Ronan McLaughlin takes victory at 'Donegal Bay Kermesse' with strong, aggressive solo effort

An Post-Chainreaction's Ronan McLaughlin on his way to victory in a sweltering Mountcharles on Saturday (Photo courtesy of Ted McCaffrey & Donegal Bay CC, homepage image by Toby Watson)

Ronan McLaughlin of the An Post-Chainreaction team has made good use of a mid-season trip home from his base in Belgium, taking victory in the inaugural ‘Donegal Bay Kermesse’ at the weekend.

The race - in Mountcharles, Co Donegal - consisted of a 6km circuit with a 1km climb on each lap. The severe heat forced the shortening of the race from 13 laps to 10, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees and the tar melting badly on the road.

It was so hot for the riders that they were hosed down as they passed through the village on each lap and were kept well stocked with bottles.

In the main event for A1, A2 and A3 riders, the A3s were given a five-minute handicap on the combined A1-A2 group.

The gap was soon whittled down, with McLaughlin driving on the front of the scratch group. At the head of the race, Conor McAteer (Bann Valley Road Club) had attacked the limit group and opened a gap, working hard on his own.

However by the fourth lap McLaughlin had left the scratch group on his own and caught the talented junior, who then hung onto McLaughlin for a short period before being distance and eventually abandoning, undoubtedly paying for his efforts on such a hot day.

The impressive and aggressive McLaughlin soloed to victory three minutes ahead of second-placed Marc Potts; a good result for the Omagh Wheelers rider who is heading for Belgium today, Monday. Mike Millar of Phoenix CC rounded out the podium.

Earlier in the day, the A4 race – a 60km route around a 5km circuit that included a tough 800m climb – was won by Charlie Gallagher of Errigal CC.

On the third ascent of the climb, Kieran Mulligan of the host club Donegal Bay CC opened a gap of 20 seconds. On the fourth lap he was joined by eventual winner Gallagher.

The pair worked well together, but behind a chase group formed including three Tirchonaill GAP riders as well as Vincent McCarron (Strabane-Lifford CC), Gerard Maguire (Phoenix CC) and Joe Mulleady (Leitrim CC).

Up front Mulligan paid for his early efforts and was distanced by Gallagher on the penultimate climb as Gallagher soloed to victory. Mulligan hung on for second, with Leitrim’s Mulleady in third.

The prize fund of €750 on the day was sponsored by Ted's Bike Shop and the KOH primes were sponsored by Donegal Bay Oysters.