FitzGerald triumphs

Micheal Fitzgerald added the Stamullen Grand Prix to his list of triumphs in fine style yesterday.

A group of six of the main contestants were out in front at the end of six 12-mile laps and Fitzgerald sprinted in four lengths ahead of Eddy O'Donoghue with Philip Cassidy third.

Fitzgerald, who is from Clonmel but is riding unattached, without a club, looked to be in control throughout as he was involved in each breakaway attempt that threatened but when I put this to him afterwards he said: "It may have looked easy but it certainly was not, it was very tough going out there."

Fitzgerald was in an early break with Stephen O'Sullivan, Karl Donnelly and Martin Maguire and when they were caught he went on again with O'Sullivan, Brian Kenneally and Mark Kiernan. Soon after the bell for the last lap they were joined by O'Donoghue, Cassidy, Paddy Moriarty, Denis Easton, Simon Whelan, Simon Coughlan, Adrian Hedderman and Keith Bannon.

O'Sullivan had mechanical trouble and Bray team-mate Bannon waited with him but neither got back and at Naul for the last time Fitzgerald, O'Donoghue, Cassidy, Easton, Moriarty and Kenneally went clear from Whelan, Kiernan, Hedderman and Coughlan.

Approaching the finish there were constant attacks at the front but it all came down to a six-man sprint and on the incline to the finish in Stamullen Fitzgerald surged ahead for a good win.