By Shane Stokes
Already under pressure on Friday, Saturday was a nervous day for Rás Tailteann race leader Conor McGoldrick (UK: Richardsons Trek DAS), even if he was downplaying things during the post-race podium interview.
Key rivals took the virtual race lead not once but twice on Saturday, with a dangerous 11 man move clipping away inside the first hour of racing. Present were fifth-placed Dom Jackson (UK: Foran CCC), who had started the stage just 17 seconds back, and Damien Clayton (UK: Embark Spirit BSS). He was also a threat, sitting just 38 seconds off yellow in 12th place.
This group gained nearly three minutes and even if McGoldrick and his team managed to haul it back, they were exposed once again when the rider in second overall attacked inside the final 20 kilometres.
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Dan Gardener (UK: Embark Spirit BSS) had started the day just four seconds back and looked like he was heading for yellow when his lead increased to 17 seconds. The danger increased further when his teammate Joe Wilson and Dom Jackson bridged across, with Wilson then replaced by Jacob Smith (UK: Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli) out front.
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The move was finally reeled in inside the final kilometre, ending the danger for McGoldrick.
Speaking on the podium after the stage, he implied that things had been under control. Speaking to Stickybottle after that, he described the scenario a little differently. “It was pretty nervous,” he admitted.
However he added that his team deliberately gave the first move some leeway. “It was just such a long day, we really didn't want to have to control it for too much. Fairly early on, about 40k in, a pretty decent size of a break went, 11 guys. There were only two guys who were really a worry for GC.
“So we kind of were happy to let the gap go out. It got to about three minutes and then we started riding. We rode it back, quite a chaotic final 40k. It came together and I got the same time as the winner.”
Curiously he didn’t mention the late move by Gardener as being a concern. It was not clear whether he was always certain it would come back or he didn’t want to give his nearest rival a psychological boost.
And so, with one stage remaining, how confident is he? “I don't know,” he answered. “But it's within touching distance. We want it bad. I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet [that the win is so close]. But it'd be very, very special.”
