Nugent the wheel deal in Blarney

Mark Nugent went one better than his runner-up position in the Osborne Butchers sponsored Blarney criterium on Saturday night when he won the Donal Crowley memorial race in Blarney yesterday.

The Waterford Racing CC man, second to Páidí O’Brien the night before, was part of the day’s break yesterday that went away on the first of eight laps and he was quickest to the line before a huge turnout.

Nugent has already tasted success this year in the St Patrick’s Day race in Carrick on Suir and on a circuit not too dissimilar from yesterday’s — two climbs, but nothing too serious — he again proved his worth.

He edged out John Horgan (Dan Morrissey Speedy Spokes CC) by half a wheel with Aidan Gallery (Blarney CC) just behind in third.

Meanwhile, on Saturday nightPáidí O’Brien (Dan Morrissey-Speedy Spokes) added another win to the account for 2012 with a superb show of strength in the Blarney CC criterium.

O’Brien, who was forced to sit out last week’s An Post Rás due to exam commitments, jumped away with Mark Nugent (Waterford Racing CC) after approximately 15 minutes of racing and stayed away to the finish on a rain-soaked 1.3 kilometre circuit just outside Blarney.

The pocket rocket sprinter from Banteer was always going to be the man to watch on the night and even though a string of early escapes proved futile, he showed he had the legs when it mattered.

He was comfortable in seeing off Nugent for the dash to the line.

Local fastman Brendan McLoughlin led in a three-man chase group with Brian Canty (CorkCounty CC) just behind him while Eddie Barry, who had been aggressive all night despite a gruelling Rás last week was fifth over the line followed by a reduced bunch.