Greg Swinand takes Newbridge GP as sensational UCD escape trio sweeps podium

New UCD signing, Greg Swinand takes the Newbridge GP after getting clear in a three-man winning move with team mates Anthony Walsh (left) and Sean McKenna (right) in an astounding team performance; the trio seen here in a fantastic photography by Sean Rowe.

Greg Swinand has marked his move from Usher Irish Road Club to UCD CC with victory in the Newbridge Grand Prix in Co Kildare today, Sunday.

The former national vets' champion came home, arms aloft, flanked by team mates Anthony Walsh and Sean McKenna after all three made the initial five-man escape and dropped the other two riders who were initially with them.

In the main event for A1 and A2 riders, a bunch of around 90 men began six laps of a 17.5km circuit with a climb each time that was sure to cause problems for the weaker riders and act as a launch pad for those looking to do some damage.

After a fast start with plenty of attacking, a five-man group pulled clear. In it were the UCD CC trio of Walsh and McKenna – who were 3^rd and 4^th at Rás Naomh Finian in Clonard yesterday - and Swinand.

Joining the three team mates were Shane Baker (Usher Irish Road Club) and Michael Fitzgerald (VeloRevolution).

They had a gap of around 50 seconds when yesterday’s winner in Clonard Javan Nulty (DID Dunboyne) took flight from the bunch in pursuit of the leaders.

His move quickly morphed into a four-man chase group hunting down the five leaders. With Nulty for company in the chase group was, among others, former team mate Danny Bruton now with French outfit AC Bisontine. They soon became a seven-man group as three riders got across.

Going onto the last lap of six, the four leaders had 1:15 to Nulty, with the six chasers a further 15 seconds back.

Up front, Baker had lost his place but a very honest Fitzgerald was doing his fair share of work despite being hopelessly outnumbered.

The UCD contingent then dropped Fitzgerald last time up the climb, leaving the UCD trio of Walsh, McKenna and Swinand to put the power down for home. The only thing left to decide was who would take the honours.

Would the win be gifted to young McKenna; the up and coming baby of the trio? Would Walsh get to climb to the top step on the podium after two 2^nd places last weekend at the Mick Lally Memorial and Cycleways Cup and a 3^rd place in Clonard yesterday?