Tom Diggle

22.08.07: It was a day of mixed fortunes for the young recycling.co.uk team.

The day started in the sunshine and the team were filmed on the Channel 4 introduction for the race coverage. Commentator Phil Liggett was heard to comment 'young riders are the future for cycling'. This is the biggest race that the youngsters have ever participated in and they were very nervous young men.

But, as early as 10 kilometres into the event disaster struck when a motor bike took out 19 year old Tom Diggle. Tom was 'clipped' by the motorbike panniers and brought down. Team manager said that the motor cycle pilot got a 'telling off' over the race radio - not something John has heard of often in Professional events.

Tom was serviced and finished the day in the peloton tired but in good spirits. Shortly afterwards Chris Newton punctured and despite a confused wheel change worked hard and got back to the peloton. Disaster also struck later for the team leader Chris when he was 'rear ended' and brought down in an incident that destroyed his rear mech. He was given his spare bike and regained the bunch only to suffer further mechanical problems near the finish on the climb of St Patrick's. The team take a great deal of care with their Shimano equipped Pinarello bikes and have rarely suffered from mechanical problems. The team mechanic Aaron Berry has performed superbly over the 2007 season which saw reliable performances from the equipment and riders alike.

Back in the race the rest of the team finished safely in the bunch with the exception of Graham Briggs who was tailed off on the final climb finishing tired but satisfied. The team's secret weapon 22 year old Rob Partridge was reasonably satisfied but disappointed to have missed the winning break. Rob has performed superbly in 2007 in Italy and also international events whilst riding for the GB team. Recently rejoining the recycling.co.uk team this talented young man is looking forward to riding well enough to get noticed by the bigger continental team managers. We hope this event helps Rob achieve his ambitions of a full time continental contract for 2008.

Overall the day was a good one and the young riders have learned a great deal. Hopefully day two will be another safe day in the peloton in this superbly supported event in Ireland.

Charlie Jackson