Ronan Tuomey took a massive win at the Charleville Two-Day; blitzing the morning time-trial and safeguarding the yellow jersey on yesterday's final stage (Photo: Sean Rowe)
By Brian Canty
Ronan Tuomey survived an almighty scare on the final stage of the Charleville Two-Day yesterday, taking the best that runner-up Cathal Purcell (Panduit Carrick Wheelers) had to offer.
The Cork Giant team racer started the final stage two seconds clear of his fellow first year junior and despite a late attack from the latter, Tuomey managed him stride for stride.
“I had the yellow jersey coming into the evenings stage so for the first 30k I had an easy ride,” he said.
“Then the first time up to the top of the Ballyhoura climb Dillon and I set a hard tempo to try and split up the bunch and put everyone under pressure. It also stopped people from attacking. “
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Following the descent of that, two groups of two slipped off the front and built a maximum lead of 1’40”.
“By the bottom of the next time up the climb we set a hard pace to split the bunch and put others under pressure.
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“I threw in a few attacks to make Purcell chase and any move Dillon was in I wouldn't chase as he was third overall. That forced Purcell to chase.”
While those two were jostling behind, the four-man break was beginning to stall up ahead which allowed the race to regroup.
Purcell still wasn’t done, however and just as the race was heading for a sprint he threw in one last-ditch attack inside one kilometre to go in a bid to take the two seconds he needed.
But Tuomey was equal to his best and tracked him all the way across the line.
“He was attacking a good bit coming into the finish which put me under pressure and nearly got rid of me.
“Luckily, Dillon was there to help chase and by the finish it was all together.
“He (Purcell) put a dig in with 500 to go but I just jumped after him and held it to the line, coming across the finish on the same time.
“It’s been a massive weekend for me and I have to thank Dillon and Will (Curtin-Doryoku Coaching) for their help this weekend and the last months.”
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