The 2015 Ras Mumhan commenced on Friday, 3rd April and the Tralee Manor West Team consisted of Jerry McCarthy, Cormac Daly, Neil Long, Brian Harte and Gareth McGonagle. Team Manger is Barry Murphy and Cian Hogan is providing the Sports Massage.
Stage 1 - Kilorglin-Killarney-Kilcummin-Castleisland-Milltown-Killorglin. 105km
Stage 1 commenced in Killorglin with 185 riders signing on. Strong winds and a high pace split the race very early on in Killarney. The race then headed for Kilcummin where two main groups were beginning to form. The first group had approx. 100 riders and a big gap was opening to the second group as the race continued around the roads of East Kerry. On the sprint into Killorglin, Paidi O'Brien unleashed a ferocious kick to take the opening stage. This front group consisted of two of our riders Cormac Daly and Neil Long. The next large group came in about ten minutes down and consisted of about 80 riders with Brian Harte, Gareth McGonagle and Jerry McCarthy all safely home for our club. Extremely impressive riding by all five guys on a very tough opening stage.
Stage 2 - Kenmare-Healy Pass-Glengarriff-Ballingeary-Kilgarvan-Kenmare. 144km
Stage 2 commenced and finished in Kenmare. A much calmer day greeted the riders and the sun shone on a glorious but extremely tough route. The ascent of Healy pass would come after just 25km into the 144km stage. After just 10km today there was a big crash with numerous riders injured. Unfortunately for the club Brian Harte was one of the injured party and due to his injuries was out of the race. All of us at Tralee Manor West would like to wish Brian a speedy recovery. Our remaining riders were caught up in the crash and had to put in huge efforts to get back into the race and to there extreme credit all finished. Neil finished just five minutes off the winners time with Cormac Gareth and Jerry all following in shortly afterwards. Well done to you all.