2005 IRISH ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIPS: Pictures Part 1

David O'Loughlin and Ciaran Power before the start

The startline - Everything was in order for a great race, over 110 riders, perfect weather and a testing course

Like he did in the Ras, Philip Cassidy goes from the line

A lap later the race is still all together

David O'Loughlin staying near the front

Tim Cassidy leads the race at 8 miles

New professional Philip Duignan Ag2r

At the 12 mile mark a small group of riders have gone clear

Five riders chase at 20 secs

Tim Cassidy leads the bunch at 30 secs

One of the short climbs on the course

At 20 miles the chasers have joined the leaders

The gap back to the bunch is opening to near a minute

With so many top riders here, there is little chance of been caught

John Dempsey and Conor Murphy try to cross the gap

A few more riders leave the bunch

Back at the front the leaders are crusing

The chasing group has a couple of more riders now

Stephen O'Sullivan leads bunch

Brian Keane and Ciaran Power

A good crowd of spectators give support on top of the climb

The five riders chasing are not getting anywhere