O’Brien victorious with race-long move in Youghal; Crowley & Kelly also in mix

O’Brien on his way to victory last night in Youghal (Photo: Jonathan Flynn)

By Brian Canty

Páidi O’Brien (Dan Morrissey-Speedy Spokes) made it look too easy when he won the Youghal Criterium last night, Friday, around the rain-soaked streets of the East Cork town.

The Banteer native, with more than a knack for the tight corners and short sprints, went from the drop of the flag and wasn’t seen again before the finish.

O’Brien won the Osborne Butchers sponsored criterium in Blarney over the June Bank Holiday weekend and he added another fine win to his palmares last night. He’ll be hoping to make it two out of two in Sunday’s Midleton GP.

Though chase was given to O’Brien on a truly horrendous night for racing by Aidan Crowley (DID Dunboyne) and Robin Kelly (Waterford Racing), neither was able to bridge across to the former An Post-Sean Kelly professional.

Conditions, as mentioned, were terrible with driving rain making the race a doubt. But credit must be given to the host club who marshalled the event excellently, as well as commissaire Eddie Keogh who ensured the riders’ safety was never jeopardised.

MC Teddy Crowley must also be commended for providing the commentary.

There were a number of spills, hardly surprising given the tight bends, but there were no major casualties - the bales of straw at the second last bend had a lot to do with that.

Crowley and Kelly worked well to chip into O’Brien’s lead throughout, but with the race shortened to a mere 30 minutes and riders pulling out all the way through, it wasn’t the night to chase a hare like O’Brien.

See a full set of photos by Jonathan Flynn below.