Alan Gray wnd Round 2 of the Bike Station League

The 2nd round of the Bike Station Cycling League was held on the Sportsman Loop at Ravensdale. At only 32km long, what this round lacks in distance it makes up for it in climbing. The loop is essentially 50% fast downhill to the roundabout, followed by climbing back to the finishing line. Tackling the hill 4 times definitely made for a lot of tired legs.

 
The handicapping was very well judged with the race only coming together in the last km before the line. Before this the scratch group had combined well to catch the large group 5 within the first half of the race. Up ahead group 4 had caught group 3 and the 2 groups merged on the run into the finish.
 
Liam Dolan of Cuchulainn  had launched a solo bid for victory, however Tomás McCabe of Ardee bridged across to him. These 2 look set to battle for the chequered flag, however Alan Grey, part of the fast closing group behind the pair, launched a viscous acceleration to pass the leading pair & take the win. Dolan held on for 2nd with McCabe in 3rd. Next home was Gary Gorman.
 
In the Challenge Trophy held on the same course Alan Cole was the winner from Barry Haughey & Rosenna Lynch.