Cycling Reports
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GRIFFIN RIDES WELL IN ISLAND RACE
Despite rumours to the effect that the Island was flat, it couldn’t be more opposite. A number of riders thought that it was one of the toughest races they had participated in but the sunny warm weather saw most of the field finishing the stage in the E/1/2 race finish. On the 78-mile Sunday morning stage two, Griffin had to be content with a team role as Dean Downing’s brother Russell nicely positioned in the race winning break with Rory Wyley (London Irish – sdeals.com), Kieran Page and Robin Sharman (both Wightlink – SP Systems). Matt Melville (London Irish) had created the original break but was dropped in the latter stages as Wyley and Page bridged the gap from the bunch. Page won the sprint on the final 12% climb with Wyley seemingly choosing not to contest the sprint and finishing in fourth spot. The winning margin was enough for the leaders jersey to swap shoulders from Dean Downing to brother Russell. In the afternoon’s 8-mile hilly time trial, Russell Downing exploded around the short route that finished with a painful 15% climb to lead another 1-2-3 for Life Repair. Griffin was narrowly beaten for fourth spot by John Venness (Evans RT). Team Rás Mumhan made a late decision to ride the event with £1,800 in prize money. Miceal Concannon was unfortunate to suffer a nosebleed while riding strongly on stage two. Mick Mulcahy rode consistently to finish 13th overall just ahead of Wyley.
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Paul Griffin rode well in his guest role with the
Life Repair Team in the Wight Leisure – Surrey League Isle of Wight 2-day race
(Sept 20th & 21st). On the tough 102-mile first day Griffin took the
mountains leaders jersey after winning points on the early primes with the stage
victory and yellow jersey going to teammate Dean Downing. Life Repair took the
first three places in an impressive display with Griffin leading home what was
left of the bunch. 
