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Last Updated: 2 Apr 2018 - 8:45:17 PM |
PARALYMPICS: LYNCH CRASHES OUT AND 14th PLACE FOR MILLER
By Cycling Ireland
6 Sep 2012,
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CRASH IN ROAD RACE PUTS COLIN OFF THE ROAD
Colin Crashes Out of Road Race
In a week that has not been kind to World Time Trial and Pursuit Champion, Colin Lynch, a crash on the first corner in the Road Race put an end to his Paralympic bid. The race was eventually won by Bargna of Italy, with Warias from Germany taking silver, and Nicholas from Australia in Bronze.
After a performance that was below his own expectations this week, Lynch started the Men’s Individual C1-3 Road Race aiming to surprise the bunch and get into an early break. He looked set to put this plan into action early on moving towards the front of the bunch immediately. However, as he rounded the first tricky bend he crashed into the barriers:
“I thought that a decisive break could come at the first corner so I got myself up there to be in it. I got boxed off and ended up going straight into the barriers.”
Lynch was fortunate to not break any bones, and walked away with road rash:
“My pride and bike are a bit damaged, but everything else is ok.”
Lynch will take a short break now before focusing his attention on retaining his titles at the next Paracycling World Road and Track Championships.
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AGGRESSIVE RACING AND 14TH PLACE FOR MILLER.
14th Place for Cathal Miller in Fast Road Race
Ireland’s top C5 rider, Cathal Miller, finished in 14th position in an aggressive race in the Men’s C4-5 Road Race in Brands Hatch today. In what was an incredibly fast race, Miller rode a strong race to finish in the second bunch on the road in a race won by Dementyov of Ukraine, adding it to the Gold he won in the Time Trial yesterday.
The pace of the Road Race was ferocious, with much of the bunch being Professional Riders on the able-bodied race circuit. The 80km race finished 15 minutes ahead of the allotted time, with the race lead changed considerably throughout the ten laps. Brazil, Spain and Gallagher of Australia were particularly active throughout the race, but in the bunch sprint it was China’s Liu who took the silver, and Pittacolo of Italy who won the bunch sprint for bronze.
Miller’s 14th place was an impressive finish, especially considering his back brake became faulty during the competition, making it difficult to hang onto the group as they negotiated tricky descents and corners, and missed the crucial break with three laps to go.
After the race Miller said “that was my best Road Race to date. I’m racing against professional riders out there. The likes of Novak won the Tour of Romandy recently.” The Dublin based civil servant is one of the most experienced cyclists on the Irish Team, and balances training and competition with a full time job.
“I was delighted to finish in 14th place, that is in the top 40% in the race, not bad against professional riders like Dementyov and Gallagher who are so dominant in cycling.”
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Friday 7th September: Time Table
ROAD RACE 10.32 Mark Rohan 48km
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