Mark Dowling of the DID/Dunboyne CC triumphed overall after four stages of the Kerry Group Ras Mumhan which finished in Kilorglin, Co. Kerry this afternoon. Mark son of Mick Dowling well known boxer went into the final stage tied on time with Patrick Clarke of the Liquidworx Fitscience team based in Ballina. Co. Mayo.
Both had strong teams to back them up in their quest for overall victory during the 117 kilometer stage which started and finished in the town of Killorglin. For the first three laps of the Beaufort circuit (73.4kms) it was nip and tuck, but when the event went on to the Donal McKenna circuit for nine laps of a five kilometer route the speed went up several notches.
Dowling took the initiative with five laps remaing and escaped in an eight man group minus Clarke who failed to react to his main challenger.
They steadily built up an advantage which gave the 27 year old Dubliner one of his biggest wins to date. Mark was a former triathlete and came into cycling in the last number of years.
The stage was won by Bryan McChristal of the Aqua Blue Club.
“Going into todays final stage I felt with my team support I could come up trumps. Like my Dad Michael in his boxing days! I was able to deliver the blows when it counted most.”
Kerry Group Ras Mumhan
Stage Results-Killorglin/Beaufort/Killorglin-117kms
1 Bryan McChristal-Aqua Blue, 2hrs.31mins.21secs;
2 Anthony Walsh-UCD, same time;
3 Owen james-BH Solidor, same time.
OVERALL
1 Mark Dowling-DID/Dunboyne CC, 11.46.15;
2 Patrick Clarke-Liquidworx Fitsciencs, @12secs;
3 Sjors Dekker-West Friesa, @15′
4 Sean McKenna-Irish Development Team, @58;
5 Sean Lacey-Aqua Blue, @59;
6 Dylan Foley-Irish Development Team, @1.04.
Under 23
Dekker
King of Hills (KOH)
Foley.
Points
Jack Pollar-Scotland
Senior 2/3
Brendan Cassidy (Killarney CC)
Team
West Fresa (Netherlands)
Leading Kerry rider
Lacey.
Final Stage & GC Click Here
