Winner alright: Mark Dowling was last night’s winner of the Stephen Roche GP after a late smash and grab effort. The ASEA-Wheelworx man is nearing top form as the national championships loom (Picture with many thanks to Ian Anderson)
By Brian Canty
Mark Dowling said he was a “bit surprised” to win the Stephen Roche GP in Balinteer last night because a threatening four-man break was caught on the last lap and the ASEA-Wheelworx man took full advantage.
The reigning national criterium champion was in the bunch for most of the night but with plenty left in the tank late on he opened the throttle in an effort to get some last-minute training in for the national championships at the weekend.
Little did he think it would win him the race.
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“I thought it was an hour and five laps but with 25 minutes to go I heard five minutes and three laps and I thought break was gone,” he said.
“On the last lap I just decided I wasn’t going to leave the race with power so I put the hammer down to bring the break back, I didn’t really realise I strung our group out so as I got across (to the break) the bunch split so I kept the momentum going.
“We went around the second group, caught the leading four on the last bend so I just took the corner really hard without breaking.
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“I knew if I kept up my power it would work out, most of the time it doesn’t but it did last night.
“I just came out of the bunch and passed them all on the last straight; it wasn’t a sprint finish, those up ahead were sprinting but I was attacking.”
After another good An Post Rás where he scooped a few county rider prizes and an excellent showing at the Beaumont Trophy at the weekend where he was unlucky to be taken out of contention by a crash, Sunday’s showdown is coming at a good time.
“I was in good shape at the weekend; when I’m racing that hard at the end of 190k I know I have my legs.
“I can maybe go top five or something like last year.
“It was pan flat and it’s the same this year.
“I was devastated when the race was moved from the loops around the lakes in Wicklow.
“I was licking my lips when I saw that but we’ll go there strong. We have (Bryan) McCrystal who is motoring at the moment. I have savage legs as well and a few lads on the team are going well so hopefully we can put it up to them.”
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