Really relaxed stage to get us going. The main breakaway of the day developed after Ballinagh which had 8 riders, including 3 Irish riders, and nearly all of the favourite teams were represented. A strong break that quickly had a 50sec advantage over the peloton. Once the gap went out to 1min 15sec their team cars were called up past the peloton so the remaining riders left in the bunch clearly knew what teams were represent in it. The main teams to miss it was Team Ireland and Team GB who along with others began the chase back once the gap went out past 2mins. Once organisation was established, the gap tumbled down and was caught with 15km to go. This left for a bunch gallop into Boyle. There was several crashes within the final 8km which caused a lot of panic towards the later stages of what was a uneventful day.
All Moynalty riders made it home safe. Luke Smith and myself finished at 5 sec down on the winner while Mikey Flaherty, Conor McKeown finished 21 seconds down and Sean Lenehan at 28 seconds. It was unbelievable to see the crowd along the route, especially so close to home. And big credit is due to all the local cycling clubs, schools and community who came out to marshal the race through the towns and villages and cheer us on as we made our way the region.
Tomorrow has a tough start with a cat 1 climb (The Windy Gap) at 50km into the race along with 4 other cat climbs towards the last quarter of what will be a 170km stage.
155km at 45kph (3hrs 27mins)
James Mc Enaney
Moynalty Cycling club
