O’Leary wins Rás Luimní solo after epic 60km breakaway

Robert O’Leary is one of the most promising juniors in the country at present as his epic win in Rás Luimní underlines. The Cork-Giant racing team man was gone on the opening lap today and was not seen again before the finish (Photo: Sean Rowe)

By Brian Canty

Robert O’Leary claimed a marvellous solo victory in the A3 event at Rás Luimní in Caherconlish, Limerick, on Sunday this afternoon; riding the entire final lap by himself.

The Cork-Giant racing team rider had been one of the most aggressive in the early part of the three-lap, 90-kilometre, affair.

And his constant attacking paid dividends when he escaped in the latter section of the opening lap with Andrew Aherne (Carrick Wheelers).

The pair rode up-and-over for the second lap but as they took the bell for the final circuit Aherne lost contact and O’Leary pressed on alone.

He maintained a steady tempo out front and his margin ballooned to almost two minutes. But with some strong wind and a concerted chase behind he saw that gap trimmed.

Behind, a group of 10 managed to clip off the front and closed to within 50 seconds of the charging O’Leary.

Related News

Lara Gillespie attacks Dolomite stage as Giro hits high mountains

Video - Ireland's Meehan climbs with best on brutal Alpine terrain

But the 18-year old clung on for a remarkable win, his first since he was an U16 rider, and easily the biggest of his career.

Crossing the line some 20 seconds clear of two chasers, O’Leary punched the air and is now setting his sights on Irish selection for the Junior Nations Cup event Gent-Wevelgem over Easter.

“It was absolutely amazing to come to the line on my own; it made all the winter days out in the rain worthwhile,” he said.

“I’m in Leaving Cert and giving my all to that but all the hard work and help from my coach Will Curtin paid off.

“The commissaires came up to me inside 10k to go to tell me there was a group of 10 around 50 seconds back but I didn’t want them coming across so I just put my head down and rode hard.

“It was still touch and go all the way to the line because it’s a hard finish but I felt good.

“I hope this can put me in the frame for selection on the national team now. That’s a big goal of mine and I know if I go (to Gent-Wevelgem) I’ll do my job.”