various climbs, it negated any prospect of the lads having a bash. Paddy Moriarty was up the road, and this gave rise to Cycleways chasing. The Northern Irish riders gave a hand. Over all the climbs, I kept the head down, and it worked.

With the small group still up ahead, it contained Baker and Lennon anyway. Paul told me that if it stayed away, I was to give it socks to get him across the gap and ride my nuts off for the last ten miles. Not a problem, this boy was ready for action.

On the last climb, Paul tapped off with Andy Roche, Kieron having taken off in advance of same. Brian Kenneally sat on the front with myself and stalled the bunch for a while. It worked. The lads took off up the road.

Cycleways were going to have to chase again. When we hit the main road, the speed went up. I sat near the front, and enjoyed the run in. The group dangled up ahead, and Eugene must have felt rightly pissed off that they were not making inroads. Any contention that Eugene winning the Tour of Ulster might rank him as a marked man for the Ras did not wash with me. The approach was fast, and I could not believe we were near the finish so quickly. I has a problem with my gear hopping, but managed to show the head in the gallop to the line.

Great news over the line - Kieron had taken the stage. I was elated - Paul had taken the mountains jersey, I had finished well today and done a good ride. We were delayed somewhat as Kieron had been chosen for a drug control. The weekend continues for many as they take the long trip home…

Thanks to the organisers for a brilliant race, to the Northern Ireland Police who once again put the Gardai to shame, and Helen and Gerry for helping out this weekend. Congrats to Tim Barry and Paul Healion. Upset caused no doubt - the Northern riders were not in contention this weekend - the foot and mouth has taken its toal on their race preparation. Off on holidays it is. Its Tuesday morning, and I fly out to Malaga in an hour or so. Rest and relaxation. Talk to you during the Ras…..

Read reports for other stages - Stage 1 - Stage 2 - Stage 3 - Stage 4

Should anyone require Safety Consultation or advice, contact our sponsors, General Safety Managers Ltd., at 01-2763112.