Success for local riders in Rás Clár

Local riders struck big at Rás Clár on Sunday as Barry Sutton of Ennis and Mark Shannon (Burren CC) emerged victorious in the A3 and A4 races.
Sutton outsprinted a strong national field after 108 kilometres while Shannon dominated in what was only his second competitive outing.
Cathal Russell of Dolmen CC followed shortly after, ensuring podium places for two Clare clubs. In the top-ranked A1/A2 race, 30 riders went to post to compete over a hilly and windy route of 155 kilometres.
Home hopes rested with Mike Storan and Jarlath Hassett of West Clare CC. Storan was strong and in the thick of the action until an untimely puncture derailed his effort at a decisive stage of the race.
Sean Lacey (Dan Morrissey Speedy Spokes) eventually powered through to take the main prize. Storan rode back to secure ninth place in front of clubmate Hassett.
In all, 134 riders went to post in the races in Dolmen CC’s first competitive promotion on the national calendar. Club chairman Philip Colleran paid tribute to all volunteers on the course. He also acknowledged all drivers, residents and landowners. The route drew credit from competitors and was a great showcase for cycling.

Results
A1/A2
1 Sean Lacey (DMSS); 2 Michael Hennessy (Fermoy); 3 Paidí O’Brien (DMSS); 4 Stephen Clancy (DMSS); 5 Eddie Barry (Blarney); 6 Jonathan Gibson (Unatt); 7 Joe Fenlon (DMSS).
A3
1 Barry Sutton (DID Dunboyne); 2 Paul Crowley (Mullingar); 3 Derek Byrne (Laois); 4 Patrick Rohan (North Tipperary Wheelers); 5 William Whelan (Galtee Wheelers); 6 Liam Browne (Apex).
A4
1 Mark Shannon (Burren CC); 2 Cathal Russell (Dolmen CC); 3 George Doyle (Tralee CC); 4 Sean McCarron (Tralee CC); 5 Benny Cassidy (Killarney CC); 6 Paul Nolan (Unatt).