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EMYVALE

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FBD Insurance RÁS 8-Day International Cycle Race

This International event got under way in Dunboyne, Co. Meath, on Sunday May 24th. The Stage 1 route took the competitors through Meath and Louth and out to Carlingford before heading back for the finish in Dundalk. The opening stage was won by Dan Craven of the Britain Pro team. He had been away for much of the journey was was hauled back only to make another break on the climb of Long Woman’s Grave. He was joined another small group and they sprinted for the line and Craven still had enough power to out sprint the other and take the first Yellow jersey. But will this have taken a toll which will come against him as the race progresses.

Our local interest is Connor Murphy who is part of the Dublin Eurocycles team. He spent the first day reading the situation and keeping out of trouble but staying with the main bunch to the end and was just seconds behind the winner. The average speed for the day was 26.67mph or 42.88km and that on a very hot day.

Today, Monday, they set out from Dundalk and head for Carrickonshannon. The route takes them through Castleblayney, Ballybay and Clones.

Conor on Stage 1 heading for Dundalk.

Lead rider turning on to the Clones Road in Ballybay.

Second and Third place going through Ballybay

Conor, marked with an arrow, going trough Ballybay in the middle of the bunch