Stage 3 – Charleville to Dingle (133.2kms)
It’s funny how some things on race day never change. The pre-race choices – I spent Sunday morning fretting about what to wear on the rainy opening stage. Long sleeves or short sleeves? Rain jacket or gilet? Maybe the Gabba? Today was a question of which cassette. The 11-23 might not be enough for the Conor Pass, but the 12-28 would leave me spinning on the descent into Dingle.
Our expert mechanic Fionn – on loan from Joe Daly Cycles in Dundrum – dug out an 11-28 that I didn’t know I had, so that had me sorted for all scenarios. He’s been hard at work since day one, cleaning the bikes and getting them ready every morning, along with his lovely assistant John. I wouldn’t have gotten around quite so well without him today!
A wall of noise greeted us as we sped out of Charleville. The local school were out in force, waving their An Post Rás flags, and cheering at the top of their lungs. It’s a fantastic buzz to have the schools on the side of the road, and it’s always good to try put on a show for an audience.
Today’s start was fast, on twisting roads. It lined out early, with wheels being dropped down the bunch. I had the sense to start on the front, so made the early split.
As the bunch whittled down, there was a touch of wheels at the 35km mark, two lads hitting the deck. A calm, controlled chase back – let the cars up and around, then shelter and weave back to the bunch.
We take the cat 3 KOM steadily enough, and zip down the other side into the valley. The passage through the towns is the most hectic – sharp turns meaning the bunch gets strung out, and the line outs only coming back together well after we exit the town.
Today is all about the Conor Pass. Looming large with about 10km left in the stage, naturally the race is blown to bits on the ascent. I pick an Austrian wheel and follow it up, occasionally passing a weaving rider.
The crowds are out in force at the top, and the descent is terrific. Dry roads, good surface, perfect visibility… it’s nearly 70kph average for 6.5km, before we ramp up to the finish line.
It’s a gorgeous day in Kerry, but it’s a tense wait to see if the lads all make it in after the early splits. They all come in safe and in one piece, and it’s on to the hotel to put the feet up and start the recovery before we do it all over again tomorrow!
