Cycling Reports |
Shay Elliot Memorial, April 27th 2003. By Cian Lynch
Given the fact that we were somewhat early, there wasn’t that much of a buzz. I had driven around the race last year in the team car, and as we had four riders starting, three of whom will be Ras-ing, finishing was as important as anything else today. No, I wasn’t down at the Tour of Munster, but the rumours regarding the entry of yours truly to the Ras might just bear fruition. After a short stop in Bray, with a minute’s silence for Liam Horner, uncle of Dermot Healy, the race proceeded. Again, the buzz of the rollout and outriders lends something to the race – great to be riding it! Out the road, the usual early breaks mean that the hammer is down, and the headwind meant that a substantial amount of luck would allow a group up the road. I tried a few times, in the impossible hope that I might make the break, and have enough time to get dropped on the Gap, to end up hauling myself over the crest with the chasers. The jumping and attacking paid no dividends, and although we had earpieces, the couple of drags we hit just didn’t seem like the real thing. As we approached the Wicklow Gap, it suddenly dawned upon me – what the f*(k was I doing wasting energy trying so hard before the climb? I got shelled anyway – not before teammate Derek Irwin flatted his front wheel. As the team car pulled up to service, the realization that the climb hadn’t started yet was enough for an early flight home, not literally.
Either sitting on the front of the saddle, or at the back, I’ve no idea, but looking up the road, watching the whole bloody race go up the road is never a pretty sight. Laurence Roche was pulled out just slightly to the left of the lineout, and John Wall was coming back. Indeed, he was just getting over a flu during the week, and the ‘oul body hadn’t recovered. As soon as he took the somewhat easier option of climbing into the car, he fell asleep for half an hour. Over the top of the climb, and not a car in sight. Not that I would swing out of a car, or tail a car to get back on you understand, just for company. Obviously the demand for places in cars was at a premium, and the few that did pass were highly inconsiderate to say the least. That zooming past you feeling. Beeping the horn – “Coming through – beep beep – riders up the road – you’re not getting back on – you look f^$^d –“ that king of thing. So when Mr. Byrne of Orwell was coming up to me, riding in the middle of the road, not allowing the cars passed, I had words. I did. You see, I’m used to chasing back on, and I need cars, sometimes. And this time I needed “service”. Fortunately, Eddie Lane was about to give “service” and my own team car came up to help me rubber arm it onto the back of the group ahead. Which became a groupetto. Laurence, Andrew McQuaid, Mark Colbert, a few lads from Bray – who obviously had been issued with passes by the race organiser entitling them so site on without doing a tap, bar an appearance at the top of the Shay Elliot for the supporters- incredible. The old ride through, follow the leader, sit on effort – instead of sitting at the back, out of the way, and letting lads who actually ride get on with it. We rode tempo up the Elliot, the tail wind was handy. Young Bracken was fearful of an inevitable attack by Frank O’Leary, as IRC decide on the last place for the Ras team. Colm Bracken vs. Frank O’Leary…..mmm….. An aside. A few years back, having missed the break in the Noel Hammond, and back racing after a couple of weeks off, I decided to ride around and finish anyways. 22 miles in the pissings of rain, but I wanted to finish. I had Frank for company, and he was “riding” for the B pot. He sat on which is fair enough. For 22 miles. Which is fair enough. Until we hit the last corner, when he nearly took me out of it as he raced through on my inside to wipe me for the – “gallop”. We don’t forget, do we? That’s why I asked Frank would we be seeing him make a big effort on the Elliot. That’s why he said “no” ! Go with Bracken….. The big crows gathered at the top of the Elliot were very vocal in their support, and we dropped down like stones. We rode through at a reasonable rate, although there were obviously a few tired legs, minds and bodies. I continued to do turns at the front, aware of the races coming up over the next few weeks, where I will not need to be able to climb like an eagle…..
And there you have it. My best result in this race remains third “C” in 1996. It was my fifth open race. A result yet to be bettered…….. Next on the programme is the Tour of Ulster. I have yet to decide on the Ras. What do you think? More competitive, we will have a good team though, and a couple of good riders always bring on the rest of the team, no doubt about that….. Cian Lynch. Asst. D.S., North Kildare CC |
I
don’t know how many times I’ve ridden this race. Needless to say, the
prospect of having to drag my arse over the hilly part of the route wasn’t
very appealing – so when we ended up missing the deadline (poetic licence –
we) the resulting phonecalls, ear bashing and subsequent late entry into the
race, “in breach of UCI regulations” according to the very kind Jane Martin,
treasurer of Bray Wheelers arriving at the sign on in good time was a relief of
sorts.
