by Gerard Cromwell
Stage 4 report
by Gerard Cromwell
Despite being the shortest stage of this year's FBD MILK RAS, the 74 mile fourth
stage from Castleisland to Killorglin was always going to be tough with the
inclusion of the first category climb of the Conor Pass and the third category
Lispole along the way.
Stephen Cummings of Great Britain was the first to escape, and despite speeds
in excess of 40mph in the main field, maintained a slim advantage over the peleton
for the next 25 miles. Phillip Cassidy (Meath Cycleways) and Erik Saunders (Fisconseils
Switzerland) got to within 16 seconds, but with the speed so high the main field
were all together at the foot of the Conor Pass. Over the top David McKenzie
(Switzerland Fisconseils) took the points from Polish pro Marek Blasej Of Legia
and Germany Telekom's Christain Knees. The Aussie, former Giro D'Italia stage
winner also led over the second climb at Lispole to propel himself into the
lead in the King of the Mountains competition. Back in the main field, yellow
jersey Dirk Reichl (Telekom) had punctured and the rest of the field were split
over several miles.
With 25kms to go, the front group swelled to twenty two riders with Irishmen
Mark Scanlon (Ireland Shannon Oaks), David O'Loughlin (Mayo Connaught Gold),
Mike McNena (Galway Telegael) and local man Paul Griffin (Dublin Iarnroid Eireann)
all making the final cut. With three Polish riders, two Canadians, two Swiss,
two Germans and two Great Britain riders in the front group the gap began to
open and with 10kms to go, the yellow jersey group was at 1'25". When Paul
Manning (Great Britain) had a double puncture in the front group, teammate Bryan
Steele waited for him and eventually went back to the chase group, ultimately
helping the German team close the gap to just over half a minute on the line.
Mark
Scanlon (Ireland Shannon Oaks Hotel) took his first stage win in his first Ras
as he outsprinted McKenzie (Fisconseils), yesterday's winner David Kopp (Germany
Telekom), Mike McNena (Galway Telegael), Paul Griffin (Dublin Iarnroid Eireann)
and David O'Loughlin (Mayo Connaught Gold). "It was a hard day." said
Scanlon after the stage. "Especially with the climb. Actually it was a
bit of a mess for the Irish team, David McCann or Morgan should have been up
there today, to keep the time gaps down. Hopefully we can do something tomorow,
but at least we go the stage win out of it."
David McKenzie was happy with his second place and lead in the King of the Mountains
competition. Swiss Fisconseils teammate David Chassot also takes over the Ras
lead now, with the first ten rides on GC all on the same time. "I finally
feel like I've found some legs." said the Aussie, "That was our goal
today, we wanted to show ourselves on the first major climb. The race leader
is very vulnerable in this race, no matter who it is. It's such an attacking
style of racing. We didn't really want the jersey this early on, but I think
tomorrow is going to be the hardest stage, so if we can get through tomorrow,
we'll see what happens."
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