Ras 2017: Stage Seven – Here comes the rain

ALL the good weather was used up in Donegal and on waking on the morning of Stage Seven, grey skies and torrential rain awaited – all the way to Ardee.

There was one categorised climb to deal with and getting over that intact would hopefully ensure a large group to ride home in. That went to plan, but the pace didn’t. large group

An average speed of 48km/h saw almost 60 riders heading out the back of the main bunch. James Quinn, John O’Regan and Niall Dwyer found themselves in this bunch, along with a majority of county men.

The numbers helped though, as there was work to do, and they safely rode in with a cushion over the time limit.

True to his form all week, Adam Greally again found himself in the main bunch with some notable names. He has gotten through all the pinch points when the race threatens to disappear, and today was no differed.

The story of the day was Ronan Killeen’s. A few days ago he began to feel ill. He fought through then, but today lost touch with the large group of county riders early on.

Riding almost one hundred kilometres solo, he made the time cut with a minute to spare. He has been suffering with breathing problems for a few days and today was a mammoth effort. Tomorrow he becomes a man of the Rás (again!).

The race hits Skerries tomorrow at approximately 2pm for three circuits before the finish. Get out there and cheer your club mates in!