Club Road Race C/ship, Boot Inn

After a last minute venue change our Club C/ship Road Race was switched to the Boot Inn. Traditionally we run this race as a Mass Start (no h/caps) and it’s held on a flat course to give as many riders as possible a sporting chance. But so much for tradition, as traditionally it also incorporates a semi-neutralised few miles to give the lesser mortals a chance to get into the swing of things. But so much for tradition as there was an attack from the line by Jason Kelly & Brendan Conway, which was spotted by John Shortt as he rolled across the start line. Six laps of a 5 mile circuit to go and the lads were soon finding which direction was blowing as they tried to stay clear. The Boot always presents a problem for would be escapees when there is a wind blowing, as the open to the elements triangular circuit means that you will have a tailwind, a crosswind and a headwind on the different sections. Anyway the three lads soon found out all about that but managed to stay clear (or were left out to fry??) for two laps. Speeds down the runway section were in excess of 35mph and sure to be star of the future, young Niall Rock was hanging in there. Def not a night for restricted gears!!! (but I think Mick had given him a bigger block for the night). A break involving Sean Lally, Jason Kelly and super time trialer Brian Crinion went clear on the third lap and after a while were joined by Jason Ludgate. Probably too windy for any break to succeed and it was all back together for the last lap. A bit of a ‘freewheeling session’ coming up to the last corner and beginning to look like a bunch sprint but Brian Crinion attacked out of that corner and soon had those big gears rolling. This was countered by Jason Kelly & John Shortt who had their work cut out for them to get back on terms. John was first to close it and this forced him to lead out the sprint. Jason tried to come around him about 100 yards out and they were shoulder to shoulder from there with John using all his experience to throw his bike at the line to win by inches. So now ex Irish International and former Tour of Ireland winner, John has the Swords Road Race Championship to add to his extensive palmares !!!!

A thrilling finish with John Shortt just edging out Jason