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Last Updated: Sep 14th, 2008 - 21:29:55 |
Louise Moriarty leads the Sneem Hotel Rás na mBan
By Heather Boyle
Sep 13, 2008,
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After Stage 3 in Rás na mBan Louise Moriarty (UCD/Swift) retains the Leader's Jersey, following her win in stage one, and an impressive ride in Stage two, where she finished 2 minutes clear. Louise is one of six Irish riders who go into the final stage ranked in the top 10 in GC.
The location of Rás na mBan changed to Sneem, in the Ring of Kerry. Headquarters were in Sneem Hotel, sponsors of the race. Moving the race to Sneem was a big change for the event. While there is stunning scenery the terrain is hard, hilly and challenging. The event itself has been successful, with good racing in a friendly hospitable environment. The Hotel is a perfect spot for this event, with excellent accommodation and cuisine.
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| The riders assemble outside Sneem Hotel. |
STAGE TWO
This was 4 laps of a ten mile circuit, taking in Sneem Village each lap, including many long LONG drags.
The morning started wet! The rain was pouring down, making race conditions difficult. the bunch once again rolled out from Sneem Hotel to do a lap of the village, before starting. Valerie considine (Women's Commission/Orwell Wheelers) instigated the first attack, shortly after the start. she was then joined by Melanie Spath (Bray Wheelers) and sustained the lead for a few miles. They were then joined by Fiona Barrett (Orwell Wheelers) and a District Noord-Holland rider (name to follow).
On the first climb Louise Moriarty (UCD/Swift) jumped across to the break on her own, and their small group of three stayed clear for two more laps, Louise, Melanie, and the Dutch rider.
The Irish Development Team went to the front, and Heather Wilson, Heather Boyle (Women's Commission) and Elaine Cawley chased hard to try to bring back the break. the bunch was now well split, with 20 riders chasing.
Louise Moriarty rode away from the other two, doing more than a lap on her own, increasing her lead on the group, coming in 2min 16 sec ahead of the next rider.
Second place went to Cogee Saar's Katrin Hollendung and Desiree Schuler (Cogee Saar) won the bunch sprint, ahead of Orwell Wheeler's Orla Hendron.
STAGE THREE
This was a 2 mile Time Trial, once again finishing in front of Sneem Hotel. Fastest woman home was Anne de Wildt of Moving Ladies (who recently won the two day in Usqert, Holland). In second place, was Jenny McCauley (Women's Commission/Bray Wheelers), ahead of Orla Hendron (Women's Commission/Orwell Wheelers).
STAGE FOUR
This will be another tough stage of 60 miles, taking in the tough climb of Coomaciste twice.
GC after Stage 3
1. Louise Moriarty (UCD/Swift Racing)
2. Anne de Wildt (Moving Ladies) @ 2¡ä08
3. Jenny McCauley (Bray Wheelers) @ 2¡ä19
4. Katrin Hollendung (Cogee Saar) @ 2¡ä22
5. Orla Hendron (Orwell Wheelers) @ 2¡ä24
6. Tamara Zwaan (District Noord-Holland) @ 2¡ä30
7. Desiree Schuler (Cogee Saar) @ 2¡ä31
8. Melanie Spath (Bray Wheelers) @ 2¡ä31
9. Heather Wilson (Irish Development Team) @ 2¡ä33
10. Fran Meehan (Irish Development Team) @ 2¡ä35
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