Stage 1 Dublin-Enniscorthy 121km
If only I was a duck, swimming in a round Ireland stage race for Mallards ! But no, this is the FBD Ras and yet again we start in weather that only ducks enjoy.
In freezing cold conditions we set off from Tallaght at the bottom of the first KOM of the week. The climb was fast with a tail wind but thankfully we all got up it in the main group. Strong side and head wind as well as driving rain made for tough conditions. Today was one of the shorter stages of this years race at 75 miles but it was a tough one. A few groups tried to gain an advantage but at the line it was pretty much all together. Craig finished 3rd county rider on the stage which was a great result. Our last minute recruit was Peter O Connor from Killarney who did well today and is fitting in well to the squad. Hotel is great and spirits are good considering the weather. Another stage awaits and hopefully there will be good news to report at Cobh tomorow evening. Quack quack
Stage 2 Enniscorthy-Cobh 180kms
If yesterday was wet then today was cold and very windy. For the 112 miles to Cobh we had a gale of a cross wind which meant most of the race was spent in the left hand gutter. A line out soon after the start set the tone for the day and it was obvious that a lot of riders were feeling the pinch from early on. Craig was unfortunate to puncture during the first serious line out of the day but did very well to get back on. An early break got no more than a minute until the Norwegians decided to bring it back and what ensued was roughly 20 km of hell. More line outs on the main road out of Waterford saw many riders out the back including yours truly. 50 miles in a small group in a very strong wind when you're already fried is not pleasant. Special mention must go to Frank today who put a disappointing first day behind him to do a great ride. Dingle awaits tomorrow and hopefully the wind and rain will not be of the biblical proportions of the last few days.
Stage 3 Cobh - An Daingean 173 km
Another 100 mile plus stage today to Dingle and yet again the weather was unkind with strong wind and heavy showers that made it feel incredibly cold at times. We set off at as frantic a pace as we've come to expect with the Ras and there were many attempts to get a break going. On a few occasions the bunch looked like it would split in half due to the strong winds. We passed through the Jack Lynch tunnel today which was an unusual experience, the noise from the wheels was something else. Before we got to the first KOM of the day, the first real break was formed which included Craig. This was great to see but unfortunately Craig didn't stay away. There were some very hard line outs as we got closer to the finish and unfortunately myself and Frank went South with about 20 mile to go, ending the day in a 20 man group. Bill, Craig and Peter finished in the main group today. The craic is good in the squad which keeps you going, you would need something to keep the spirits up after the weather forecast I have just looked at. The first CAT 1 KOM of the week will greet us about 20 miles from the finish in Listowel tomorrow. We had hoped to see Fungi the dolphin at Dingle today but it must be too wet for him !
Stage 4
An Daingean- Listowel 150km
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen technical difficulties, (Daniel dropped Simon's blackberry into a bucket of water!) there will be no more daily updates.
