Chris McCann put in a masterful display to win the third and final stage of the Stafford Wholesale Wexford Two-Day. The 51 year-old from Bellaghy, Co Derry, just about had the legs to see off another seasoned campaigner Colm Bracken (Photo: Sean Rowe)
By Brian Canty
Chris McCann proved there’s plenty of life after 50 by winning a thrilling final stage of the Stafford Wholesale Wexford Two-Day on Sunday.
The Inspired Cycling rider, 51, showed he has the class that made him one of the most feared domestic riders in his pomp.
He won with a last-ditch surge to the line to deny another veteran, Colm Bracken (Murphy Surveyors, Kilcullen), at the conclusion of the A3 event.
The final stage was animated by a break of six that formed and got a gap of 1’40”.
Advertisement
And as there was no threat to the yellow jersey of Ronan Tuomey (Giant Cork) the bunch made no concerted effort to chase.
McCann attacked after the escape and quickly went clear in a group outside Enniscorthy.
“We closed the gap to the break with about 12k to go but we started to lose a couple of riders,” the stage winner said.
“Inside the last three kilometres we turned off the main road to go up a short, steep climb.
“I rode hard at the front of group and split it to four riders over the top before one joined on the descent.”
Related News
McCann tackling the hill climb TT in Wexford on Saturday evening; he would win the road stage the following day (Photo: Sean Rowe)
That selection stayed together until the final right-hand corner before the last kilometre, which was all uphill.
“The group split and I got caught at the back but I quickly got going again," explained McCann of the last push to the finish line.
He gradually picked off those ahead of him and just before the line he hit the front to claim the stage win.
McCann, who won the Tour of Cambridgeshire earlier in the year after a battle to be recognised as the victor, will now set his sights on the UCI Gran Fondo Series in Australia next month where he will contest the masters road race.
“I wanted to have a good ride before them,” he said. “Winning isn't easy; there's so many good riders capable of it.
And what made it even more special was I knew (son) Conor was on the line watching.
"And I knew he wouldn't be impressed if I lost it on the line!”
McCann senior will travel to Australia on Sunday for two weeks and will race alongside Des Woods (Newry Wheelers CC) and a field of around 180 riders.
For the final stage results and final general classification of the A3 race at the Wexford Two Day, please follow this link.
Topics
