The leading contender in the Rás Tailteann cycling race, Dom Jackson, experienced a significant fright during the last but one stage on Saturday. The reigning champ, Dillon Corkery, made a daring escape, temporarily positioning himself as the race’s prospective leader throughout the majority of the day.
Corkery was among a group of seven riders who gained an advantage within the initial 10km of the race. Being the only participant from Cork, he single-handedly caught up with the lead, which included his Irish team-mate Dean Harvey, four Irish rivals, and one British competitor.
The group swiftly established a lead of over 90 seconds. Given Corkery’s preceding deficit of just 32 seconds, it seemed he was on the brink of reclaiming the renowned yellow jersey for Rás. However, a determined effort from Jackson’s UK: Foran CT squad and Conn McDunphy’s USA: Skyline-Cadence team, who was second in place, resulted in the break being caught up within the final 50km of the race.
“In terms of the gap, it expanded to 1.40,” commented Corkery upon the stage’s completion. “Considering there are approximately 150 cyclists behind us, it creates an element of pressure, particularly when there are just two or three cyclists eager to lead at the front. Nevertheless, I believe we demonstrated the capabilities we possess in leading the pack and we fully intend to apply this approach tomorrow once again, as we are far from finished,” he continued.
Tom Martin of the UK: Wheelbase-Cabtech-Castelli team, claimed victory in the 139.2km stretch from Horse and Jockey to Kildare town. Fellow British competitor, Will Perrett of UK: Spirit TBW Stuart Hall Cycling, trailed behind by only two seconds. The duo broke away from their Irish counterpart, Conal Scully of Dan Morrissey Primor by Pissei, with approximately 45 kilometres of the race remaining. Martin and Perrett sustained their lead, competing for the stage win.
“I am thrilled to have finally secured a stage win here. I seized the opportunity around 45k prior to the end of the race,” Martin revealed. “Soon after, two other riders, Will Perrett and another competitor, joined me and we rode rather effectively together. I was aware of Will’s eagerness to advance in the General Classification. Bearing this in mind, I overtook him at 3k from the finish to clinch a solo stage win.”
Jackson still retains the race leadership’s yellow jersey, sharing the same overall time with Irish compatriots McDunphy and Liam O’Brien from Team Ireland. Only stage results differentiate the three racers. Both O’Brien and McDunphy are aware that gaining even a second on Sunday could secure them the victory, and they won’t hesitate to make their moves.
Jackson conceded, “Today was particularly gruelling. Some of the breakaways were potentially dangerous, prompting both my team and Skyline to work harder. There comes a point of exhaustion, yet the desire to cling on to this jersey keeps me going. Despite the strain it’s putting on me, I cherish every moment. To emerge victorious in this race would mean the world to me.”
Even though O’Brien stands third and Corkery trails by 32 seconds in the eighth position, the Irish team is still hopeful. Last year’s final stage, where Corkery erased a 19-second overnight shortfall through a bold move, provides them with optimism. Both O’Brien and Corkery have pledged to give their all on Sunday.
O’Brien reflected on the last year, “Given how things turned out last time, there are possibilities for surprises tomorrow. We have two secure potential winners there, we’ll definitely give it our best shot.” The ultimate stage is a 155.6km race originating from Maynooth and finishing in Bective, Co Meath.