Paul Kennedy on taking his biggest ever win at Rás Mumhan

Paul Kennedy on taking his biggest ever win at Rás Mumhan

Paul Kennedy was the man of the day on stage two of the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan. As well as taking the stage he also claimed the race leader's yellow jersey (All photos by Brendan Slattery)

By Brian Canty

Paul Kennedy had a day to remember today when he won the second stage of the Kerry Group Rás Mumhan. He also took over as leader of the race.

The Newcastlewest native, riding for the local club, upstaged all the big names.

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His overall lead on runner-up Eoin Morton (UCD-Fitzcycles.ie) is only two seconds. And he reckons he will lose the yellow jersey tomorrow.

But he said he won’t go down without a big fight.

“I’m delighted for myself and delighted for the club as well. All the supporters were there at the finish. It means a lot to us,” he said.

“I wasn’t expecting to get away. But Morton organised the break fairly well when we went.

“We had the two young lads,” he said of Conn McDunphy and Dermot Trulock.

“And Dillon Byrne (VCUK Velo Champion) was riding well too.”

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Top, king of the hills Sean Lacey leads former overall winner Mark Dowling. Middle, the break gets down to business. Bottom, Eoin O'Connell leads the chase group that very nearly made it all the way (Photos by BrendanSlattery)

That break of five got away early on the 130km stage from Listowel to Athea.

Amazingly, the escape wasn’t caught despite a concerted chase from a group of seven riders.

“We all rode through,” continued Kennedy of the honest effort up front.

“I thought we’d be caught because there were no Aqua Blue Academy or Strata3-VeloRevolution.

“We thought they’d be like maniacs riding behind. But the gaps just went out and we kept going.”

Coming to the line for the finish, Kennedy sensed he could win. But he knew it would take everything he had.

“The young lads were sitting on but Byrne was doing a lot of work. There was a stall with 2km to go. I attacked and held it all the way.”

As for holding the yellow jersey tomorrow he was less than optimistic.

“We just have to enjoy tomorrow and get through it. I’ve no plan and I don’t think I will hold it.

“I wouldn’t expect to. I’ll just follow wheels and see what happens.”