Mark Shannon of Burren CC has turned his recent top form into his first road race win of the season, crossing the line solo and with plenty of time to spare at the end of the Crotty Cup.
The 36-year-old finished off a very strong team performance today by attacking solo on a drag about 15km from the finish and having the legs to pull out a gap and make it all the way to the line.
Ronan Killeen of Lucan CRC took the runner-up placing behind Shannon while rowing Olympian Cathal Moynihan of Tralee Manor West BC rounded out the podium.
Early in the race - 135km in Kilrush promoted by West Clare Cycling Club - Shannon's Burren CC team mate Paul Kennedy attacked and got clear alone. The 41-year-old, who won the Bobby Power Memorial in Carrick-on-Suir on St Patrick's Day, spent the vast majority of the contest out front on his own.
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When he was clear it allowed his team mates - including eventual winner Shannon - to stay in the bunch and mark the counter attacks that were fired off the front in pursuit of lone leader Kennedy.
While Kennedy was eventually recaptured - after approximately 120km out front - Shannon then picked his moment; attacking over the top of a drag in what proved to be the race-winning move.
Shannon was 2nd in the season-opening Lacey Cup in Co Kerry in March, behind team mate Danny MacDonald, and followed that up with 3rd at Rás Luimní as well taking placings in other recent races.
More to come, including full results.
