From the Beijing Olympics in a boat to a yellow jersey on a bike in Kerry; it's been an interesting journey thus far for the multi talented Cathal Moynihan (Photo: www.blackumbrella.ie)
By Brian Canty
While no stranger to winning bike races, Cathal Moynihan’s victory on the opening stage of the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan in Killorglin this afternoon was a surprise result that upstaged many of the established names who travelled to Kerry this week hunting big prizes.
“I’m surprised and shocked,” an elated Moynihan said afterwards.
“I did a big block of training recently and I wasn’t sure whether I’d be back up to full fitness but I’m obviously getting there.
“I got in a break with around 30km to go and everyone in it worked. There was a bit of attacking from Milltown with eight kilometres to go but I knew the road very well and bided my time.
Advertisement
“I got the jump just outside a kilometre to go on a slight rise in the road. I knew there was a dip after that so I drove on and got the gap and was clear by the bridge with 200 metres left.
“The Dutch guy (Dekker) tried to come across to me. I pulled a gap on him, he gained initially but not any more than that. To ride up the hill on my own is just brilliant.
“I had thought about it before and it’s exactly where I would have attacked if I had a choice. It just worked out. It’s a great feeling, especially in Kerry, we all love sport down here and all my family and friends were here, so to see the hard work pay off is very special.
Related News
“I was a complete underdog,” he continued.
“I’m shaking here. The strength of the field, I was surprised the break went away because everything up to that had failed. And it was the first time I actually went off the front.”
As regards holding the yellow jersey until Monday though, he was less than optimistic.
“All our riders are good, but we’re a small club, and I don’t think it’s a priority to hold the yellow jersey. I’ll ride my best and if I’m in the first couple of groups (tomorrow) I’ll be happy with that.
“I’ve had a good career in sport, rowing the Olympics is the pinnacle of any career and that is something I targeted for many, many years and it’s very special to me but today.
“I think considering I’m full-time working, it’s very special to me and to do it in Kerry it’s even more special. I appreciate it because it’s a brilliant race, and it will be an honour to ride in the yellow jersey today.”
Topics
