Write a commentThe revamped Tour of the Mournes took place on Sunday past promoted by Newry Wheelers midst bright sunshine and heavy showers writes Marian Lamb.
The longer 72 mile route caused a few of the riders to demand the return of the 'traditional route' for 2015 as the leg sapping roads and high pace meant that riders had to work hard to stay in play.
A break went early on and as predicted Newry Wheelers Jude Sands was one of the driving forces, anxious to bring the coveted trophy back to the Club. Along with him was another Newry hopeful, sixteen year old Junior, Cathal Clarke, who showed today how he has grown in strength and race tactics. Sean McIntyre of Orchard CC who must have been feeling tired from his efforts in yesterday's John Beggs was also in the break with Curran's David Hamilton. Along with them were Sean Loughran (Cuchulainn CC), Barry Monaghan (Newry Wheelers) and another Junior, Ryan Reilly from Foyle CC.
The group kept up a blistering pace and opened a gap of over a minute back to the chasing group which was powered by riders such as Mark Kane (Northern Dave Kane) and Jason Henry (U/A). Newry Wheelers had this covered however with Des Woods, Mark McKinley and Gareth McCullough all in there watching and making sure that no potential threats were taken up to the break. The strong Nicholas Roche Performance Team pairing of Mark Downey, another winner yesterday, and Aaron Swan were always a danger.
The road out of Kilkoo heading for Castlewellan included some long steep drags but there was a strong tailwind and it was here that Drew McKinley and Gareth McCullough seized their chance. Having already broken from the main bunch which had splintered by this stage they powered up the climbs eventually closing the gap to the leaders. This was some ride by both men.
The excitement was already building and the home club were more and more hopeful of a Newry win with such a dominant presence in the break.Word was coming in that three riders, McKinley, Reilly and Hamilton had broken free of the leaders and were out on their own increasing the gap all the time.
As the riders came around the roundabout heading into the final straight tension was building at the line. Three riders appeared and it was heads down for the sprint. Reilly was out in front and it was a gamble if he could hold it to the line. But his gamble paid off as the ecstatic teenager powered over the line to take the win.
It was almost two minutes later before the remnants of the original break appeared. First in was Newry duo Gareth McCullough and Jude Sands followed by Derek Cunningham (Bikeworx) and Des Woods of Newry.
A few seconds later McIntyre soloed home to take points for eighth place. The final two places in this race went to Jason Henry who took the bunch sprint from Mark Downey..
This was an excellent promotion by Newry Wheelers and much of the organisation lay with Drew McKinley who ensured that everything was in place. The roads were well marked and both warning and distance signage was in place. Afterwards Newry Wheelers had their usual fantastic spread of food in the Newry Sports Arena and many thanks to all those who supplied the food and catered for everyone
Thanks are also due to both the ambulance crew and the race doctor. It is unfortunate that their services were required today. Two riders were taken to hospital for a check up as a precaution following a crash. There were a large number of civilian motorbike marshalls covering the race and their help is much appreciated. Cycling Ulster would like to wish those involved in the crash a speedy recovery.
Tour of the Mournes 2014 Results.
Ryan Reilly (Foyle CC)
David Hamilton (Curran Racing)
Drew McKinley (Newry Wheelers)
Gareth McCullough (Newry Wheelers)
Jude Sands (Newry Wheelers)
Derek Cunningham (Team Bike Worx)
Des Woods (Newry Wheelers)
Sean McIntyre (Orchard CC)
Jason Henry (Unattached)
Mark Downey (Newry Wheelers)
Report by Marian Lamb, Cycling Ulster
