The Gorey got off to a fast and furios start today, with the winning move forming shortly after the start. First a group of 7 got away (including Maritn Gill from the Wexford Wheelers) and then a further 8 joined them to form the breakaway group which was never to be seen again.
The main bunch of +- 190 riders then split into 2 on the Hacketstown hill. Murt and Alex made the first split while Mick Byrne, who up that stage was going very well, punctured and lost contact. After a wheel change, he joined the rest of the Slaney riders (Sean, Tom, Daniel and Alan) in the main group.
Coming in with 1km to go to the finish, Alex jumped away from the chasing group, finishing 19th, while Murt took the bunch sprint for 22nd place @ 2’31” off the winner.
Sean and Tom were next in, slightly of the main bunch, while Mick, Alan and Daniel, working well together, finished around 12min down on the winner.
Congratulations muste be said to Martin Gill of the Wexford Wheelers, finishing a great 6th on today’s stage
Tomorrow the riders start their TT @ around 11am, followed by the road stage in the afternoon. This is a great stage to watch and we encourage everyone to go out and support our riders.
Results after Stage 1:
19 Williams,Alex 2h35’14” @02’15”
22 Doyle,Murt 2h35’34” @ 02’35”
59 Collier,Sean 2h38’35” @05’36”
111 Romanowicz,Tomasz 2h45’51” @12’52”
121 Szczech,Danial 2h50’05” @ 17’06”
122 Murphy,Alan 2h50’05” @ s/t
124 Byrne,Mick 2h50’05” @ s/t
Slaney CC is 8th in the team competition @ 10’26”
Liam has taken some pics and we will have them up on the site asap. There are also some photos on the Irish Cycling site.