2025 Week 4 Rás Mhaigh Eo

Rás Mhaigh Eo 2025 KOH Covey Wheelers Westoport Cycling Club

Results stage 3 and final classifications Rás Mhaigh Eo 2025

Rás Mhaigheo 2025 Report

Pinnery Orwell Wheelers CC headed west with a strong team of riders: Joe-Nathan Matar, Luke Keaney, Sean O'Kane, and Dick O'Brien, with DS Wissam Matar and team mechanic Luke Potter.

Stage 1

The race rolled out from Westport, heading south to Galway, passing the stunning scenery of Lough Fee. The C3 had a handicap on the C2 who in turn, had a handicap on the C1s. Dick and Luke worked hard to build a gap on the chasing bunch. Around 55km into the race, the groups came together on a narrow section of road, triggering carnage. Luke jumped onto Sean’s wheel to start attacking the C1 riders. After cresting a climb, Sean chased down the leader to bring Joe back into contention. However, after a sharp left-hander, a crash occurred. Luke narrowly avoided it but got dropped from the lead peloton. Sean managed to pull Joe across to the first break and finished 30th on the stage, taking 2nd in C2. Joe was flying but suffered a dropped chain at a crucial moment. Despite this, he recovered well to finish 9th on the stage. Dick battled hard in the C3 bunch, while Luke finished in the grupetto and sat 2nd in C3 heading into the time trial.

Stage 2 (Time Trial)

A tough 7km TT featured a steep kicker at the end. Luke, on his road bike, put in a strong effort, eating into the C3 leader’s time. Dick left it all on the road with a solid showing on his TT bike. Sean, using aero handlebars, gained time on the C2 leader, while Joe finished 19th on the stage. After recovery and a well-earned dinner, thanks to Wissam’s cooking skills, the team analyzed tactics for the final stage while watching Milano-Sanremo.

Stage 3

Sunday morning brought calmer but still strong winds. The team focused on getting Joe up the GC standings. Fueled by porridge and coffee, the riders started fast, descending into County Galway past the stunning views of Leenaun. As the C3 reached the lake’s edge, the race came alive! Luke bridged across to support Joe as Sean and Luke attacked the leading pack. Luke climbed the first KOH while Sean protected Joe. Unfortunately, Sean suffered a mechanical, forcing him to swap bikes, ending his C2 chances. However, he had already emptied himself for Joe, allowing him to stay fresh.

On the descent, Joe caught up with Luke, and the chasing bunch worked to catch the leaders. Luke did a massive pull, bringing back the leading bunch just before the second major climb. Joe then launched an attack with the leaders. Luke pushed hard to chase the C3 leader over the final 30km but couldn’t close the gap.

Joe-Nathan wrapped up a stellar performance, finishing 4th on the stage and 7th in GC. Luke finished 22nd in Stage 3, securing 2nd in C3. Dick drove the pace all day, coming home strong with the C3 group. Sean, despite his mechanical, battled hard to complete the stage.

A massive thanks to Covey Wheelers Westport for a fantastic two days of racing and to our support crew! All riders took plenty of learnings from the weekend, but the highlight was Joe-Nathan’s 4th place finish, continuing his strong early-season form.

Photos - Covey Wheelers Westport Cycling Club