Cycling Round Up

Archives: FBD Milk Rás Report 2000

20th May 2000

FBD Milk Ras stage one

If Philip Cassidy ever tired of the cycle trade, the 38 year-old double Olympian could consider switching occupations to that of soothsayer. Such is the evidence of today’s surprising first stage of the FBD Milk Ras, which proved far more influential than anyone envisaged.  Prior to the start of this year’s race the 1999 winner proclaimed that, despite his scintillating early season form, he didn’t consider himself likely to retain the title. ‘I am going so well this year’, confessed the Meathman, ‘and have won so many races that the pressure is on me. People are going to expect me to do it, but I don’t really because I am going to be so heavily marked.’

Prophetic words, it seems, because after today’s 89 miles to Longford, Cassidy finds himself over four minutes adrift and realistically, facing a most difficult task to win this year’s race. The damage was done when Cassidy, Ireland team mate Tommy Evans and other pre-race favourites such as David McCann were left languishing in the main bunch as a group of riders slipped clear 36 miles into the mainly flat stage.  Among those present in the strong, committed group were continental-based Irishmen Aidan Duff (Carlow Dan Morrissey), David O’Loughlin (Mayo) and Fergus McAuley (Ireland-International Cargo Services), McAuley’s team-mate Eugene Moriarty (Ireland) and recent Shay Elliot memorial winner Stephen O’Sullivan (Derry – Clarke Contracts). Some of the strong foreign contingent also made the split and, by the manner of their racing, suggest that an Irish winner is far from a formality. Tjarco Cuppens (Belgium DCM), Tobias Nilsson (Sweden Malargeneri), Mark Lovatt (England Pro-Vision) and Julian Winn of the Welsh side were amongst the visitors, and combined with the home riders to establish a considerable lead.

Working smoothly into the head- and cross-wind which buffeted on the run into Longford, the progress of the group differed considerably from the stop-start racing which characterised the bunch’s attempts to stay in touch. Cassidy and the other Irish contenders encountered only frustration once the bird had flown; such tactics ensured that the gap grew to over five and a half minutes at one stage. A late charge by a small group containing English national champion John Tanner and in-form England Pro-Vision team mate Wayne Randle made some indents into this gap, but the remainder of the Irish team reeled in the chasing group and retained their momentum to succeed in closing on the leaders by the end of the stage.

But by then, however, it was too late. Much too late, for both the stage and probably the race overall. Belgian Tjarco Cuppens jumped clear and rounded the corner on Main Street with a slight advantage, enough to take the stage.  Welshman Julian Winn scooped enough bonus seconds in the hot-spot sprints to claim the first yellow jersey of the race. And Philip Cassidy? The 1999 winner crossed the line four minutes later, disappointment clear on his face.  

Game over? Not quite, but he and many other pre race favourites have a lot to do. Whether their performance today is a temporary setback or a fatal error will become apparent in the coming days. Watch this space.It promises to be a facinating battle.