Young Guns Rise as Frank Flies

This seasons first outing in Ardcath gave the youngsters a chance to show what they can do, and boy can they do it! A strong ride by Frank Pierce (limit) saw him hold off a challenge from Adam Wieliczko (semi-limit) with Jason O’Toole also representing semi-limit coming home in third spot.

Frank Pierce charging towards Ardcath. Photo by Brendan Furey.

Conditions were perfect for racing; bright and dry with a stiff enough breeze from the west giving the riders a good reason to cooperate together to see the best gains.

With the far from unsurmountable gaps set at 5, 4 and 3 minutes, the semi-scratch and scratch groups had a lot of work to do but it was the hard work of the small limit group and semi-limit which saw them hold out to take all of the top ten spots.

Scratch group starting their last lap. Photo by Peter Doyle.

Only those in scratch and semi-scratch will know how well they cooperated but it’s clear that they may need to re-think their strategy if they want to see the pointy end of a race again. That or pray for smaller handicaps.

One person who got their strategy right was Frank. Looking strong and composed as he turned the final corner at Ardcath, he had enough time to sit up and enjoy his win. Adam gave good chase in second spot but couldn’t haul back a flying Frank.

Full results available here.

Special guest, Conor Doyle of Velo Club Balrothery. Photo by Brian Cunningham.