Westport GP 2008

The Martin Cadden sponsored Eire Og Cycling Team were back in action this weekend in Westport Co. Mayo. Lining out in the Westport Grand Prix for the team were Turlough Mooney, Daire Mooney and Basil Freeman. The race was run over a very hilly route around the Sheafry Mountains for a total of 110 kms.

With a block headwind to contend with on the run in to Louisbourgh the bunch stayed together for the first 25 km but shortly afterwards the Pezula Racing riders went to the front and split the bunch in the crosswind section on the road to Leenaun. For the next 20 kms the Cadden sponsored riders chased hard to get back into contention and regained the front group at Aisleagh Falls. At this point Daire Mooney attacked out of the bunch hoping to initiate an escape group but found himself off the front without any help and soon back in the clutches of the main field. After a few more failed escape attempts, Alan Buckley of Limerick CC broke clear and was soon joined by 6 other riders. Having no riders in the break the Cadden sponsored team set about chasing the break but with little help from the other teams the break continued to increase their lead.

On the road to Aughagower Mooney slipped off the front of the chasing group on the hilly terrain but was brought back to the bunch each time and with only 5km to the finish it was game over for the main bunch. At the finish Mike Reddan of Dublin Wheelers took the honours ahead of Alan Buckley of Limerick with all the Cadden sponsored Eire Og team finishing safely in the main bunch.

Next weekend’s racing takes place in Kilmessan for the Beechmount Cup. Training continues on Saturday and Sunday mornings from Markievicz Park at 9. Check out our website www.eireogcycling.com for all the latest cycling news and pictures