Armagh Downpatrick Classic

This weekend saw the Martin Cadden sponsored Eire Og racing team score their best result of the year so far when Turlough Mooney finished a fine 9th place in the prestigious Downpatrick Armagh Classic Road Race. The team was represented by Turlough and Daire Mooney along with Basil Freeman. The 120 km event drew an entry of over 100 riders with regional teams from Leinster and Ulster included. Parcours on the day can only be described as undulating with one rider likening the course to the famous Tor of Flanders due to the number and severity of the climbs along the route.
The race began in cool but dry conditions in Downpatrick with the first attack of the day coming at the drop of the start flag. This attack was short lived but was followed by numerous counter attacks which eventually saw 3 riders slip away from the field at the 5 km mark. A slight lull in the bunch at this point meant that the break quickly opened up a 1 minute lead before the bunch reacted. Coming out of Ballynahinch at 15 km the bunch were in hot pursuit at speeds topping out at over 80 kph but the 3 escapees were riding very strong and kept their lead at the 1 minute mark. The 3 Eire OG Cadden riders were riding well and staying out of trouble at the front of the bunch with Daire Mooney slipping off the front on a few occasions but never managing to break the elastic. With 80 km covered the main bunch were sent off course which saw the leaders increase the advantage to 2 minutes. When the bunch eventually got back on track they took a while to get organised again and never managed to get the gap back down below 1 minute. At the finish Peter Wilson of Maryland Wheelers took the win ahead of Thomas Martin of the Ulster team. Just under a minute later the bunch arrived and in the sprint for 4th place Turlough Mooney Finished up a good days racing for the Cadden sponsored squad with 9th spot. Both of the other Eire Og Cadden boys were in the top 20 and were placed well up in the team event. Team manager Tony Mooney was pleased with the riders display and sees it as an encouraging sign ahead of the Mooney Trophy and Markievicz Cup races which are to be held in 2 weeks time, both events where the Eire Og boys are hoping to perform well.

A team meeting will take place this Thursday evening at 8pm. Contact the secretary for details. Training this weekend on Saturday and Sunday at 9am from Markievicz Park.