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Last Updated: 2 Apr 2018 - 8:45:17 PM |
FBD Insurance Rás (2.2) – Ireland, May 17-24, 2009.
Stage 1 – May 17th: Kilcullen - Wexford, 125 km
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| A quartet of pipers opened proceedings under blue skies at the start of the 2009 FBD Rás in Kilcullen, County Kildare. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Members of the U-23 and Elite Irish teams were keen to get the show on the road. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Teams from numerous countries had travelled to Ireland to participate in the eight stages of the 2009 FBD Rás. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| John Dempsey (Tipperary Dan Morrissey) and Colin Robinson (Meath Martin Donnelly) managed to hold off the peloton until just after the first and only KOM of the day at Knocknacree. ©: Stephen McMahon |
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| The peloton in hot pursuit of the breakaway duo. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| There were many heavy downpours during Stage 1. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Sunshine on a rainy day: the race was a colourful sight despite the changeable weather conditions. ©: Stephen McMahon |
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| Strong winds also contributed to a difficult day on the road. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| The finish line crew were well prepared for every eventuality. If the weather forecast for the next few days is correct, that gas cylinder will not last long…©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| The sun had broken through again by the time the race arrived at the finish line in the port town of Wexford. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) applied his sprinting prowess to good effect and took victory on Stage 1. The Belgian was pushed all the way by (out of shot) Russell Downing (Britian Candi TV Marshalls). ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Eeckhout was reluctant to celebrate until his victory was confirmed by one of the race photographers. ©: Stephen McMahon |
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| David McCann (Ireland National Team) managed to crack a smile of relief after a relatively short but hectic day on the road. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| The three amigos: Philip Finegan (Dublin DTC Orwell Wheelers), Stephen O’Sullivan and Eugene Moriarty (Meath Engraveit.ie/BDBC) reflect on their experiences on Stage 1. ©: Stephen McMahon |
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| Colin Robinson (Meath Martin Donnelly) congratulates Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) on his victory on Stage 1. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Same time tomorrow? Russell Downing (Britian Candi TV Marshalls) offers his congratulations to Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly). ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Fourth on the stage for Daniel Clifford (Kildare Projector World) was good enough to see him take the Cuchulainn Crystal trophy for Best Placed County Rider. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Nicholas Walker (Australia Cinelli-Down Under) dons the white jersey of Best Placed U-23 Rider after Stage 1 of the 2009 FBD Rás. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Colin Robinson (Meath Martin Donnelly) took maximum points on the stage and the lead in the King of the Mountains classification. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| As winner of Stage 1 Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) took the race lead. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| When his considerable experience and strength are considered, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that the Belgian could be a contender for overall victory. ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| The podium after Day 1 of the 2009 FBD Insurance Rás: (L-R) Stage winner and Race Leader, Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly), Third on the stage, Walker (Australia Cinelli-Down Under), Second on the stage, Russell Downing (Britian Candi TV Marshalls), Best County Rider, Daniel Clifford (Kildare Projector World) and King of the Mountains, Coiln Robinson (Meath Martin Donnelly). ©: Stephen McMahon. |
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| Niko Eeckhout (Ireland An Post M.Donnelly Grant Thornton Sean Kelly) reflects on his victory. ©: Stephen McMahon |
Stephen McMahon's FBD Rás photo's are brought to you courtesy of Wheelwork Bike Shop - www.wheelworxbikes.com
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