In what was near perfect conditions for racing, Slaney CC sent out a team in both of this morning races in Craanford.
M40 Race
In the over 40 age category Brian Maher, Derek Doyle and Warren Gillen set off in the 5 lap 133.5km race. From the very start the pace was set a blistering rate that saw a lot riders being dropped by the time the group was leaving Gorey on the very first lap and a 4 man breakaway establish a 35 second gap. Brian was safely in the chasing group but unfortunately Derek and Warren were unable to make the 3 minute time cut and their race was over. By the end of the second lap the breakaway was caught and Brian was mid group but the fast pace of the race was beginning to take it’s toll and by the end of the fourth lap and completing 100km at an average speed of 41kph and over 2 minutes behind the leaders he decided his race was done.
The race was eventually won by Dale Walker from Phoenix CC in a time of 3 hours 12 minutes 44 seconds.
M50 Race
Ten minutes after the M40 race departed Craanford it was the turn of the M50’s to take to the road. Here the 2 Paul’s, Bolger and Noble, Fran Maddock and Joe Fortune started the 4 lap, 106.5km race. This race was just as quick as the younger event with riders being stretched out along the circuit from the very start. By the end of the first lap a 1 man breakaway was formed with all 4 Slaney riders safely within the 3 minute time cut. At the end of the second lap Greg Swinand had increased his lead of the race. It was at this stage that Paul Noble was feeling the effects of yesterdays Time Trial efforts and decided his day was up. This time, Fran and Joe were unable to make the time cut. At the same Paul Bolger was bidding his time safely in the group. On the final lap and with attempts to attack the leader, Swinand who also won yesterdays M50 Time Trial, was unable to be caught with a 12 second lead to the chasing group in which included Paul Bolger. With the final sprint for the line Paul finished in a very respectable 8th place.
Well done to all the Slaney riders today and a big thank you to John Redmond, Billy Harris, Bill Jordan and James Maddock for their support of the 2 teams in today’s races and to the members of the club who were their to support and encourage our riders .
