Prendergast excels on the Partry Mountains.

Having come close to a win only days previous in the hotly contested Westport town centre criterium junior rider Jason Prendergast riding for Cong based Cunga CC managed to come up trumps this time around taking a fine solo win in the Western Lakes CC promoted Tourmakeady Festival race on Wednesday evening last. In what proved to be ideal racing conditions the 45 rider field took to the line for the 50km handicapped event. With six minutes covering the field from front to back the last group to start had it all to do. Riding steady they worked well to whittle down the lead of those in front. By the half way point most of the riders had been swept up by the strong men and the attacking started in earnest with Ballinrobe man Padraig Marrey the first to fire a bullet from his gun. This move was gradually reeled in and just as it came together it was Jason Prendergast who took the initiative and launched a strong attack. Sensing the danger it was Marrey who responded first and as the duo gathered momentum up front several more managed to close the gap making it five in the newly established break away. These included Prendergast ( Cunga CC) Marrey & O'Malley ( Western Lakes CC ) Coen ( Castlebar CC ) and Prendergasts older brother Charles ( Polygon Sweet Nice ).

With the majority of the clubs present now represented out front this move had every likelihood to succeed and while those behind mounted a consistent chase The strength of the front group never looked like being overhauled. On to the finish where Prendergast junior decided to go alone with approximately 2km remaining and managed to hold on for a fine win with Marrey left to settle for second on the night from Prendergast senior who no doubt took joy in his brothers smart move and stylish win. Next over the line in fourth was Sean O'Malley followed by junior rider Cale Coen in fifth. Coen has been riding well of late and will hope to be strong in the upcoming Ballinrobe  2 day stage race on August 10th & 11th. Mark Quigley ( Western Lakes CC ) led home the chasers for 6th on the night a little over a minute behind the break. Western Lakes CC would like to thank race sponsor, UK based Tom Mc Manus, O'Tooles Bar Tourmakeady for their wholesome hospitality, Padraig Henaghan for his support, marshals lead car drivers and all who helped make the event a success.

Results
1st Jason Prendergast - Cunga CC
2nd Padraig Marrey - Western Lakes CC
3rd Charles Prendergast - Polygon Sweet Nice
4th Sean O'Malley - Western Lakes CC
5th Cale Coen - Castlebar CC
6th Mark Quigley - Western Lakes CC

7^th David Brennan Castlebar CC

8^th Chris Troy Castlebar CC