Two stage wins, one day in yellow and two riders in the top 10 overall. A very different race than other editions, the FBD Milk Ras brought mixed success for the Irish contingent, with the final haul of 27 world-ranking points out of a possible 177 less than might have been hoped for.
The professional teams, the Deutsche Telecom under-23 squad and the essentially professional Great Britain side, with which some of its riders earn up to £23,000 sterling each year, snaffled up most of these UCI points. But Ireland was nevertheless amongst the biggest winners by virtue of the fact that the national tour is now a successful, well-run, fully-fledged international event.
"Exciting, full of suspense and much more professional" was the general verdict. Organiser Dermot Dignam expressed satisfaction with the 49th edition of the race, and was also quick to quash rumours that category two riders might ultimately be excluded.
"There is no truth at all in that, they are as much a part of the race as anyone else. "I think we have a good balance now, a level which will bring Irish riders on nicely in time."
Although many home competitors felt that this was their toughest FBD Milk Ras, the different style of racing plus a delayed start to the competitive season are two factors which must be considered. Yet despite the latter, home based riders David O'Loughlin and Paul Griffin performed commendably against the professionals to place in the top 10; Paddy Moriarty, in 14th, was also impressive. Their better showings suggest that the preparation of some of our foreign-based riders should be examined and modified for next year's race.
Indeed, the stage wins of David McCann and Mark Scanlon were highlights of an otherwise modest campaign by the Ireland Shannon Oaks side, although Morgan Fox rode well before injury ruled him out. Of the other Irish, Ray Clarke, Eugene Moriarty and Philip Cassidy stand out due to their willingness to take the fight to the foreign riders during the week. There were commendable rides from Carlow's Dan Morrissey and Kerry's Matthew Slattery, who were dominant winners in the county team and second category classifications.
Michael Hamilton of the Down Duncrue team finished the race despite his diabetes and complications with the team when the manager went home.
Sean Kelly will make a presentation on the development of elite cyclists next Saturday at the NCTC coaching forum. For details contact the ICF at 01 8551522.
Entries close on Monday for this year's Wicklow 200. Contact Dick O'Brien for details at 4558216.
