‘Anger’ driving force for Power

CIARAN POWER (Pezula Racing) strengthened his grip on the Pauline Sugrue Auctioneers Rás Mumhan when he won a three-man sprint into Waterville to take yesterday’s gruelling South Kerry Climbs. His victory highlights his disgust with having been denied a Sports Council Grant this year and Cycling Ireland’s refusal to put forward an appeal on his behalf.

“I am driven by the fact that Cycling Ireland would not put forward my appeal for a grant,” he said. “As bad as that might appear to be I have to admit I get a lot of motivation from that. I am riding like I am angry. I just want to show everybody how strong I am.”

A two-time Olympian and a two-time winner of the FBD Insurance Rás, his strength has never been questioned and this race has just underscored his all-round ability. After winning the first stage on his own on Friday, he finished second to his team mate, Cameron Jennings, on Saturday’s stage after going off the route when he had a lead of 1:58.