Bryan McCrystal, leading, put in a massive attack at Rás Mumhan and when joined by Eoin Morton the Dundalk man thought they had the stage wrapped up (Photo: David McVeigh - The Belgian Project)
By Brian Canty
Bryan McCrystal is tonight looking back thinking what might have been after a superb bid for stage honours went unrewarded in the final kilometres of Rás Mumhan stage 2 today.
The big Team ASEA man attacked from a dramatically reduced front group with around 50 kilometres to go and pulled out a lead of a minute on a number of chasers behind.
His margin began to fall as the race headed back for Kenmare but when Eoin Morton of UCD CC jumped across to him things looked very good.
A win for either would have put them in the yellow jersey, but they were caught in the closing kilometres and left with only regrets.
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“When you're up the road like that... I was committed but it would have been a serious move to do it because I was very far out," said a despondent McCrystal.
"The wheels came off, even when Eoin came across to me I thought we had it.
“But I was surprised the bunch did come back to us, the gap went out again but I was disappointed not to get something from the day because I'm feeling good."
Being out front so long by himself is nothing new for the Dundalk man, but unlike what happened in the Davis Cup last Sunday when he won by over six minutes, a hungry bunch, led by the JLT-Condor team hauled him back.
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It was a case of 'close but no cigar' for Eoin Morton today, but he is clearly going very strong and may pounce for glory in Kerry before the weekend is out (Photo: Sean Rowe)
"I was gone after the second last climb (at Reenaree) on those dead roads. The group was big and I knew the messing would start so I attacked.
"I was hoping guys would come across, I could see a Scottish guy trying to come across but I wasn't going to wait.
“So I just trucked on myself..the race was probably 15 kilometres too long for me, to be honest.
"It's a strong field. It's very competitive. But we all know the best things to do after the race, I gave it a go. I could do no more.
“I knew it was a stage that would suit me once I got over the climbs but it wasn't to be."
All is not lost for him, of course, as he trails the yellow jersey by just a handful of seconds.
"There's nothing in it. This race looks like it will go down until Monday."
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