McAvinchey's Power Counts in Clonard
Ivan McAvinchey’s transformation from long distance super tourist to accomplished road racer passed another significant milestone in Clonard on Saturday (March 13th) when he sprinted to his maiden victory ahead of 170 riders in the Ras Naomh Finnian.
McAvinchey’s sheer strength has been a feature of the early races in the A4 category this season and a brace of placings in Dunboyne and Navan last weekend indicated that he would soon be trading his green back number for a red one.
He didn’t have long to wait for the requisite upgrade points and they came in perfect style as he edged out the A4 group which held off the chasing A3 and A1/A2 groups in the 70km Clonard CC promotion in Co Meath.
The A4 group of approximately 30 riders were given a 5-minute advantage on the A3 riders with a further four minutes to the combined scratch group of A1/A2 riders on the straight out and back course using the old Galway road from Clonard to Kilbeggan.
The motivated 30-strong limit group retained a two minute advantage at the turn and, with the wind at the backs in the second half of the race, kept a steady tempo all the way to the line. McAvinchey, whose work ethic is certainly not in doubt, for once retained enough energy for the gallop to the line where he had the time and presence for a single arm salute.
Just a few bike lengths behind came Martin Ridge in sixth who, along with McAvinchey, is now awaiting the word from Cycling Ireland that he has scored enough points to move to A3. If confirmed, both riders have also secured their move with the aid of a race win, Ridge having earned top spot in Dundalk two weeks ago.
Ras Naomh Finnian, Clonard, 70kms,
Saturday March 13th 2010.
1 I. McAvinchey (Dundrum Town Centre Orwell Wheelers);
2 P. Hayes, (Navan/Avonmore CC);
3 A. McNamara (Tullamore CC);
4 C. Reilly (Bohermeen CC);
5 A. Heary (Navan/Avonmore CC);
6 M. Ridge (Dundrum Town Centre Orwell Wheelers CC);
7 A. O'Connor Laois CC);
8 A. Duffy (Navan Avonmore CC).
