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Swinand Wins in Stamullen
By Gary Mc
Apr 28, 2008, 14:13
Following on from Peter Hawkins win in Navan at the beginning of the season, the Senior riders of the Irish Road Club have been putting in some strong performances throughout the season so far.
On sunday it was Stamullen where 77 riders lined out in the S1-S2 event with Peter Hawkins, Simon Kelly, Greg Swinand and Vet Seamus Kelly representing the road club.
Conditions were glorious as the race set off. Unfortunatly on lap 2 Peter, fresh back from National Team duties in Tour of Turkey, had to withdraw with mechanical problems.
In an unusual race, the bunch stayed compact over the tough course.
It wasnt until Lap 5 of 6 did the decisive move get away which contained Seamus Kelly, who opted for the main event for more miles in preparation of Tour Of Ulster next weekend.
The leaders never got more than 35seconds from 2 chasers, 2007 Ras guest rider, Adam Armstrong and Simon Kelly with the bunch hot on their heels.
On the final lap, a chasing group of nine bridged the gap with only 2 miles remaining.
Fraser Duncan put in a massive solo effort just off the front of the group. He was joined by Greg Swinand on the run into Stamullen for the finish. Greg led out the sprint with the chasers hot on his heels. Greg took the win from Aidan Crowley, Craig Sweetman 3rd.Seamus Kelly finished an excellant 9th.
Special thanks to John Ryan who looked after the lads for the day. The riders badly need service backup for up and coming races. Many of the races have been covered so far by Andre Usher and Gary McIlroy, but due to College and Work commitments, this cannot continue, so any help would be greatly appreciated.
Next weekend is the Tour of Ulster. One of the top stage races used by the countries finest cyclists in preparation for the FBD Insurance Ras at the end of May.
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