McKenna and Cassidy put the power down in Rás Naomh Finian

Sean McKenna wins the main event at Rás Naomh Finian in Co Meath today (Photo: www.jimmymcelroy.com – follow Jimmy on Facebook and Twitter.)

Having both transferred from UCD CC to Aquablue during the winter, Sean McKenna and Colm Cassidy put on a demonstration of team riding and strength in their new colours in Co Meath today.

They filled the top two places in the Clonard Road Club-promoted Rás Naomh Finian after escaping not long after the start of the 74km out and back race.

There was a bumper turn-out for all four races down for decision, with a total of 320 riders signing on.

With the field facing a tough breeze as it raced from the start at Mother Hubbard’s out to Kilbeggan where they turned back for home, Cassidy and McKenna put the power down and quickly built a lead of more than one minute.

At the turn they had 1min 30secs in hand over the bunch behind in their A1-A2 race.

But that gap closed a little as the riders had the benefit of the breeze en route to the finish back in Clonard.

When the two leaders reached Rochefordbridge the gap had come down to 1:20.

However, on hearing the news that the chasers were gaining marginally on them, the two leaders simply put their heads down and found another gear.

The time they had lost was quickly reinstated, and some.

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By the finish, where McKenna took the honours, they had 2:30 to spare. It was the Dubliner’s third win of the year.

Two weeks ago he made the trip to Kerry for the Lacey Cup and came home with the trophy after dropping all of the scratch men and beating junior Simon Tuomey (Cork Giant CC) in a two-up sprint for the win.

This day last week he forged his way into a two-man move with first year U23 rider Daire Feeley of iTap.

And on the finish up the Dorey’s Forge ramp had too much for the youngster man and took victory.

McKenna was also 2nd to Damien Shaw (Team ASEA) in the Cycleways Cup in Navan last Sunday, meaning he's won three of his first four races of the year and been 2nd in the other.

Today David Coughlan (VeloRevolution) took the group sprint for 3rd place.

He came in ahead of veterans John Brady (Smart Lamp) and Craig Sweetman (Stamullen), with Sean Reynolds (BikeWorx) rounding out the top six.

Sat, March 7th: Rás Naomh Finian

Clonard, Co Meath

Promoted by Clonard Cycling Club

A1-A2 Race

1 Sean McKenna (Aquablue CC)
2 Colm Cassidy (Aquablue CC)
3 David Coughlan (VeloRevolution)
4 John Brady (Smart Lamp)
5 Craig Sweetman (Stamullen)
6 Sean Reynolds (BikeWorx)