Greg Swinand pounces for win as break explodes on day not for feint hearted in Ulster

Greg Swinand solos to victory on stage one of the Tour of Ulster today; the remains of the winning escape just behind him (Photo: Jim Halferty)

By Gerard Cromwell

Despite fears earlier in the season that the Newbridge Grand Prix might be his last big win, veteran Greg Swinand has taken another big victory on the opening stage of the Tour of Ulster today.

The UCD rider soloed clear of a fragmented front group to claim the first yellow jersey of the race after a very aggressive opening stage in Maghera.

Aqua Blue duo Bryan McCrystal and Damien Shaw were quick to show their hand and were first across the intermediate sprint line at Coagh after just 28kms as the first moves of the day began to open the race up.

Anthony Murray (Bikeworx) took the first King of the Hills prime ahead of Gary Jeffers (Carn Wheelers) and Shaw but soon after it was all change as McCrystal and Shaw were replaced at the head of the race by teammates Sean Lacey and defending champion Joe Fenlon.

The two were part of a 12 man escape that also included the Liquidworx Fitscience duo of Mike Storan and Patrick Clarke, David Watson and James McMaster of North Down, Robin Kelly and Anthony Murray of Bikeworx, Art McManusa and Greg Swinand of UCD and lone rangers Keith Gater (Dig Deep / Inspired) and John Mason (DID Dunboyne).

Gator beat McMaster and Fenlon to the second intermediate sprint in Antrim after 118km where the escapees had over 40 seconds to a group of 23 chasers, with the peloton 1’40” back.

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Former mountain biker Mason then led the breakaways across the climb of Creggan ahead of Swinand and Dolan and then beat Lacey and Swinand to the top of Knockloughran with just 10km to go, to earn the first polka dot jersey of this year’s race.

With the longest race of the season thus far beginning to take it's toll and the lead group fragmenting, Swinand launched his winning move on the run in to Maghera, coming home 10 seconds clear of Watson, who beat Mason and Lacey for second place.

Defending champion Fenlon outsprinted Liam Dolan of Cuculainn and Gater for fifth place six seconds later with Eoin Morton UCD) coming in seven seconds clear of the bunch for eighth.

As well as taking the first yellow jersey of this year's Tour of Ulster, Swinand also leads the points competition, while Cormac Clarke leads the U23 competition and Aqua Blue lead the team classification.