Prendergast storms to solo win in Galway after race-long escape

Jason Prendergast (Fitscience) was a popular winner of the Galway Crit tonight after spending much of the race out front alone. On his right is runner-up David Brenna (Castlebar CC) and on his left is Sean O'Connor of the host club who finished third. Also pictured are first unplaced junior Dion McCarthy (Zanatta Lotto) and cycling legend Sean Kelly (Photo courtesy of Donal Kelly)

By Brian Canty

Jason Prendergast has soloed to a brilliant win in the second annual Galway Criterium.

The Fitscience rider was unstoppable last night, spending much of the race up the road on his own, despite some brave bids from a number of riders to bridge across to him.

Prendergast, who rode the An Post Ras for the first time last month, has clearly come out of that in some good condition.

And he will further look to improve his form in the weeks leading up to the national championships where he will be considered an outside bet for an U23 road race medal.

Tonight, on front of a watching Sean Kelly who was in attendance, Prendergast beat David Brennan (Castlebar CC) into second with Sean O’Connor of the host club, Galway Bay, taking the bronze medal.

First year junior Dion McCarthy was the first unplaced junior; the Zanetta Lotto man taking home some consolation for a long trip up from Cork.

The race was only 35 minutes +1 lap and no handicap was given, which meant a massed start.

It was a tight circuit in the Highfield Park housing estate the riders had to contend with, made no easier by the presence of six corners and two speed bumps.