Bikeworx's Hughes victorious after tough contest in Offaly

Keith Hughes romps home for victory on a night when rain threatened the staging of the event (Photo: www.jimmymcelroy.com – follow Jimmy on Facebook and Twitter)

Keith Hughes has emerged victorious from an action-packed evening of racing at the JJ Kinahan Criterium in Co Offaly.

The Bikeworx man was out front by a considerable margin at the end of the contest, taking the chequered flag almost 50 seconds ahead of best of the rest, Craig Sweetman from Stamullen MD Road Club.

Tony Bourke of Galway Bay CC rounded out the podium on the night.

The race was put at risk when the heavens opened just before the scheduled start.

And with the riders facing 40 minutes and three laps of racing on the closed circuit it seemed they were set for some treacherous conditions, if indeed the event was given the go-ahead.

However, the rain eased and gave way to safer road conditions, with Hughes powering on to win once he had given the rest of the field the slip.

Junior rider Chris Reddin of promoting club Wolftrap CC was particularly active in the chase.

He looked set for a strong finish until a crash ended those hopes in the circuit in Crinkill near Birr.

JJ Kinahan Criterium

Wed, Aug 5th: Crinkill, Co Offaly

1 Keith Hughes (Bikeworx)
2 Craig Sweetman (Stamullen MD Road Club)
3 Tony Burke (Galway Bay CC)
4 Arek Klus (Stamullen MD Road Club)
5 John Lee (Trim CC)
6 Tommy Hanrahan (North Tipp Wheelers)

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