Michael O'Loughlin puts in an early attack at Rás Luimní, which he would go on to win but only after a massive fight when he missed a key breakaway (Photo with thanks to Gerry Murray)
By Brian Canty
Junior star turn Michael O’Loughlin took his first win of 2015 yesterday at Rás Luimní but the NRPT-Magnet.ie man had to do it the hard way when he missed the break and had to ride across a gap of over a minute to get back on level terms.
The Irish junior international did just that though, albeit with the help of a few others.
One of those in the front was his father Martin (Carrick Wheelers) and he played a crucial role in setting his son up for the win, foiling a daring late attack from Paul O’Connell (Tipperary Wheelers).
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“There was a big field and the course was windy and very fast in places so it made it difficult to get away on the first lap with everyone being fresh,” explained O’Loughlin Jnr of how proceedings played out.
“I threw in a couple of attacks early but nothing stuck.
Taking stage and overall honours against the elite riders at the Wexford Two Day on a wet day in the south east last August (Photo: Sean Rowe)
“On the second lap a break of four or five went and then a big group of about 15 broke away from the bunch and rode across to them.
“The bunch were chasing for a while but there was some stalls coming into Caherconlish before the last lap.”
The feeling in the bunch was the race was gone, but O’Loughlin Jnr saw it differently.
“The last time up the hill by the finish I threw in an attack and a group formed with me Darragh O’Mahony (O’Leary’s Stone Kanturk CC), Mark O’Callaghan (Limerick CC) and Robert O’Leary (Cork Giant).
“We worked very well and it was hard work but this group was super strong.
Taking stage 5 of the Junior Tour last year just ahead of Team Ireland team mate and overall winner Eddie Dunbar, who is now an U23 rider (Photo: Stephen McMahon - Sportsfile)
“I don’t know if any of us thought we could catch the groups out front but after a few kilometres we could see them on the straights so we pushed on.
“When we caught the group of 15 I saw dad was up the road in a strong group so I just took time to recover.
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“And if there was a chance to nip across to them I said I'd try but I knew it would be hard.
“They had a nice gap but I felt ok. Darragh attacked our group to go after the four up ahead.
“I saw he had about 10 seconds on us and I knew he was strong so I jumped across with the plan of trying to bridge to the guys out front.
On his way to 8th in the World TT Championships in Spain last September; O'Loughlin says he is hoping to keep his best form for later in the year (Photo: Sean Rowe)
“We got to the front lads with about 7of 8 kilometres or so to go.
“I think they were surprised to see us and I think myself and Darragh were more surprised about the gap we managed to close.”
O’Connell launched his attack with 2 kilometres to go but Martin O’Loughlin dived straight after him.
“It was a hard finish uphill into a headwind but I felt good so I opened my sprint a little earlier than I’d have liked,” said the eventual winner.
“Paul was still in front and I only passed him about 100m to go. Dion (McCarthy, runner up) was close on the line but I got it just about right.
Finishing 2nd in Broadford the weekend before last in a race won by Paidi O'Brien (Photo: Dc Images)
“Dion is a great sprinter and I’ve seen him beat elites before and there’s no doubt he’ll get stronger as the year goes on.”
O’Loughlin said he was delighted to win.
“All the juniors seem to be flying right about now so it’s great,” he said of the scene with the season ahead.
“My form is good; there’s a lot more to come but I want to keep that for the big goals which come later on in the season.
“Naturally I’m a year older, more experienced and a bit stronger in general from last year which is what you want to see each year at this age.”
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