Brian Ahern showed that he hasn't lost any of his class despite time off the bike, following his 5th place at Mondello on Tuesday by taking a fine win in last night's bunch gallop at Black Bull.
Despite the threat of torrential rain, there was a reasonable turn-out at sign-on. Only one brief shower troubled the riders throughout the race however, leaving the course relatively dry and safe. Thanks also to the numerous marshalls who kept the junctions clear for the race to pass through.
The two limit groups were sent off together with a generous five minute handicap, and two laps of the Mullagh circuit to keep the Scratch groups at bay. The chasers worked well on what was a gusty night, making the catch the second time through the sharp S-bend near the Mullagh.
From then on the attacks were fast and furious, with Brians Ahern and McArdle constantly jumping off the front. Sprinter Pat O'Brien let his intentions be known, constantly sitting third wheel, and either getting in or covering most moves. The riders at the head of the race let nothing go though, reeling in every breakaway with a slow inevitability.
As they made the turn at Batterstown with 3km left, the peloton was mostly together, with a sprint finish almost a certainty. With 2km to go, a bold move of three riders clipped off the front, but were brought back well before the line.
Ahern and O'Brien were battling hard at the front of the run-in, with Ahern winning it by a clear margin over O'Brien in the end. David Halpin took his second 3rd in a row, and likewise Jeffrey Hoare placed 4th after taking 5th last week. Jamie Busher followed his bronze medal at the weekend with 5th in the league, and John Twomey took the last of the prizes, himself and Hoare the only Limit riders to place.
The league committee announced after the race that Orla Hendron was to be penalised 3 points for feeding within the last 15km.
That means the top of the table remains unchanged, with the only significant move being Patrick O'Brien edging closer to Gavin Dodd's second place - he now sits only one point off Dodd.
Next week is the team time trial (TTT), happening out at Brittas. If you haven't already got a team, head over to the forum to put out a call!
Orwell League R17: Black Bull CP
1 Brian Ahern (S)
2 Patrick O'Brien (S)
3 David Halpin (SS)
4 Jeffrey Hoare (SL)
5 Jamie Busher (SS)
6 John Twomey (SL)
Unplaced woman:
Ciara Kinch
