Eoin Morton takes Meath Grand Prix at the forefront of quality final podium

Eoin Morton was one of the very best county riders in the An Post Rás and his victory today shows he has emerged from that race in great form.

By Gerard Cromwell

Eoin Morton of UCD has won a hard fought four-man sprint in Navan today, Sunday, to take victory at the Sean Nolan Memorial Meath Grand Prix.

One of the most aggressive county riders at the recent An Post Rás, Morton showed that he has recovered well after an attacking eight days in the saddle and was one of 10 riders to go clear on the opening lap today.

Although some strong riding by Conor Murphy of Caldwell Cycles on the 40km circuit's main hill shed a handful of riders each lap, Morton was still there at the bell.

He was alongside Murphy, winner of the county rider prize on the Rás's final three stages Mark Dowling (DID Dunboyne) and evergreen former national veterans champion Martin O'Loughlin (Iverk Produce Carrick).

Into a strong headwind and with the chase group closing in on them, O'Loughlin led out the final sprint where Morton proved strongest of the lead quartet, holding off Dowling by half a bike length with Murphy a close third.

It was Morton's second victory of the season thus far and his third victory on the Navan circuit, having won the A4 and A3 races in previous years.