Irvine cruises to Stage 3 win
Martin Irvine (Eurocycles) dominated the stage 3 criterium of the 2009 Suir Valley 3 Day in Clonmel. The Ulster man soloed away early on and never looked like getting caught during the 45minute plus 5 lap event.
But it was never going to be plain sailing for Irvine as he along with every rider in the peloton had to keep their wits about them as they negotiated the tight course in Clonmel town centre. The heavy rain that afternoon did nobody any favours which seen the event marred by numerous falls. It was as early as the neutralised lap that seen the Yellow jersey of David McCann (Ride Sport Racing) and Hot Spot leader Aidan Crowley (Engraveit.ie) get up close and personal with the Clonmel roads. Not too long into the race S2 leader Keith Fox(Clonmel CC) and Points Jersey Wearer Mick Reddan(Dublin wheelers) had the same fate but fortunately all continued on.
While Irvine maintained a 20second advantage for the majority of the event over a dwindling peloton it was only with about 15mins to go when there was any more efforts made. Neil Delahaye (Usher IRC) broke clear in pursuit of Irvine but never really broke that 20second barrier as the remaining of the chasers dropped back.
In the closing stages and Race Leader McCann and Tim Kennaugh (IOM) also broke clear. They also managed to stay away and it was in that order that they crossed the line with Irvine finding the time for a lap of honour on the final lap before crossing the line to take a most deserving win.
Todays final stage is a 57mile stage with numerous KOH and Hot Spots, so still many jerseys up for grabs.
1st Martin Irvine Eurocycles 5306
2nd Neil Delahaye Usher IRC @19
3rd David McCann Ride Sport Racing @48
4th Tim Kennaugh Isle of Man
5th Chris Nicholson Isle of Man @58
6th Andy Roche Isle of Man
Overall
1st David McCann Ride Sport Racing
2nd Paul Griffin Earl of Desmond @106
3rd Andy Roche Isle of Man @115
4th Tim Kennaugh Isle of Man @120
5th Mark Heneghan South Dublin CC @128
6th Martin Irvine Eurocycles @136
7th Neil Delahaye Usher IRC @246
8th Daniel Kirwan Usher IRC @248
Points- McCann
Mountains Heneghan
Hot Spot- Irvine
S2- Fox
S3 Marty Warren (Isle of Man)