English
Stage Six – 22nd May 2009-05-22
Today’s stage started back in Scariff and with a 20 km drive from the hotel on the outskirts of Limerick we had to leave earlier than usual. Breakfast was at 7.30am with the plan to leave around 9.15am to arrive at the HQ in plenty of time. The weather this morning did not look good. Fine drizzle, wet roads and a cold wind greeted us as we left the hotel entrance to take the bags to the van. We did agree last night at our race meeting to ride in if the weather was dry but as the weather was still bad approaching Scariff we decided to drive straight to the start.
The drive to Scariff was fine. The route took as back on the roads used yesterday so we knew exactly where to go. Scariff lies in a small dip between two mountain ranges, one known as Slieve Aughty Mts and the other Slieve Bernagh Mts, and both in the county of Clare. Once at Scariff it was the case of getting the riders signed in and check over the bikes. Richard Hoult told us earlier at breakfast that he was not feeling to good and that yesterday’s stage took a lot out of him even though he was off the back in a small group riding comfortably.
Looking at Rich today he was not looking to good, but you never know with stage racing. One minute you are down, then the next you are fine. With this in mind Rich remained positive whilst warming up and bravely started the event. As the riders were warming up I found a lovely little pub with a real rustic feel to it. As you step inside it’s like going back in time. The pub had solid wooden beams holding up the roof, a log fire and that old fashioned feel to it. At a table in the corner of the pub some of the Ras motor cycle marshals where having cups of coffee whilst sheltering from the rain outside.
As the weather was bad, Keith and I decided that in the interests of the riders I would leave after the race had started. This gave the riders a chance to shelter from the rain, keep warm, and also the choice to make any last minute clothing changes. With 5 minutes to go to the start the riders were called up to the market square to congregate all together and the team cars instructed to park down the hill in the lay by in front of the riders.
The idea is that the riders follow the lead cars down the hill with the team cars lining up behind the riders in number order. If no space was available in the lay by then the remaining team cars just parked up as best they could and waited for the race to pass. The team cars behind would then allow them into the convoy in the correct numbered sequence (No 1 being at the head of the convoy and No. 33 at the rear of the convoy).
The race started, I took some photos then ran to the van and jumped on the back of the convoy. I decided to follow the race for the first 30 kms until a point on the route where I would take an alternative, but faster route to Castlebar. It was here that I would then be able to jump in front of the race as they travelled down minor B roads whereas I would be travelling on the faster N roads.
Following the race for the first 30 kms gave me the chance to see the riders in action. Sometimes this was not possible though as the roads were very twisty, but on a few occasions you could see the race unfolding especially on the climbs. The first climb was about 5 kms into the stage and straight away 3 riders had problems maintaining the high pace. On the descent they did try to get back on but by the second climb they had no chance of re-gaining contact. The second climb saw a further four riders fall off the back as the pace increased once again. For these riders their ride was now going to be a hard and lonely one with only the broom wagon keeping them company as well as two Garda motor cycle marshals.
As the race progressed I eventually came off the minor road and joined the N18 linking the town of Ennis to Gort and eventually Galway. It was along this road where I came across a large bunch of riders (30 or so), who had also been dropped off the bunch due to the high pace set by the pro teams. Amongst this group was Surrey’s Richard Hoult who seemed to be riding near the back. Rich did say earlier in the morning that he was not feeling too good and that he might struggle to start with. The group containing Rich had race cover though, which was good to see. This means that in front of this group was another lead car. With the flashing lights warning oncoming traffic and three team cars behind them, the group had the protection it needed to safely travel through the towns on the course. Also, the group had plenty of back up if any rider either punctured or had a mechanic problem.
½ hour soon passed by and it was time for the race to leave the N18 and turn right onto the R347 heading towards Athenry. At this junction it was also time for me to carry straight on along the N18 to Galway where I would join the N17 hopefully placing me in front of the race. The plan worked, but because I lost loads of time along the minor road behind the broom wagon this meant that the leaders had travelled further along the R347 than I expected. I knew this because when I had to turn off the N17 onto the R333, direction of Headford, I stopped for a pee and a quick drink and not long after this I noticed that no more traffic was coming along the N17 to the junction with the R333. This meant one thing – the race had turned off the R347 and onto the N17 and now was blocking the road of traffic and now heading in my direction. As I jumped back into the van I noticed the Garda motor cyclists coming down the road and I realised I had to go and travel fast, within the speed limit, along the R333 and then onto the N84.
It was again a rush now to get to Castlebar with some time in hand, but unfortunately you can’t guarantee traffic free roads and along the N84 I came across a large lorry travelling slowly. The N84 is a narrow road without many passing points. As time rolled on my buffer of time was being eaten away thanks to the lorry I found myself stuck behind. This went on for about 10 miles, but I could not do anything about it. Thankfully exiting a small town I found my chance and took it. The rest of the route to Castlebar was fine, but on entering the town I started to notice and become involved with the various traffic jams caused by the Garda closing off roads. With a strong tailwind I knew the race would be fast, but I failed to anticipate how fast these top guys can actually go if they really pushed it.
I quickly rang Keith who informed me of the actual race location mentioning that the race was ahead of schedule and with the Garda closing down Castlebar that seemed to be a true fact. On finding the hotel, The Welcome Inn, it was now a problem finding a space to park up. I could not find anywhere so parked in a supermarket car park with a few other team vans. Not ideal, but I had to get the bags into the hotel and sign in. This went quickly, but not quick enough as after I put the bags in the lobby of the hotel I returned to the van placing drinks and food into my bags and whilst doing so I heard the whistle and Garda sirens meaning the race was now inside Castlebar. I slammed the doors and started walking the ¼ mile to the finish only to see the race pass by me walking up the long finishing straight.
Arriving at the finish I soon found two of the Surrey riders, Chris and Steve, who had just crossed the line. I gave them the cokes from the bag and helped them to sit down taking the bikes off them as they did so. Soon after this another group came into view which contained John who spotted me soon after finishing. Again he took some drink and food from the bag and joined Chris and Steve at the side of the road both sitting down. As I knew Rich was way behind with about 30+ riders I had time to walk John, Chris and Steve to the hotel. It was far easier to do this than explain the direction of the hotel. Don’t forget I have never been here before and only had 10-15 minutes in the town so my knowledge of the road layout was not that good. Eventually the four of us arrived at the van and the hotel. I showed the guys to their rooms, but then left hastily so not to miss Rich. Walking back up the finish straight I then heard another blow of whistles and sirens and looking back it was Richard’s group. He sprinted up to the finish claiming 115th spot.
Catching up with Rich he looked knackered. He explained that the stage was tough for him and that his legs again felt tired and fatigued. Soon after, Keith met us and then I explained to him roughly the hotels location and the street name it resided in. Rich and I left Keith and walked back to the hotel and on arriving both sat down with the others in one of the rooms. The guys said that today’s stage was very fast with the big hitters, and their teams, driving the bunch throughout the stage. Even though Steve finished 16th, he found that the pace was incredibly fast and the front riders took chances he was not willing to take as they entered the last 1km. Chris also mentioned yesterday that the level of risk the riders are taking in these top stage races is far more than he would normally take in a race back home. If a pro then this would be your job and the risks come with the job so give 110% at the end by making moves perhaps you or I would not normally take in a race. Sometimes as a club rider you must way up the risks and decided whether or not to take them. Perhaps that’s what makes a rider a pro rider – giving it all regardless of consequence.
With everyone home (so to speak) it was back to the usual post-race routine and then over dinner we all had time to reflect on the day’s work and how everyone felt during and after the race.
Another great stage finishing at Castlebar in warm and sunny conditions with Paul Healion claiming victory for the Irish National Team followed by Jann Kirsipuu of the Norwegian Giant-Veolia Team and Nicholas Walker of the Cinelli DownUnder team taking 3rd position.
More Photos.
