Bram Imming was the race leader 2011 and he had the wool pulled over his eyes when in a masterful stroke by Sean Lacey and his team on the final day. They literally took the overall victory as the Dutch were left scratching their heads. There is a saying 'what goes around come around' and yesterday in dismal conditions the Dutch were ecstatic on the streets of Killorglin as Ruiter Dakkapellen's youngest member Dennis Bakker evened the score.
At 18 years of age Bakker becomes the youngest ever winner of the Kerry Group Ras Mumhan and also he breaks a winning series of seven Irish victories on the trot. Hopes were high yesterday morning that overnight leader Ryan Sherlock would keep the title in situ.
It was also felt by the vast majority that the conditions would also be in his favour and that the main danger would come from Primal Europes' Colin Parry. Parry was two seconds adrift. Primal had Tom Stockdale in the top four, but sandwiched in between was Dennis Bakker at 44 seconds. Despite the rain 137 took to the start with only 7 calling it a day because of the 'fair day.'
On the roll out for the final stage of 113kms which included three laps of the Beaufort circuit and nine laps of the Donal McKenna circuit in Killorglin town. Stage sponsor was FEXCO. Irrespective of the rain, the pace was ideal for the race leader Sherlock and his team IVERK/Carrick Wheelers. Plus the escape of Timmy Barry of Dan Morrissey/Speedy-Spokes, Adam Armstrong of EuroCycles and Tom Van der Meer of West Frisa (remarkable that the trio were on each of the stages, were prominent in early breaks) was also comfort to Sherlock.
As the race entered the town of Killorglin for the final nine laps, the trio's advantage which had at the most gained 30-35 seconds ended. It was significant that the pace on the circuit (with an average of approximately of six minutes) shot up dramatically after the Beaufort one. Within three laps, there was a significant move by Sean McFadden of LK Bikes Donegal, Sivan Buis West Frisa and the youngest competitor in the event Dennis Bakker of Ruiter Dakkapellen. Naturally their movement on the circuit was considerably sharper as compared to the big bunch which was now shelling competitors at an alarming pace and by the finish 29 had been dispatched to the changing rooms.
Whilst the pressure was being exerted up front, it was noticeable that the race leader was very active and coming through the town as each lap was crossed out, he was the one who was showing the aggression. The advantage by the trio was creeping up to the minute mark with three laps remaining. Sherlock admitted that he was not aware that Bakker in particular had flown the nest and that his team had more or less been in control for 80kms approximately. So, in the end he was less on his own.
In the end it was Bakker who crossed the line to a welcome applause With Buis in second place with McFadden in third spot despite coming off his bike at the last corner. Whilst in his attempt to claw back the advantage Ryan had the misfortune to hit the deck and came across the line in 41st place bloody nosed and hopes of landing one of the biggest prizes in cycling in this country gone up in smoke.
Aside to Sherlock finishing overall in second place, Michael Barry of Cuchulainn was placed seventh, eight was the evergreen Paul Griffin of Tralee BC, Mark Dowling of DID/Dunboyne and race leader after day two was ninth with Damien Shaw of Lakeside Wheelers in 10th place.
Whilst Ryan Sherlock will look back on the four days of racing and wonder what �IF'. Bakker can reflect on his first win as a senior, plus his overall win, plus the Under-23 title, plus the points and finally as a member of the winning team. Courtesy of Adam Armstrong the Mountains Competition remained at home.
Well done to Siobhan Horgan of Team GSD Gestation for mixing it with the 'lads.' Plus of course Matt Slattery of Killarney for landing the A2 prize.
The race organisation acknowledge the support of the sponsors, plus of course the Gardai for their contribution to the safe passage of the event and the unsung heroes who marshalled throughout the event.
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Kerry Group Ras Mumhan - Stage 4 Results
Killorglin/Beaufort/Killorglin, 115kms.
1 Dennis Bakker (Ruiter Dakkapellen), 2.38.39;
2 Silvan Buis (West Frisa), @2 secs;
3 Sean McFadden (LK Bikes Donegal), @17secs;
4 Paudi O'Brien (Dan Morrissey/Speedy-Spokes), @46 secs;
5 Daniel Clifford (DID/Dunboyne CC), same time;
6 Robert jan Moll (West Frisa), st.
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OVERALL:
1 Dennis Bakker, 11.47.56;
2 Ryan Sherlock (IVERK/Carrick Wheelers), @11;
3 Colin Parrey (Primal Europe), @13;
4 Tom Stockdale (Primal Europe) @1.05;
5 Chris McNamara (Surrey), @1.07;
6 George Harpur (Felt Colbornes), @1.16.
Jerseys Winners
Under 23: Bakker
Points: Bakker
Mountains: Adam Armstrong (EuroCycles)
Category 2: Matt Slattery (Killarney CC)
Team: Reuiter Dakkapalen
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Pictures from the event courtesy of Pat Doherty
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IMAGES COPYRIGHT:
Any images included in this article remain the property of the photographer, by whom all rights are retained, 2012 �. Use of images for electronic or print purposes is may be possible with the express, written permission of the photographer.