Cathal Moynihan took victory in the Newcastle West Knights-promoted contest in Limerick this afternoon after making the key selections and timing his sprint to perfection at the end of an 80-kilometre contest (Photo: George Doyle)
By Brian Canty
Cathal Moynihan won a tactical contest in Broadford, Co Limerick today. He claimed the Michael Shiels Road Race after besting his breakaway companions in a sprint.
The Tralee CC rider had been part of the A1-A2 group that started three minutes behind the A3s.
The 9km circuit was flat and with just 80km to race it meant those starting at the back couldn’t hang around.
But after a period of intense attacking and little co-operation behind, a group of 10 escaped and rode across to the A3s.
Killarney CC was there in numbers as was Aqua Blue and Tralee BC, amongst others.
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The host club had Paul Kennedy; Mick Lally Memorial winner last weekend and runner-up in the Lacey Cup.
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Moynihan in action last weekend; the Olympian is looking in great form already (Photo with thanks to Brendan Slattery)
A brief stalemate in the lead group followed which allowed the scratch group close in from behind. And sensing danger, a fresh group went clear of the main field.
Moynihan was again present, with the numbers trimmed from about ten to four riders in the closing stages.
With him after that latest reshuffle were Mark O’Callaghan (Aqua Blue), Stephen Murray (Strata3-VeloRevo) and Simon Tuomey (MSL Mercedes-Cork Giant).
That four built a lead of almost a minute on the chasers. And it was clear at that point they weren’t for catching as they drove on at a relentless pace.
Approaching the line it was O’Callaghan who jumped first. But when he was pegged back Moynihan dug deep and got a gap.
He was a long way from home, but the rowing Olympian had enough to hold off a charging O’Callaghan with Murray 3rd.
Cathal Purcell (Carrick Wheelers) was first A2 over the line, while Killarney CC’s Pat Clifford was first A3.
Cian Smailes of Tralee BC was the first junior while Laura Blair (Ballymena RC) was first female.
We’ll have a chat with Moynihan about his win and his plans for 2017 in the coming days.
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