The NRPT-Magnet.ie team have developed a superb reputation as a bunch of hard-working and dedicated riders. And the way they blitzed the field at the Shay Elliott Memorial yesterday is proof of that. In the picture, Aaron Kearney leads Jake Gray over the top of Glenmalure (Photos: Sean Rowe)
By Brian Canty
Anyone who was worried about a lack of juniors coming through the ranks got an emphatic answer at the Shay Elliott Memorial yesterday when the NRPT-Magnet.ie team notched an unprecedented 1-2-3-4.
Jake Gray led the field home after a great race while rounding out the podium were Aaron Kearney and Ben Walsh, with Luke Smith coming in just afterwards.
The winner said it was the biggest result of his season and is up there with his wins in the Stephen Roche GP and the Newry Three-Day last year - both against elite riders.
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“After we got off the dual carriageway there was a group of 15 or so went clear,” explained the talented Dungannon man.
This shot shows four of the same team come to the line to contest the finish at the Shay Elliott Memorial A3 race yesterday. Out in front is eventual winner Jake Gray. (Photo: Sean Rowe)
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“Three of my teammates were in it but I was in the bunch so coming out of Rathdrum I attacked the bunch and bridged over to the break.
“I knew I needed to as we were approaching small twisty roads and the break was going to open out a gap.
“Then we rode and we had a minute on the bunch at bottom of Glenmalure.
“Me and Aaron (Kearney) left the group and rode up this on our own and Luke bridged over to us on the descent.”
Those three rode a three-up time-trial for a number of kilometres before they heard Ben Walsh was coming across so they slowed ever so slightly to allow him latch on.
They contested the sprint fairly but Gray was the man who proved quickest.
“It was amazing to win like that and a great boost to the team ahead of a Nations Cup race in France this weekend. I feel I'm in the form of my life so I'm after a result.”
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