Mark Dowling wins 'Velotec Galway Classic' from Chris Reilly and Ryan Sherlock

Mark Dowling has won the Velotec Galway Classic in Athenry this afternoon, Saturday (Photo: www.blackumbrellaphotography.com)

Mark Dowling has added further to his growing list of wins this season in taking the inaugural Velotec Galway Classic in Athenry, Co Galway, this afternoon, Saturday.

The Polygon Sweet Nice rider edged out Chris Reilly (Bohermeen) into second place, with his own team mate Ryan Sherlock filling the final spot on the podium.

The blustery and showery conditions made for some tough racing which was not made any easier by the fact the race was a 100km trek over four circuits of a lumpy course.

The A3 riders were given a four minute handicap over the combined A1&A2 group. The scratch group featured some very strong riders and they set about reeling in their prey up the road immediately the race began.

On the second of the four laps, just starting the KOM prime climb, the groups came together. The strong men immediately made their presence felt, putting everyone else under pressure.

From that period of activity forged ahead a very strong breakaway featuring Sherlock, Dowling and Reilly as well as Nigel Forde (Galway Bay), David Brenna (Castlebar CC) and John Mannix (Killarney CC).

This group stayed away to the finish where Dowling took victory.