Darcey Harkness has taken the opening stage and the first yellow jersey of the Newry Three Day in very wet conditions last night. The 19-year-old cyclocross international held off her Cycling Ulster team mate Jemma Speers in the final sprint to the line from the front group.
Aine Doherty, an U16 rider and VC Glendale club mate of Harkness, was right in the mix; the dual cyclocross and road rider placing 3rd in the elite field in the elbows out finish.
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At the end of 58km of racing, an a circuit in Newry, the women's field split significantly, with an 11-rider group finishing clear of the rest of the field. Some 45 seconds elapsed before the next group, of six riders, crossed the line. After that the gaps were much bigger.
The racing continues for the women's field today, Saturday, with a 88km road race stage.
Sprints & Climbs
