Paidi O'Brien took two stages at the Suir Valley Three Day last year and would be a big loss from the start list this year if injury were to keep him out of next weekend's race (Photo: Pat Doherty)
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By Brian Canty
Paidi O’Brien is in a race against time to be fit for next weekend’s Suir Valley Three-Day in Clonmel.
The Planet Tri rider, whose most recent win came in the Cork County Championships, is struggling with a knee injury after he crashed heavily in last Sunday’s Middleton GP in Cork.
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O’Brien only started back training yesterday and is likely to miss out on tomorrow’s Munster Road Race Championships in Whitechurch. But of more pressing concern to him is the Suir Valley a week later.
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Last year O’Brien was one of the most active in the race and as well as winning two stages he could have been higher up on GC but for puncturing out of the break on the opening day.
He had the satisfaction of winning stages two and four and this year’s race includes a criterium which would suit him.
O’Brien’s crash came about on a fast descent when he blew out and careered across the road, hitting the deck quite heavily. It would be a huge blow for him, and indeed the Planet Tri team, should he not be fit in time.
One rider who definitely won’t be on the start-line in Clonmel next weekend is defending champion Barry Twohig.
The Blarney man has had his season cut short by a troublesome intestinal injury, which has hampered his breathing in races.
Last year he took a stunning win in the final metres of the Suir Valley when he held off strong challenges from Paddy Clarke (Castlebar CC), Martin Mijgayski (Iverk produce Carrick Wheelers) and a host of Isle of Man riders.
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