Successful trip west for Carlow cyclists 

It was a weekend to remember for two Carlow cyclists when Con Scully and Jack Woods recorded a remarkable double. Scully (Dan Morrissey Pissei Cycling Team) took the Category 1 (C1) Brian O’Loughlin Memorial Race in Cong County Mayo. In the same race which is part of the National Series competition, seventeen-year-old Woods won the Category 2 (C2) and the youth award.

In what was a hugely significant weekend for the teenager, Woods, racing in the colours of Belgium’s Crabbe Dstny Woods, also won a road-race in Drogheda on Saturday.

Scully has already had one win in Connacht this season. Sunday’s 120 km event was tough.

“It was difficult. Out around a lake and a really hard road. Very windy today. Limited opportunities to make a break,” remarked the Carlow cyclist.

A three-man breakaway looked set to dominate early on. They were eventually caught and another trio made their move with 50kms to go. Scully rode across where he set himself up.

“After that I attacked with 15kms to go. I won by 1 minute 15,” said Scully who was able to enjoy the final stages “Probably the last few kilometres I knew I was in a good position.

“The team car had made it up to me with 5k and when I saw the car, I kind of knew I had it. The commissaire came up beside me to tell me the times. I kind of knocked it off with 2k to go. There were a few corners and I didn’t take any risks,” explained the Carlow rider.

Scully is coming off the back of a successful Rás Tailteann where his Team Ireland colleague, Jamie Meehan, took second place in the General Classification. Despite having to work for the team Scully still finished in 35th place overall.

“I have great fitness from the Rás. I knew during the week that the legs had absorbed really well. I wasn’t sick or anything like that and the legs are very good at the moment.

“I was very happy with the Ras this year. I felt I was strong enough to make a difference,” agreed the Mayo winner.

Jack Woods journey to Drogheda on Saturday looked set to end in disaster when he hit a pot-hole and damaged a derailleur. His father, Seamie, was close on hand and fixed the problem. For a technical issue such as this, the racer is allowed to tailgate a car to get back into the bunch. The pair did this successfully and Woods set his stall for victory from there.

“I knew after that that I was on a good day. I rode straight through the group. I attacked and was probably solo for 2-3 minutes before I was joined by some of the biggest seniors in the country. We were rolling for a long time. That looked as if was going to be the group. We had 20 seconds,” explained the eventual C2 winner.

“In the last 2-3 kms I said I would hold on for the sprint. I felt there was no need to go up the road. Three riders slipped off the front. Everybody looked at each other. They were first, second and third across the line. I was eighth overall and the first C2 and the first junior across the line.” 

Father and son were up bright and early on Sunday where Mayo was the next stop.

“I was really confident going in Sunday. My coach has trained me to a level where I am able to race back to back days. It is important to do training sessions where you are going hard for 2-3 days. Just to be prepared for stage races,” said the double winner in waiting.

Ten kilometres in, Woods counter-attacked and a group of four got away. That came down to two. Woods sprinting prowess decided the race and a double was achieved.

“A deadly weekend overall,” Jack agreed.