Dunboyne awash with colour for start of Rás

A multi-coloured tidal wave flashed through the centre of Dunboyne on Sunday, made its way past Slevin's pub and out the Summerhill road. The 60th Rás was officially underway with 161 riders from many different countries setting off for their 90-mile trip to Kilkenny. The riders completed a ceremonial lap of Paul Healion Way, a 3.4km circuit in Dunboyne named after local National Time-Trial champion who died tragically in 2009. Ultimately the opening day belonged to Polish giant Marcin Bialoblocki as he spearheaded a late four-man escape with just 15km remaining to claim the first yellow jersey of the eight-day event. Meath man Aaron Buggle from Rathcore came home in 17th place, on the same time as the third placed rider with almost the entire field of riders arriving into the Marble City, within seconds of the winners' time. In the Inter-County team classification, it was the Carlow Dan Morrissey Speedy combination who proved strongest with DID Dunboyne in second place and Meath Martin Donnelly team in ninth place, all on the same time as the leading team. It was a dramatic stage following a heavy crash early with Christian Hannesstad hospitalised. Hardly surprising that there are accidents when the peloton is witnessed up close. As the riders did their pre-race ceremonial circuit of Paul Healion Way there was only millimetres between wheels as the wave of cyclists passed through the village in front of appreciative fans who turned for the occasion. This is the third time the Rás has started from Dunboyne and as race commentator Ray Kennedy pointed out it was another glorious day for the start of what promised to be a hugely successful event. "It's always sunny in Meath, this is a great place, I'don't think it ever rains here," said Kennedy as he drew laughter from the crowd. Kennedy's superb colour commentary from the sign-on truck in the middle of the village ensured everyone who was in attendance knew exactly what was going on. He introduced each of the teams and encouraged the fans to show their support. He did have a little difficulty in coaxing the French team to the stage for their sign-in, but after they did arrive (15 minutes late!) Kennedy's declared it was time "get the show on the road". Kennedy also spoke to Paddy White, a stage winner from the second running of the race in 1954. The MC pointed out that White would have had to do it the hard way, compared to the way riders are looked after today. There was no prize on offer 58 years ago and White had to clean and look after his own bike, in Kennedy's eyes that made him a great champion. While Kennedy entertained from the podium, Dunboyne CC legend Cian Lynch roamed the road amongst the riders, their teams, families and supporters, offering his own insightful view into what is involved in the race. Lynch spoke to many of the riders, many of whom he had worked with in the past, and got their views and expectations for the week. He also spoke to several former winners and his views coupled with Kennedy's commentary ensured a hugely insightful morning. Another local man who is one of the most recognisable men in Irish cycling is Gay Howard and he was in attendance at Dunboyne where he explained that he just can't stay away from the Rás or cycling. "I've been around the Rás for a few years now. Today will be my 50th Rás and I absolutely love it. "Some people go to play bingo every week, but my love is to go to cycling," said Howard. "This is just a craze that I have, I love cycling. My wife also loves it, but when she married me she knew what she was getting into and she had to commit to cycling as well as to me. "It is so enjoyable, that it just keeps bringing me back every week." There was a poignant moment when the riders stopped to observe a minute's silence for the late Seamus Kennedy, who passed away recently. The An Post Rás will conclude in Skerries next Sunday, with much of the final stage passing through Meath when they depart Cootehill in Cavan at 12.0 for 139km ride to Skerries which will take them through Nobber, Wilkinstown, Slane, Kilmoon Cross, the Naul, Balrothery, Cross of the Cage before hitting Skerries around 2.0.