It was similar to a blast from the pass! Kerry Group Ras Mumhan 2011/Kerry Group Ras Mumhan 2012 and Paudi wins the final stage and yesterday he does it back to back in the colours of Dan Morrissey/Speedy-Spokes.
Sponsors of the day were Annadale Technologies Limited. One hundred and sixty-three cyclists went to the line for the four day event. Shortly after flour o'clock the cavalcade moved off from the square in Killorglin which most of us are aware that in August a renowned fair takes place.
First to their heads over the parapet were Diego Gandofi of Team 100 RPM (Italy) and John Mason of DID/Dunboyne CC, their advantage may have been short lived, but it set the tone for the day's racing.
Then it was turn for the defending champion Sean Lacey (Dan Morrissey-Speedy-Spokes) and Colm Cassidy (UCD) t test the waters! This was short lived, but further down the road it was a marker. Inside the first 20kms the action was coming fast and quick with a further flurry by Alex Camier (Surrey), Darren Bell (Microgaming Isle of Man) and Dennis Bakker (Ruieter Dakkapellen Wielerteam) who has a short exposure, but this trio were movers and shakers as the stage was beginning to tackle the various pimples on the road which was beginning to shake up the bunch.
The defending champion Sean Lacey (Dan Morrissey/Speedy-Spokes) again moved forward with Conor Murphy (EuroCycles) Michael Barry (Cuchulainn) went clear of the main group after 30 kilometers of racing and held their advantage for the next 45 kilometers. Oft times it looked as though it would be reeled in. Eventually their escape was nullified shortly after Castleisland.
In the re-grouping both Lacey and Murphy were involved in a crash which involved a number of riders. Fortunately all were unscathed, but Lacey in particular lost time to the min lead group.
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The "pocket rocket" Paudi, who can show a clean pair of wheels said, "I came into the final bend in fourth position and just ahead of me was one of the Dutch contenders. We were at full belt and i just waited until the ascent of the hill before I streaked ahead to win the stage. It means the team will be on the defensive today (Saturday), but that is what cycling racing is all about, defending the "yellow Jersey," as Paudi cycled away to his digs and a nice hot bath.
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Also pleased with his performance was Donal Clifford of DID/Dunboyne CC. "Third and a podium place was good for the morale, but oh what would I would have given for the win. I come from the town (Killorglin) and it would have been a great homecoming," said Donal. Whereas a year ago after the first stage only 20 were in contention this time around we have at least 91, Yes 91 very much in the diving seat. The defending champion Sean Lacey as a result of that crash lost 49 seconds to the winner.
Today�s stage leaves Dingle at mid-day with a hill top finish on the Conor Pass after a 126 kilometers of racing.
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Stage 2. Easter Saturday April 7th . Dingle to the Conor Pass Stage.
This will be a big day for cycling in West Kerry. The 130 km stage, which will include 4 climbs will start at 12 noon in Dingle and after a trip that goes to Ventry, Slea Head , Ballyferriter, over Maam na Gaoithe, back through Ventry, over to Murreigh, Feoghanagh, back through Dingle, onto Lispole , Annascaul and Camp before facing up to finish on top of Conor Pass, the only Category 1 Climb of the entire race at 3.30pm
Another dimension to the event will be the � Etape Ras Mumhan�. This non-competitive event is for the Leisure and Sportive riders and will give them the opportunity to ride a classic stage of a major race , this starts at 8am in Dingle and will cover the full route of the Stage.
Timetable: The Race, which will start in Dingle at 12 noon , and pass your area at the following times. Ventry 12.10, Ballyferriter 12.44, Ceathru an Caislean Cross 12.47, over Mam na Gaoithe 1.00 Ventry 1.00, Milltown 1.05, Murreigh 1.18, Feoghanagh 1.30, Dingle 1.50, Lispole 2.04, Annascaul 2.17, left at Camp Cross 2.44, Aughacasla 2.52, Stradbally 3.02, Cloghane Cross 3.16, Finish on the top of the Conor Pass 3.24. Also on the day ,Etape Ras Mumhan, a separate event for non-competitive cyclists will be held starting from 8am over the complete route that the race will cover later in the day.