April 2002 |
|
Carnage continues in France: (By Gerry McManus Apr 29) Strong buffeting winds saw the Circuit Des Mines race blown apart on the run in to Manderen Château De Malbrouck on stage five on 29th April. The 153 km stage was taken by lone breakaway rider Jergen Bo Pederson (Den) EDS-fakta who was away for most of the stage eventually winning comfortably 2-08 ahead of iteamNova rider Russell Downing (GB). Downing had already shown some form by taking fifth in the recent 1:5 Archer GP in England and out-sprinted Nicolas Vogondy (Fra) FDJ on the 900m 1-in-5 climb up to Chateau De Malbrouck. Britain’s Chris Newton finished fourth to move up to third overall in the G.C. and Mark Scanlon finished 28th @3-25 and lies 12th overall @ 7:14. With mainly wheat fields either side of the road, there was little protection from the prevailing winds and Australia’s Nathan O’Neill, Phil West (GB) and Magnus Backstedt (Swe - EDS-fakta) were elimated after they were dropped and finished outside the allowed time period behind the winner. Brian Keneally was forced to abandon due to a knee injury caused in the first stage after a crash. Overall after five stages: 1 Sergiy Matveyev (Ukr) Ceramiche Panaria-Fiordo 2 Fabian Cancellara (Swi) Mapei-Quick Step Espoirs @ 11sec 3 Chris Newton (GBr) Great Britain @ 19sec 4 Gianpaolo Cheula (Ita) Mapei-Quick Step Espoirs @ 33sec 12. Mark Scanlon (Team Ireland) @ 7-14, 24. David O’Loughlin @ 24-52, 70. Stephen Gallagher @ 50-41, 80. Paul Griffin @55-06, 89. Martin O’Loughlin @ 1-16-10. DUFF REMAINS SECOND OVERALL: (By Shane Stokes Apr 29) With just two stages remaining in the prestigious Ruban Granitier stage race in France, Dundrum cyclist Aidan Duff is resting in an excellent second place overall. Duff finished safely in the main bunch today and consequently remains just two seconds behind his Panorimmo 23 team-mate Yoann Le Boulanger in the overall standings. The Dubliner’s confidence is on a high after he recorded one of his best ever results on Sunday, breaking away close to the end to win the mountainous 179 kilometre third stage of the tough event, three seconds clear of Jean Floc’h rider Freddy Raveleu. The 2.6 ranked race continues tomorrow with
a 161 kilometre stage from Rennes to St. James and
concludes with a 151 kilometre to Dinan on Wednesday.
Scanlon takes on the professionals: (By Gerry McManus Apr 28) Racing in abysmal conditions, Mark Scanlon finished fourth in stage four of the 2:5 ranked Circuit Des Mines on Sunday 28th April. The final sprint in the 111km afternoons road stage was won by Britain’s Chris Newton who headed Jimmy Casper (Fra) FDJ and Graziano Gasparre (Ita) (Mapei-Quick Step Espoirs) Heavy French rain has played a visit to all of the stages so far except the morning’s Stage three 23km individual time-trial stage where Scanlon was 11th. This leaves Scanlon in 11th place in the overall G.C. at 7.04
Circuit Des Mines (France 2:5) after 4 stages: 1 Sergiy
Matveyev (Ukr) Ceramiche Panaria-Fiordo 2 Fabian
Cancellara (Sw) Mapei-Quick Step Espoirs @ 30sec 3
Gianpaolo Cheula (Ita) Mapei-Quick Step Espoirs @1-11 4
Chris Newton (GBr) Great Britain @ 1-24 11. Mark Scanlon
(Team Ireland) @ 7-04 EVANS IN FRANCE: (By Jim Trainor Apr 28) Tommy Evans (VC La Pomme) had another win in France yesterday winning the second stage of a 3-day Circuit de Saone et Loire. He attacked with40 kms. to go and held on to win finish 37 seconds ahead of the chasers and 1.37 in front of the bunch. He lies 3rd in the points, 2nd in the hot spots and 4th in the mountains classificaition. Veteran Campbell Takes Lakeland GP: (By Lakeland Press Officer Apr 28) The Lakeland Grand Prix was contested by over 70 competitors today, with some as far away as Naas (Kildare) and Tuam (Galway). Action was set at an early stage when, Owen Jeffries (Dave Kane Northern), Kieran McKenna (Omagh Wheelers), John Bell (Classic Walls) K McDaid (Apollo CRT) and Norman Campbell (Unattached) broke clear on the first of seven laps over a 8.5 mile undulating circuit. These five riders first built up a lead of 45 seconds but as the race progress it went to as much as two minutes. A chasing group four riders on lap four had broken clear of the main chasing group and cut this lead down to 40 seconds. The new four man chasing group consisted of Mick Nutly (Stamullen Donnelly RC), Ian Procter (Castlereagh RC), Padriag Marrey (Western Lakes) and Shaun Gray (Harps Cookstown). Coming to the end of lap five the two groups came together, but as soon as the two merged groups came together another attack took place with Bracken, Campbell, Bell and Marrey going off in a new breakaway attempt on the start of the sixth lap. These four riders opened a gap but Jeffries managed to cross the gap over this course, but on the seventh and final lap the pace was too high and was dropped. With just a mile to got he finish, the leading four riders were playing a cat and mouse situation with each other, the chasing group was now cutting the lead down to about the 30 second mark. At the final bend, Campbell make the decisive move and head out for a 2 second win over Marrey with veteran Bracken in 3rd place with the tiring Bell coming in fourth. Jeffries (Northern CC) was 5th as he was caught by the chasers but held off Peter Sharky (Stamullen Donnelly) in 6th place with Ian Proctor (Castlereagh) taking 7th place and Mick Nutly (Stamulen Donnelly) in 8th Place. Result of the
Lakeland Grand Prix in Enniskillen: 1. Norman
Campbell (Unattached) 2 : 32 : 30, 2. Padriag Marrey
Western Lakes 2 : 32 : 32, 3. Sean Bracken Usher IRC 2 :
32 : 35, 4. John Bell Classic Walls 2 : 32 : 42, 5. Owen
Jeffries Northern Dave Kane 2 : 33 : 05, 6. Peter Sharky
Stamullen RC 2 : 33 : 05, 7. Ian Proctor Castlereagh CC
2 : 33 : 05, 8. Mick Nutly Stamullen 2 : 33 : 05, 1st
Unplaced 3rd Category Kieran McKenna Omagh Wheelers, 1st
Unplaced Veteran Mick Nutly Stamullen RC, 1st Unplaced
Junior Paul Brady McQuaid Tyres Emyvale RUBAN GRANITIER BRETON: (By Harry James Apr 28) Aidan DUFF took an option on the overall General Classification today by winning the 179km stage from Le Cambout to Landerneau of the Ruban Granitier Breton. The stage, considered to be one of the toughest of the 2002 edition, encompassing four 1st category and one second category climb as it wound it's way across the Monts d'Arrée, saw Duff cross the line 3" clear of Freddy Raveleu (Jean Floc'h) in a total time of 4hrs 46' 08". Third was former "Big-Mat" professional Dominic Rualt who now campaigns with the V.S. Dinan-Seat team. Fourth man over the line but still a survivor of the winning break was Le Boulanger, a team mate in Aidan's "Panarimmo.com" team, who took over the leader's jersey, with Duff moving up 30 places by the end of the day to sit just behind his team-leader on the General Classification. In terms of gain the Irishman moves up to third overall in the Mountains competition, and 4th in the overall Points classification. RUBAN GRANITIER BRETON: (By Harry James Apr 24) Aidan DUFF provides the only Irish interest in the 2002 edition of the Ruban Granitier Breton which starts today in Concarneau. This race was for many years supported by an Irish national squad, although preference has been given this year to the "Circuit des Mines" in the northern regions of France. However the 6-stage "Ruban" is expected to provide plenty of fast hard racing, with a field represented by most of the major pro-team hopefulls battling over the 1000km course. Other than two National squads, those of Germany and Great Britain, the major interest is provided by Mapei, Rabobank, Once, Saeco, Domo Farm Frites, as well as Legia from Poland, Team Bert Story from Holland, the Czech team Joko Velamos, whilst the "amateur" interest is provided by the senior Elite 2 squads of Jean Floc'h, CC Etupes, Big-Mat, Dinan as well as Duff's "Panorimmo.com" team. The race starts with a 6.1km prologue and ends in Dinan on the 1st May, whilst the stage from Le Cambout to Landerneau on the 28th April should see anyone with ambitions for the top spot on the general classification, forging a place in history GILL ON FORM IN FRANCE: (Harry James Apr 23) Geraldine Gill claimed her second podium placing within a week when she finished second at Calan on Sunday, inches behind sprint specialist Alexandra Le Henaff, who represented France in the Sidney Olympics. Having spent several years with the Lannion club, Geraldine joined the female squad at V.S. Quintinais, during the winter, where she strengthens an already experienced group of international riders, including former Plancoëtin, Sabrina Payen. Following her recent solid performance, a 15th in the "Mavic Cup" series when she competed successfully against the better professional women racers, Geraldine took victory 10-days ago when she caught Nadine Cadol after a fine solo effort. Nadine who is coached by former 3-times Breton Elite champion Camille Coualon, was full of praise for Geraldine performance. Women are no softies: (Apr 22) Not put off by the tough course, a big field of 13 women competed on Sunday in Stamullen. This is more than last year's national championships! The girls started with the C category and rode two laps. Beth McCluskey was in a good position from the start, got over the hill first and maintained the lead right up to the finish. A small group of four ladies formed behind, including Gillian McDarby, with more small groups down the field. At the finish, Beth took the honours, with a neck and neck sprint for second between Debbie Booth, Rebecca O'Connell and Louise Moriarty. Results: 1. B. McCluskey (IMBRC); 2. L. Moriarty (Les Jeunes - Dublin Skip); 3. R. O’Connell (Bray Wheelers) POWER TAKES STAMULLEN GP: (By Shane Stokes Apr 21) Victorious in Saturday’s Brendan Carroll Memorial, US based Irish pro Ciarán Power (Navigators) today took his second win of the weekend with an impressive finishing sprint at the end of the Stamullen GP. In the uphill dash for the line, Power led home Paul Griffin (Earl of Desmond) and fellow US pro David O’Loughlin (Ofoto-Lombardi Sports) at the end of the tough 72 mile race, held on the same tough circuit as will be used for the national road race championships in June. <Read More and Results by Shane Stokes Here> <See Pictures Here> No luck for McCann: (Gerry McManus Arp 23) Fortune didn't smile on David McCann's first few days in Austria with his new Volksbank-Ideal team. Firstly the chest infection which had shown itself in Majorca had returned with a vengeance. Secondly hs was hit by a bout of Gastroenteritis which saw him hospitalised for two days eliminating him from any training activity. The start to his new career with the Austrian third division team will now not be the tour of Greece as expected. The next events on the team's calendar is the Gleisdorf 1:5 race in Austria on May 5th and the 2:5 Tour of Slovenia May 7th to 12th. McCann's illness may be a factor in the team progressing with a invitation made by Dermot Dignam to ride the 50th FBD Milk Rás.
A lap later AIken was 30 seconds down on McKenna with a chasing group 1.30 further back. At the bell Aiken and McKenna were together, 2.24 ahead of the chasers and on the final lap Aiken went clear while Kinning left the chasers and passed McKenna before the line, the Omagh rider just holding on for third. Billy Stewart Cup, 80 kms, Lurgan: 1, Roger Aiken (Banbridge CC) 1.55.30; 2, G. Kinning (XMTB) at 1.20; 3, K. McKenna (Omagh Whs.) at 1.32; 4, S. Hanna (Banbridge CC) at 1.59; 5, D. McCall (Maryland Whs.); 6, L. Kirk (Ards CC); 7, T. McConville (Apollo CRT) all same time; 8, A. Steele (South Derry Whs.) at 2.30; 9, S. Turner (Bann Valley CC); 10, N. Campbell (unatt.) all same time. Unplaced - Junior S. Turner; Vet. N. Campbell; 3rd cat.: P. Watson (Total Cycling.com.). Women are no softies: (Apr 22) Not put off by the tough course, a big field of 13 women competed on Sunday in Stamullen. This is more than last year's national championships! The girls started with the C category and rode two laps. Beth McCluskey was in a good position from the start, got over the hill first and maintained the lead right up to the finish. A small group of four ladies formed behind, including Gillian McDarby, with more small groups down the field. At the finish, Beth took the honours, with a neck and neck sprint for second between Debbie Booth, Rebecca O'Connell and Louise Moriarty. Results: 1. B. McCluskey (IMBRC); 2. L. Moriarty (Les Jeunes - Dublin Skip); 3. R. O’Connell (Bray Wheelers) McCann’s baptism in Greece: (By Gerry McManus Apr 18) Professional David McCann (Volksbank – Ideal) will have his first outing in his new team colours in the International Tour of Greece April 22 to 28. <Read More Here> STAMULLEN – M. DONNELLY TEAM LAUNCHED: (By Shane Stokes Apr 15) Fresh from their strong ride in last weekend’s Beggan Trophy in Bohermeen, where they placed 4 riders in the top 12, the new-look Stamullen Road Club was unveiled last night at a team launch in the Glenside Hotel in Julianstown. <Read More Here> O'Loughlin Wins in Bohermeen: (By Gerard Cromwell Apr 14) David O'Loughlin recorded his first win as a professional today when taking the Beggan Trophy in Bohermeen. The OFOTO-Lombardia Sports professional bided his time before bridging to an earlier breakaway, which included, JP Hilliard (Dublin Skip), Martin O'Loughlin (Cidona Carrick), Craig Sweetman (Stamullen M. Donnelly), Conor Murphy (McQuaid Tyres Emyvale) and Colm Bracken (Usher) at around the half way stage of the 70 mile race. O'Loughlin then attacked again, taking with him Colm Bracken (Usher IRC) and Conor Murphy (McQuaid Tyres Emyvale), before comfortably leaving both in his wake to cross the line alone. A cancelled stage race and an ensuing lack of racing sees the former Irish Under 23 champion home until the 25th on a break from his San Francisco base. O'Loughlin will now contest the Stamullen Grand Prix next Sunday although doesn't expect to be at the startline for the National Road Race Championships, to be held in on the same course, later in the year. "The championships clash with the US PRO championships, which is a big race for OFOTO - Lombardia, plus there's something like $40,000 for the winner!" he said. This clash could ironically see most of Ireland's pro's not contest the race as they all ride for American based teams. Colm Bracken of Usher Insulations outsprinted Conor Murphy of McQuaid Tyres (who took his second third place in two days), with Martin O'Louglin (Carrick Cidona) leading home the remnants of the break for fourth. <See Pictures Here> <Read More by Shane Stokes Here>
Beggan Trophy, Bohermeen: 1, David O’Loughlin
(Ofoto Lombardi Sports) 70 miles in 2 hours 50 mins 20
secs; 2, C. Bracken (Usher IRC) at 15 secs;3, C. Murphy
(McQuaid Tyres) same time; 4, M. O’Loughlin (Cidona
Carrick Wheelers) at 40 secs; 5, Phil Cassidy (Cycleways
Lee Strand); 6, J. P. Hilliard (Les Jeunes); 7, C.
Sweetman (Stamullen – M. Donnelly); 8, S. Kelly
(Galway Bay CC); 9, T. Hughes (Stamullen – M.Donnelly)
all same time; 10, R. Moore (Stamullen – M. Donnelly) MICK
CAHILL MEMORIAL CUP <See
Pictures Here>
- Results 80 MILES SENIOR A: 1 Kieron McMahon,
Earl of Desmond 2 Aidan Crowley, Cycleways Lee Strand 3
David Nugent, Western Lakes 4 John 0'Shea, Carrick
Cidona C.C. 5 John Lacey, Earl of Desmond C.C. 6 Richie
Cahill, Banteer C.C. McCANN GETS CONTRACT: (By Gerard Cromwell Apr 14) national road race champion David McCann has found a new team after the collapse of his Ceresit-Henkel squad in February. <Read More Here> Northern Weekend Report: (By Jim Traynor Apr 14) Ballymena Scott RC junior Ryan Connor continued on his winning way finishing on his own to win Castlereagh CC's 100 kms Castlereagh Grand Prix, at Carryduff, his fifth victory of the season. He came home nearly a minute ahead of Frazer Duncan (Northern Dave Kane) and Lennie Kirk (Ards CC) who in turn were 55 seconds ahead of Norman Campbell. while 37 seconds later Sean Turner (Bann Valley CC) led in Gary Wilson (East Antrim Audi). These six riders had been a group which had gone away from the Junior/Vets/3rds group before it was absorbed by the main bunch. The 72-strong field had started in three groups but the scratchmen had caught the middlemarkers on the second on the five 12-mile laps. However the break which had gone away from the front group were holding their own and on the penultimate lap Connor attacked splitting the leaders. He had 20 seconds at the bell but stretched this over the final circuit.
72 riders started the event run off as a short limit handicap, the juniors/vets/3rds getting 8 minutes from scratch. It was out of this bunch that six riders got away before the three groups came together before half distance. The six were Jim McConnell (Kings Moss); John Bell ((Classic Walls); Con Shortt (Newry Haldane Fisher); Sean Turner (Bann Valley CC), last year's winner Norman Campbell (unatt.) and Ross Blayney (Toyota North Down). With five of the 12 laps remaining these six held a 2 minute lead over the bunch but a lap later this was down to 1.30 on five riders: Easton, Byrne, Davy Gardiner (Apollo CRT), Conor Murphy (McKenna Fireplaces Emyvale) and Willie Hamilton (East Antrim Audi) who in turn were 20 seconds in front of the bunch. A lap later the two front groups were about to merge with the bunch now nearly a minute down. On the finsl lap Blayneyt dropped back with mechanical trouble while Easton, Byrne, Murphy and Gardiner got away to contest the sprint which Easton easily won, giving him his second victory in the event which he won two years ago. At the Giant's Causeway Robert Curry (Roe Valley CC) came home on his own 1.45 clear of second placed rider Matthew Ward (Roadstars Crumlin) in the fourth round of the NICF Road Race League promoted by the Bann Whs. Not Just Sport cycling club. Comeback rider Curry started in the first of three groups and after the opening lap he went away with Adrian Swann (Ballymena Scott RC). They stayed together until Curry left Swann on the final lap. Castlereagh Grand Prix, 100 kms, Carryduff: 1, Ryan Connor (Ballymena Scott RC) 2.31.46; 2, F. Duncan (Northern Dave Kane) at 57 secs.; 3, L> Kirk (Ards CC) s.t.; 4, N. Campbell (unatt.) at 1.52; 5, S. Turner (Bann Valley CC); 2, G. Wilson (East Antrim Audi) s.t.; 7, S. Gallagher (Orchard Whs.) at 1.55; 8, E. Crory (Newry Haldane Fisher) s.t.; 9, G. Kinning (XMTB) at 2.01; 10, P. Ferguson (Toyota North Down) s.t. 1st unplaced vet.: G. Crory. 1st unplaced 2nd cat.: G. Kinning. 1st 3rd cat.: B. Gormley (Harps CC).
Vet: N. Campbell. Junior: S. Turner. 2nd cat. W. Hamilton. U.16: 1, M. Mulvenna (Ards CC); 2, A> Petrie-Armstrong (Northern Dave Kane); 3, R. McIlreavy (Ballymoney). U.14: 1, S. Williams (Orchard Whs.); 2, T. Martin (Clann Eireann); 3, N. Furphy (Lurgan RC). U.12: 1, T. Williams (Orchard Whs.); 2, C. Brown (XMTB); 3, N. McGimpsey (XMTB). NICF RR League, RD. 4, Giant's Causeway: 1, Robert Curry (Roe Valley CC) 2.05.26; 2, M. Ward (Roadstars Cruymlin) at 1.45; 3, R. Patton (Unatt.) at 1.56; 4, A. Swann (Ballymena Scott RC) at 2.40; 5, R. Connor (Ballymena Scott RC) at 3.35; 6, M. Lyttle (Roadstars Crumlin) s.t.; 7, R Currie (Ballymena Scott RC) at 4.21; 8, D. Hodsmer (Ballymen Scott RC) at 4.22; 9, G. Scott (Kings Moss) at 5.14; 10, P. Cromie (Roe Valley CC) s.t. Intervarsity championships, Galway: Road race: 1, Owen Jeffries (Queens University Belfast); 2, T. Walsh (University of Ulster); 3, F. Hoentzauer (University of Ulster) Time trial: 1, G. McKeegan (University of Ulster) 5 miles in 11 mins 1 sec; 2, T. Ahern (UCD) 11 mins and 2 secs; 3, Owen Jeffries (Queens University Belfast) 11 mins and 8 secs Overall: 1, Jeffries (55 points); 2, Ahern, 51 points; 3, Walsh, 50 points Women: Louise Moriarty, Trinity College Dublin Overall college: 1, University of Ulster; 2, NUI Galway; 3, Trinity College Dublin DUNGARVAN KELLY PHARMACY ROAD RACE – SENIORS: 1 B. Kenneally, Carrick Cidona C.C., 2 P. Griffin, Earl of Desmond C.C., 3 T. Fanning, U/A, 4 F. Cahill, Banteer C.C. S3 /J/V RACE: 1K. O’Leary, St. Finbarr’s C.C., 2 I. Ormond, Carrick Cidona C.C., 3 G. O’Dwyer, St. Finbarr’s C.C., 4 K. Smith, Autoview C.C. UNDER 12: 1 Anthony Lynch, Kanturk C.C. UNDER 14: 1 Jeremiah O’Sullivan, Killorglin C.C. UNDER 16 1 Shane 0’Halloran, Duhallow Wheelers C.C. MARKIEVICZ CUP RACES IN SLIGO 66 miles: SENIORS: 1 Vincent Gleeson, West Clare C.C., 2 Simon Kelly, Galway Bay C.C., 3 Sean McIlroy, Carrick Cidona C.C., 4 Conor Murphy, Emyvale McQuaid Tyres C.C., 5 Paddy Sweeney, Avonmore Navan R.C., 6 Robert Whelan, Avonmore Navan VET 1st: Dessie Woods, Western Lakes C.C., JUNIOR: 1 Michael Holland, Emyvale McQuaid Tyres C.C., SENIOR ‘C’ 1st: Simon Duignan, Galway Bay C.C. UNDER 12 1st: E. Scanlon, Sligo C.C., UNDER 14 1st: J. Nugent, Western Lakes C.C. UNDER 16 1st: B. Cawel, Castlebar C.C.
VICTORY FOR SWINARD AND BRACKEN: (By Shane Stokes Apr 6) Dublin-based club Usher IRC raced to double success today in Roundwood, with Greg Swinard winning the final leg of the Leinster Cycling Federation league and Sean Bracken finishing 8th and taking the overall victory in the 4-race series. Swinard was part of the first category bunch which conceded up to 8 minutes to some of the other starters in the handicapped race, but as the event progressed the field gradually came back together. Just before halfway Swinard and team-mate Dave Peelo raced clear of the scratch group and passed the second category riders, then inside the final 10 miles they reeled in the last of those up front. Swinard quickly jumped clear and rode strongly to a solo victory, with Sean Bracken's brother Colm winning the bunch sprint from Dermot Healy about ten seconds later. Indeed this hectic gallop - which saw Colm Bracken maneuvering through a narrow gap to pass Healy close to the line - proved vital as it enabled him to secure second place in the league and thus make it a family one-two. Today's winner Greg Swinard was equally
delighted with his success. 'Myself and Dave Peelo took
off early on and gradually reeled everyone in', he said.
'Towards the finish Dave dropped back but I put my head
down and kept going.It was hard inside the last few
miles because of the headwind and I could see the bunch
closing in behind. But fortunately I had a big enough
gap to take the race'.
Along with Jim McConnell (Kings Moss) and Jim Dill (East Antrim) the leading riders made up a group which went clear on the third of eight laps of the Randalstown, Whiteside's Corner, Kilnock circuit. The field had earlier been split into two groups separated by three minutes and although the scratch men made early inroads, as the race progressed they were unable to pull the time back. Millwater Systems Surgenor Cup, 64m., Randalstown: 1, Ryan Connor (Ballymena Scott RC) 2.42.04; 2, L. Kirk (Ards CC) at 2 secs; 3, B. Hunter (East Antrim Audi); 4, J. McConnell (Kings Moss CC), all same time;5, J. Dill (East Antrim Audi) at 20 secs; 6, P. Ferguson (Toyota North Down) at 2.35; 7, O. Jeffries (Northern Dave Kane Provision); 8, B. Morrow (East Antrim Audi); 9, A> Martin (Ards CC) all same time; 10, M. Greer (Maryland Whs.) at 2.50. Under 16: 1, Adam Petrie-Armstrong (Northern Dave Kane); 2, K. Cromie (Roe Valley); 3, A. Hoey (Ballymena Scott RC). Under 14: 1, Martin Robb (Roe Valley CC); 2, Victoria Swann (Ballymena Scott RC); 3, C> McAlister (Ballymena Scott RC).
The sole change in the top ten placings of the general classification was Tim Ahern’s jump to eighth place overall, overtaking Killorglin rider Barry Woods and, more importantly, capturing the final stage with a storming solo ride. The UCD rider went clear with Leinster’s James Lawless inside the final 20 miles, forged ahead alone shortly afterwards and reached the finish line 42 seconds clear of Frank O’Leary of Usher IRC. Ahern’s team mate Alan Lane rode well to take 3rd place, a further 2 seconds back, DPC First Legal’s Alan Slevin was 4th and Brendan Harte of Bohermeen won the bunch sprint for fifth. <Read More Here> <See Pictures Here> <Download Interview with Paudi O'Brien 1.6Mb> <Download Interview with Sean Kelly 2.6Mb> <Download Interview with Sam D'Arcy 5.9Mb> <See MPEG Videos of Finishes> <Read Dave Walsh's Race Report> Irish aim for the top in Archer GP: (By Shane Stokes Apr 5) One week after the hard-fought international clash in the Rás Mumhan, Irish riders have an opportunity to avenge their defeat this weekend when they line out in the world-ranked Archer GP in Buckinghamshire. Read the full story in the Irish Times >> Race Preview - Archer international Grand Prix by Gerry McManus Go Here >> O'Donnell Wins in France: (By Harry James Apr 2) Michael O'Donnell (Dublin) riding for the V.S. Quimperoise took victory in the Elite 3 classic at Ploërdut on Monday, with experienced Welsh International, Anthony Malarczyck in 4th position. Most of the riders were in their third consecutive day of racing, but that did not prevent a group of 14 riders putting daylight between themselves and the bunch in the opening kilometres, with such a speed that the bunch was soon relegated to a supporting role, almost immediately. Amongst the leaders, Welshman Malarczyck was perhaps the most active, reminiscent of his days with VC Lanester. When he attacked with 3 laps of the circuit remaining only Lionel Le Han (Pontivy) was able to hold the wheel of O'Donnell visibly very much at ease, who soon closed the gap on Malarczyck, before taking the sprint finish, showing an excellant turn of speed. Malarczyck an reknown sprint finisher with a long list of good results could only manage 4th spot, being beaten by Le Han and Hennebont's Le Guilly. P&O IRISH SEA TOUR OF THE NORTH, STAGE 6: (By Jim Trainor Apr 2) Duncan Urquhart had no real problems in defending his yellow jersey over the 76 miles final stage of the P&O Irish Sea Tour of the North, run over two laps of a circuit at the Dundonald Ice Bowl. After his disastrous stage on Monday, Tommy Evans, riding for the NI Commonwealth Games Selection had something to prove and had said beforehand that he would be going all out for the stage. He attacked with two others as the drop of the flag but they were brought back. ALmost immediately another break went away with three Ards CC riders: Lenny Kirk, Kirk Sloan and Franz Horitzaeur along with David Gardiner (Apollo RT); Paul Kane (Northern Dave Kane - Provision); Ross Muir (Scotland) and Gary Dodd (Surrey Cycling League). Evans jumped across to this group as it began to open up a useful gap. The bunch was not in the mood to let a break get out of sight and the lead never rose much above 1 minute and as they came back past the Icebowl after the first 38 miles loop seven riders had a 62 second lead on the bunch. Throught the final circuit this gap kept coming down and with 10 miles to go the break was down to four riders: Evans, Dodd, Muir and Gardiner who held a slender 20 second advantage. When the gap came down to 15 seconds Gardiner looked round and seeing the bunch sat up. Evans seemed about to follow suit but the other two put in an extra effort. Evans followed and went straight past putting his head down and going for the line coming home 6 seconds ahead of Dodd while Muir also held off the bunch, 10 seconds behind Evans and 7 second in front of Brian Stewart (Northern Dave Kane) - Provision) who led in the big bunch. There were no changes at the top of the general classification with Urquhart scoring the biggest win of his career and also taking the AA King of the Hill classification winning five of the seven climbs in the race. P&O Irish Sea Tour of the North, Stage 6, Dundonald, 76m.: 1, Tommy Evans (NI Commonwealth Games Selection) 2.54.13; 2, Gary Dodd (Surrey Cycling League) at 6; 3, Ross Muir (Scotland) at 10 ; 4, B. Stewart (Northern Dave Kane - Provision) at 17 ; 5, R. Blayney (NICF); 6, M. Freeman (British Cycling Central Reg.); 7, B. Nickson (Scotland); 8, D. Easton (Total Cycling.com); 9, R. Chapman (Scotland); 10, General Classification: 1, D. Urquhart (Scottish Cycling Union 11.18.22; 2, S. Gallagher (Orchard Whs.) at 1.19; 3, P. Watson (Congleton CC) at 1.31; 4, R. Morgan (Surrey Cycling League) at 2.27; 6, S. McGregor (Glasgow Couriers) at 2.36; 7, B. Doherty (Northern Dave Kane - Provision) at 3.24; 8, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls) at 3.49; 9, M. Hutchinson (Banbridge CC) at 3.57; 10, D. Gardiner (Apollo RT) at 3.58 AA King of the HIlls: D. Urquhart., Junior: Ryan Connor (NICF)., Veteran: Lennis Kirk (Ards CC)., Lady: Lorna Fewtrell (Up and Under Group).
Building a lead of one minute over the chasers, the Navan man raced into the streets of Killorglin to take his second stage victory in the race. Dawson finished comfortably alongside his rivals to retain the yellow jersey, while his team-mate John Tanner rode well enough to leap over Brian Kenneally (Cidona Carrick Wheelers) in the general classification and thus ensure his Compensation Group squad took the first three places overall. FEXCO/CREDIT UNION RAS MUMHAN, STAGE 4: 1, Phil Cassidy (Cycleways); 2, P. Healion (Usher IRC); 3, R. Horner (Linconshire); 4, R. Cahill (Earl of Desmond CC); 5, J. Tanner (Compensation Group) Final overall: 1, Kevin Dawson (Compensation Group), 2, M. Lovatt (Compensation Group); 3, J. Tanner (Compensation Group); 4, T. Barry (Cidona Carrick Wheelers); 5, B. Kenneally (Cidona Carrick Wheelers) P&O IRISH SEA TOUR OF THE NORTH, STAGE 5: (By Jim Trainor Apr 1) There was a complete turnabout on the fifth stage of the P&O Irish Sea Tour of the North, 87 miles at Ballymena, taking in the Glens of Antrim with the race favourites coming home in the bunch, 20 minutes behind solo winner Duncan Urquhart (Scottish CU). The first six home take over the top places on GC with the next rider over 4 minutes in arrears and Urquhart has a useful margin of 1.19 on second placed Stephen Gallagher (Orchard Whs.). The action started early on and at the first AA King of the Hills prime at Clough, after just 5 miles, Urquhart led Matthew Ward (NI Comonwealth Games Sel.) and Chris Tierney (Ballymena RC/Scots). Shortly after this a seven-man break went clear and this was the move of the day. Urquhart led over the next KOH at Vanishing Lakes (33 miles) ahead of Paul Rennie (Scotland) and Stephen Gallagher. The six built up a healthy lead and at the Shanes Hill KOH after 69 miles Urquhart was again first over the top ahead of Paul Rennie and Roger Morgan (Surrey League). This gave Urquhart an unbeatable lead in the climbers category with only one climb on today's final stage. On Shanes Hill with 20 miles still to go Urquhart forged ahead on his own and as they reached the 3.4 miles finishing lap in Ballymena his lead over the rest of the break was 1 minute which he stretched to 1.14 over the circuit. Gallagher won the sprint for second place from Rennie, Stuart McGregor (Glasgow Couriers), Morgan and Paul Watson (Congleton CC). It was over 4 minutes before a 29-strong chasing group was led in by Alastair Rutherford (Scotland) but it was a very long wait before the bunch containing yellow yersey Nickson and pre-race favourite Tommy Evans came home some 20 minutes down. Today's stage is over two 36.4 mile laps starting and finishing at the Dundonald Ice Bowl but Urquhart is looking good with only his six breakaway companions of yesterday in a position to mount a challenge. P&O Irish Sea Tour of the North, Stage 5, 87m.: 1, Duncan Urquhart (Scottish CU) 2.36.27; 2, S. gallagher (Orchard Whs.) at 1.14; 3, P. Rennis (Scotland); 4, S. McGregor (Glasgow Couriers); 5, R. Morgan (Surrey League); 6, P. Watson (Congleton CC), all same time; 7, A. Rutherford (Scotland) at 4.18; 8, T. Allan (Scots U23); 9, G. Imlagh (Scottish CU); 10, P. Hey (West Pennines) all same time. General Classification: 1, D. Urquhart 8.23.52; 2, S. Gallagher at 1.19; 3, P. Watson at 1.31; 4, R. Morgan at 2.27; 6, S. McGregor at 2.36. King of the HIlls: D. Urquhart. |
LOVATT
WINS SHAY ELLIOTT MEMORIAL:
(By Shane Stokes Apr 28) For years the Shay Elliot
Memorial has been regarded as one of the most important
one-day events in Ireland, but today it moved up another
notch with the first running of the contest as a
fully-fledged international race. <
BILLY
STEWART CUP:
(By Jin Traynor Apr 21) Banbridge CC's Roger Aiken,
desisively won Aollo CRT's Billy Stewart Cup 80 kms.
Handicap at Lurgan coming home on his own 1.20 ahead of
Glen Kinning (XMTB). Aiken started in the scratch group giving
away up to 5.45. After one lap of the 5-lap race, 3rd
cat. Kieran McKenna (Omagh Whs.) back to the sport after
six years, had dropped all the front group. A lap later
he was still out in front, 1.45 clear of Aiken who had
got away from the scratchmen and gone through the field.
On
Saturday, Denis Easton (Total Cycling.com) was first
home in RT Autoparts East Tyrone CC's 72 miles Cookstown
Spring Classic at Drum Manor beating Kilcullen CC's
Willie Byrne in a 4-up sprint.
Cookstown
Spring Classic, 72m., Drum Manor: 1, Denis Easton
(Total Cycling.com) 2...38.50; 2, W. Byrne (Kilcullen
CC) at 10 secs; 3, C Murphy (McKena Fireplaces
Emyvale); 4, D. Gardiner (Apollo CRT) all same time; 5,
N. Campbell (unatt.) at 32 secs; 6, S. Turner (Bann
Valley CC); 7, J. Bell (Classic Walls); 8, J. McConnell
(Kings Moss); 9, C. Shortt (Newry Haldane Fisher); 10,
W. Hamilton (East Antrim Audi), all same time.
GOOD
RESULT ON MANCHESTER TRACK: (Apr 6) Brian
Nugent from Cookstown, Co. Tyrone a member of the
Classic Walls Racing Team, but riding on this occasion
for his University, Liverpool's John Moores won a bronze
medal in the 4000 metres pursuit, at the B.U.S.A. 2002
Track Championships held at the Manchester Velodrome on
6 - 7th April. Qualifying 4th fastest in the 1st round
of a full field of 30 riders from all over the UK
Universities with a time of 5mins 07secs, was good
enough to go through to the last 8. In the 2nd round he
won his heat comfortability, with a time the same as in
the 1st round, but winning by a margin of 7secs. In the
ride off for the bronze medal he was never behind, and
with 3 laps remaining caught his opponent and went on to
win the bronze medal.
SURGENOR
CUP, RANDALSTOWN: (By Jim Gore Apr 6) Ryan
Patton (Ballymena Scott RC) from Ahoghil, had his fourth
win of the season when he won the 64m. Millwater Systems
Surgenor Cup promoted by Old Bleach CC at Randalstown.
Connor finished two seconds ahead of Newtownards veteran
Lennie Kirk with Brian Hunter of Glenarm third.
AHERN
TAKES FINAL STAGE(By
Shane Stokes Apr 1) Overnight leader Paudi O’Brien
today won the Dublin Skip Gorey 3 Day race, finishing
safely alongside all his main rivals in the main bunch
at the finish near Blessington. The 58 mile stage from
Gorey back to Dublin was run off in difficult cold and
wet conditions but as anticipated beforehand the Kanturk
CC rider had no major difficulties in protecting his
sizeable lead.
CASSIDY
TAKES FINAL STAGE OF FEXCO/CREDIT UNION RAS MUMHAN: (By
Shane Stokes Apr 1) Following the domination of UK
riders for much of the weekend, in-form Irish rider Phil
Cassidy today bounced back to take the final stage of
the 4 day Fexco/Credit Union Rás Mumhan. The Cycleways
Lee Strand rider was involved in an early breakaway
which also included race leader Kevin Dawson
(Compensation Group), and although a regrouping occurred
towards the end of the 58 mile stage, Cassidy had enough
power left to forge clear.