Spectacular Cycling at the 45th An Post Gorey 3-Day
The 45th An Post Gorey 3-Day Cycle Race brought thrills, spills and excitement galore to the North Wexford Area over the Easter Weekend. The massive field, racing in glorious weather, really provided those fortunate enough to witness it with everything that is great about stage cycle racing. The undulating roads around Gorey provided this colour filled event with tough challenges for both rider and machine.
Stage 1, on Easter Saturday, which brought the riders from Blessington to Gorey saw many attempts, by various riders and groups, to get away from the bunch, which was setting a fierce pace throughout. Eventually, like an elastic band, the bunch’s grip snapped and 6 riders got away. This group rode hard and cohesively as frantic Managers of Teams who had missed the break anxiously checked their Stopwatches, which only confirmed that the gap was widening and these men were in it for the long haul. When they sprinted for the finish, at the Amber Springs Hotel, they had over a minute on the peloton with Michael Barry, of Team Barnados, crossing the white line first and in doing so he became the Race Leader.
Stage 2, the Sunday Morning 6.4K Time Trial, saw Dave Cassidy, of Steven Cycleogical, who was in the Stage I winning Break, ride into the Yellow Jersey and the other contenders consolidated their places.
Stage 3, Sunday Afternoon’s 4 Laps of the Gorey, Craanford, Camolin circuit, provided the crowds of spectators, who had come out in force on a fine Easter Sunday, with real action. If the Steven Cycleogical Team thought they were going to be in for an easy afternoon defending Dave Cassidy’s Yellow Jersey they were mistaken. There were many unsuccessful efforts before a four man break got away on the last lap, on a stage that left spectators gasping, with speeds hitting in excess of 80 kph in places. This group hung out tantalisingly ahead of the predatorial bunch who were breathing down their necks. Incredibly the script had another twist in it as Martin Mizgajski, a Wexford Wheeler’s Clubman, who is no stranger to success in this race, attacked again and crossed the line 7 seconds ahead of his nearest rival. Cassidy and his team limited his losses and he remained in yellow.
Stage 4 on Easter Monday, Gorey to Blessington, would prove to be a tough day for the Yellow Jersey Wearer, which is as it should be for this coveted title. Time and time again we saw valiant attempts by various individuals and groups to get away and some of these looked likely to succeed. The bunch were having none of it however and the field was tightly packed at the finish for a sprint, which was won by Brendan Whelan, Staggs Lucan, thus giving Dave Cassidy the Overall Victory he had worked all weekend for. Second place, and Best Junior, went to Conor McIlwaine, Team Skoda Ireland. Brendan Whelan, Staggs Lucan, won the Points Jersey and Michael Barry, Team Barnados, won the K.O.M. Caroline Ryan, Garda C.C., was Best Overall Lady and The Team Prize went to Team Skoda Ireland.
So another colour and excitement filled An Post Gorey 3-Day passed off safely. It was a particularly good event for Wexford riders with Martin Mizgajski, as outlined above, showing his class. Also there were very strong performances from Gorey Slipstream’s Declan Kinch, Paul and Andrew Bracken, John White and Denis McCarthy, until he unfortunately crashed on Stage 1.Gorey native Pat Fitzpatrick was instrumental in the success of the Steven Cycleogical Team. The Race Director, for the 45th consecutive year, Sam D’Arcy would like to thank the sponsors, An Post, James Tomkins, Suzuki Dealership, Wexford Co. Council, Gorey Town Council and all the Traders for their support as without it organising this event would not be possible. This was An Post’s third year sponsoring the race and their generosity is greatly appreciated as it allows club riders to compete in what is now the biggest race in Ireland – this is their Tour De France. An Post has now become synonymous with Professional Cycle Racing, Amateur Cycle Racing and Fun Cycling. Sam would also like to thank the Gardai, the Red Cross, the Volunteer Helpers and the General Public who all contributed to this year’s race being the most successful ever. “Mr Cycling” has already started working on next year’s race.
Jim Walker