First, second, third and fourth… Plus the team prize. You can’t do much better than that. Well done to Martin O’ Loughlin, Kevin Shelly, Cathal McCarthy and Rory Wyley who led the way in the Corkman 3 Day in Kanturk. Also to Michael O’ Loughlin and Sean Hahessy who made the underage prizes.
First in action was Michael in the Under 12 race. A 5 man break contested the sprint, with Declan Mulholland of Lurgan beating Michael by half a wheel. It was a similar story for his father when he jumped first after a brilliant leadout from Rory Wyley. The headwind was just a bit too strong, and Ciaran Mangan, home from the USA got his nose in front at the line.
The time trial was to prove decisive for the seniors. A tough headwind made conditions difficult. The Carrick Wheelers came out blazing when firstly Kevin Shelly set the fastest time of 11.52. Cathal McCarthy did a 12.02, and Rory Wyley a 12.04. Martin O’ Loughlin put the icing on the cake with an 11.50.
As the 5th placed rider was 21 seconds behind Rory, the Dan Morrissey Carrick Wheelers men held a firm grip of the race which they went on to control over Stages 3 & 4. Sean McIlroy, Leslie O’ Donnell, Pat Kenealy and Cian Power worked relentlessly for those up on G.C. Both stages ended in bunch gallops with Martin getting 3rd on Stage 3.
So Martin O’ Loughlin retained the cup by 2 seconds – the same winning margin as last year. It’s 3 in a row for the club as Sam Bennett won in 2007.
Michael O’ Loughlin had to settle for second in the TT, just 3 seconds behind Aaron Swann from Ballymena, while Declan Mulholland won the final stage, narrowly beating Michael. Sean Hahessy put in a great performance in the Under 14 TT to finish 4th. Well done to all.
Dan Curtin presents the yellow jersey to Martin at the beginning of Stage 3.
Rory Wyley sets a lively pace, preventing attacks on Stage 3.
Many thanks to Emma Walsh and Ciaran Fallon for the photos.
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