Congratulations Paul Dunne.

Congratulations to Paul Dunne who last night (Wednesday 25th July 2007) won a Connaught Road Race held in Crossmolina, Co.Mayo. It was a shocking evening as 50 keen cyclists assembled for this years Connaught Road Race, a popular event that is held in association with the Crossmolina Community Festival. A 40 mile tough course lay ahead taking in Bellacorrick Power Station, a tough climb at 20 miles and 2 loops of Crossmolina town. The westerly wind that is ever present in this corner of Ireland was very strong in sections and that coupled with the rain that seemed to be coming down sideways made for a tough test for all those taking part. It was imperative that the groups had to work together to keep the gaps between them and the chasing cyclists. The tough climb at 20 miles splintered the group wide open, a group that contained Paul Dunne and David Sands. It was David Sands who made a solo breakaway on the climb and stayed clear until Crossmolina but there was only one cyclist who made the chase, Paul Dunne. Paul had worked very hard to make contact with David as they entered back into Crossmolina for a 2 lap criterium affair past Gortnor Abbey and through the town. Dispite the terrible weather people had turned out along the streets to cheer on the cyclists. It was quite clear that Paul had not expelled all his energy to catch David and dug deep into his reserves to pull away and go alone for the final 2 loops, neither of them realising that 2 other cyclists had also broken away from their group and had opened up a considerable gap, but Paul was closing fast. It became a nervous wait at the finish line to see if Paul could catch them in time. Then from around the corner only 100m from the tape Paul came into sight, he had timed his race perfectly and came charging past them like an express train from Dublin completely focused on winning his first road race. It was magnificant to witness this exciting finish and what a great achievement for Paul. Well Done from Liquid Motion.

July 25, 2007 10:28

David