Alongside the guys riding in Orwell colours, Conor Murnane donned a Leinster fersey for the recent 3 Day Rás Dhún na nGall.
A brilliant opportunity to experience a new level of team riding with full support, the Junior rider took it all in his stride, eventually finishing 28th overall, with the team's highest finisher being Sean Moore in 17th.
Glenties, Glengesh, guts, but no glory
Conor Murnane
Last weekend I had my first experience of riding for the Leinster team in Rás Donegal. It was a fantastic experience. We were looked after by Damien Long and Benner from Drogheda Wheelers. They gave us tactical advice, all the food we could eat and made sure our bikes were always in perfect working order. All we had to do was ride.
The opening stage was a short but tough 50km that gave us a taste of what was in store for the rest of the weekend. It was windy with endless hills and fast descents.
Stage 2 was a hill climb TT. It was a difficult course into a headwind and had a max. gradient of 15%. It didn’t go well for me but my legs felt ready for the afternoon stage.
Stage 3. This was the hardest race I’ve ever done. The wind was ferocious and the bunch was lined out for most of the race. There were numerous crashes caused by riders being blown off the road. Luckily no Orwell riders came down. I somehow managed to stay in the bunch. I won the bunch sprint for 14th place. I was delighted with the result considering it was such a hard day.
The final stage looked the hardest on paper but luckily the wind died down. It was still a difficult stage with the finish on top of the infamous Glengesh. I could feel the previous stage in my legs every time the road went up.
It was a great race. I’d certainly recommend it to any A2/A3 racer. Thanks to Damien and Benner who kept us going over the three days and gave up their weekends for us. Dave McLoughlin also deserves a mention for all the coaching advice he has given me throughout the year. Now my focus turns to the Junior Tour of Ireland in 5 weeks’ time. Hopefully I’ll have another experience of riding with Leinster there.
Rás Dhún na nGall, Ardara (5-7/6/2015)
Stage 1
1 F Honore,Mikkel ERR Errigall CC 1h20'24"
11 Collins,Diarmuid ORW Orwell Wheelers CC @19"
52 Murnane,Conor LEI Cycling Leinster @33"
61 Sheridan,Fionn ORW Orwell Wheelers CC @s/t
93 Busher,Jamie 3 Orwell Wheelers @s/t
109 Geoghegan,Michelle L Saint Martin @03'30"
111 Maher,David M50 ORW Orwell Wheelers CC @04'07"
Stage 2
Not available at time of posting
Stage 3
1 F Honore,Mikkel ERR Errigall CC 2h15'23"
14 Murnane,Conor LEI Cycling Leinster @02'38"
99 Geoghegan,Michelle MAR Saint Martin @18'13"
113 Busher,Jamie ORW Orwell Wheelers CC @21'13"
Stage 4
1 Cunningham ,Derek M40 BIK Team Bikeworx Celbrid 2h46'30"
23 Murnane,Conor LEI Cycling Leinster @01'02"
69 Busher,Jamie ORW Orwell Wheelers CC @01'59"
99 Geoghegan,Michelle MAR Saint Martin @09'10"
Final GC
1 F Honore,Mikkel J Errigall CC 6h31'24"
28 Murnane,Conor J Cycling Leinster @06'00"
88 Busher,Jamie 3 Orwell Wheelers @25'13"
100 Geoghegan,Michelle L Saint Martin @34'46"
