Padraig Marrey prevails again, soloing to strong victory in mud of storm-battered Tuam

Padraig Marrey wears well the marks of a very muddy and wet battle in Tuam yesterday (Photo with thanks to Sean O'Malley)

Veteran rider Padraig Marrey has shown once again he’s a man for all seasons, making the best of atrocious conditions in the west of Ireland yesterday to take the third and final round of the Connacht Cyclocross League.

The Western Lakes CC veteran won all three rounds of the news series west of the Shannon to lift the overall title with a maximum tally of 60 points.

Yesterday’s event in The Palace grounds in Tuam was shortened to 10 laps of a 1.1km circuit but despite the breezy, sodden and muddy conditions riders from Mullingar, Clare, Athlone, Ballina and Ballinrobe all braved the elements.

Most of the course was water logged even the downhill stretches became a struggle, not to mention the two long uphill running sections.

From the drop of the flag, Mullingar’s Steve Franzone seemed to determined to take it to the rest of the field, shooting ahead out from front to take an early lead from Stuart Cox (Blackrose Racing), with Sean Cunningham (Shannonside CC), Marrey and Paul Dunne (Ballina) not far behind.

As the underfoot conditions worsened – the churn of the riders finishing of mother nature’s efforts – Marrey’s running experience came into play and he dragged back Franzone by lap 3 and then pulled clear.

The leader then pressed home his advantage once he had opened that lead and like a fortnight ago in Westport House, he lapped almost the entire field.

Behind Franzone held on for 2^nd place, with Cunningham coming through strong for 3rd.

The event was organised by Tuam CC with the support of Tuam Town council, Tuam swimming pool and Connacht Cycling. See results below.

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The cyclists’ travel agent, Neenan Travel are still taking bookings for the World Cyclo Cross Championships in Hoogerheide, Netherlands, January 31st- Feb 3rd, for what sounds like a great weekend away. Places are limited at this stage.
Details on www.neenan.travel/cycling
Or call Alan Neenan on 0868233791