Race leader fights off challenges

JOE FENLON of the Morrissey's team in Carlow held his lead on the final stage of the Eagle club's three day cycling race at Dunboyne…

JOE FENLON of the Morrissey's team in Carlow held his lead on the final stage of the Eagle club's three day cycling race at Dunboyne yesterday to take the overall honours.

Fenlon admitted he had some anxious moments on stage four of 74 miles as there were several breakaway attempts, but it ended in a big hunch sprint and Fenlon finished second to Simon Whelan (Dublin Wheelers).

When a group of 24 went clear Eenlon had to lead the chase and even when they were reeled in with 20 miles left others opened up gaps to threaten Fenlon's lead. However, they were all back together at the end so Fenlon retained top spot by 22 seconds over Michael Doyle.

. A break by Liam Keenan, Jimmy Lally and Paddy Flanagan proved decisive in the final stage of the two day race for veterans. In the stage four 20 miles massed start the trio built up a lead of a minute and 19 seconds and although Lally outsprinted Flanagan and Keenan the order was reversed in the overall classification.