Luke Smith wins Kells Criterium from heavy-hitter breakaway group

*Moynalty CC's Luke Smith was delighted with his victory in front of a home crowd in the Kells Criterium last night in Co Meath (Photo: Toby Watson)*

Luke Smith (Moynalty CC) has taken an impressive win at the Kells Criterium in Co Meath; triumphing in a fast and furious contest after a long-range effort in the race promoted by his own club.

Smith (24) moved to the head of affairs, within a really strong breakaway group, very early in the race. However, rather than bide his time until closer to the finish, he counter-attacked after some moves by the others in the lead group around the halfway point.

After Leo Doyle (ARBO-Headstart ON Fahrrad), one of the star performers at last weekend's National Road Championships in Co Tyrone, put in a stinging attack off the front of the breakaway, Smith seized his chance.

He jumped clear and opened a gap, before he put the head down and rode away solo for the remainder of the race.

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Smith had pulled clear early in a strong group which also included, among others: Doyle, Mark Dowling (All human-VeloRevolution), Jason Kenny (UCD Cycling Club), Lindsay Watson (Powerhouse Sport) and Aaron Wade, the Cortizo Aluminium Team rider who won at the Mondello Series on Tuesday night.

When Wade lost his place at the front, unexpectedly, early in the race, the others seized on that and pressed forward, clearly anxious to ensure the sprinter did not return. And as Smith was riding his home race, and really wanted to win, he was heavily marked by the others.

However, when Doyle attacked around the halfway point and Smith countered and opened a gap, he fully committed to that move and was never seen again. The group behind split under the pressure of the chase; a dead turn on the course also sapping the legs each lap.

Smith took advantage of the fact half the course was uphill, making gains there and also recovering well on the many corners; his speed never faltering once he had forged ahead. He ran out a comfortable winner of the main event on the night, with Watson taking 2nd place and Doyle rounding out the podium.