The four riders Chris McGlinchey, Felix English, Fintan Ryan and National Criterium Champion Marc Potts representing Ireland in today's Astana EXPO Professional Crierium in Kazakhstan acquitted themselves very well in a 70 rider field which included SKY Tour de France stars Chris Froome and Michael Landa and Italian National Champion Fabio Aru. In the early part of the race McGlinchey was often to the fore and although Froome got clear alone mid way through the 1 hour race he was quickly brought back.
National Champion Potts was one of a group of 10 riders who opened a sizeable gap as the race approached 45minutes of racing but with a first prize of $15,000 the field was letting nothing away and it eventually came down to a bunch Sprint which was taken by British rider Ed Clancy of JLT / Condor from Nicolas Marini (Nippo Vini Fantini) and Scot Sunderland from Australia but riding for Isowhey Sports Swisswellness taking 3rd. Marc Potts was just inside the $50,000 prize fund in 17th place. The other 3 riders were in the bunch being placed 30th, 54th and 61st .
Cycling Ireland Secretary was the event Technical Consultant and Race Director.