June 2003 |
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His victory in Harps CC's 110 kms Tour of the Sperrins over a hilly course starting and finishing at Cookstown, followed on his victory in the Ulster Senior Road Race championship the previous day. Unusually he didn't finish on his own having to outsprint Brian Lennon (St Tiernans). The two had been part of a four man break which became established after the first KOH at Mount Hamilton. In the four were Evans, Matthew Ward (Phoenix CC) along with Lennon and Paul Bloomer of the promoting club who had been in an earlier move which had been caught just after the top of the climb. The four established a maximum lead of 1.30. Ward dropped back at Gortin with 15 miles to go. With 6 miles remaining Evans attacked but Lennon was able to stay with him setting a a two-up sprint which went to the Banbridge man. Tour of the Sperrins, 110 kms, Cookstown: 1, Tommy Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) 2.26.26; 2, B. Lennon (St. Tiernans) s.t.; 3, P. Bloomer (Harps CC) at 40 secs; 4, C. Sweetman (Stamullen M. Donnelly) at 1.30; 5, D. Rafter (St. Tiernans); 6, L. Kirk (Ards CC); 7, M. Ward (Phoenix CC); 8, S. Mulvenny (Stamullen M. Donnelly); 9, P. Brady (McQuaid Tyres Emycale CC); 10, F. Duncan (Northern CC Dave Kane Cycles), all same time. Unplaced 2nd cat.: P. Marshall (Toyota North Down CC). Unplaced 3rd cat.: K. Dolan (Cuchullain CC). Unplaced Veteran: B. Marshall (Toyota North Down CC). Under 16: 1, Mark McGirr (Lakeland CC); 2, B. Henning (Newry Haldane Fisher CC); 3, G. McAdam (McQuaid Tyres Emyvale CC). Under 14: 1, Thomas Martin (Clann Eireann); 2, J. Kane (McQuaid Tyres Emyvale CC); 3, B. Hughes (McQuaid Tyres Emyvale CC). ULSTER SENIOR ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIP, HAMILTOWNSBAWN: (By Jim Traynor Jun 21) Tommy Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) won his fifth major Ulster race on the trot in the Ulster Senior Road Race Championship promoted by Orchard Wheelers at Hamiltownsbawn, Co. Armagh. After a break of a week while he was away competing in Belgium, Evans returned to his winning ways going clear on his own with 10 miles remaining to win by 1.18 from his teammate Denis Easton. Like the previous year the Total Cycling team dominated, taking the team award with four riders in the first sis, one less than in 2002. Evans had gone away on the third of ten laps in company with JOnathan Dempsey (Classic Walls) and Ross Blayney. For the next two laps they were chased by a six-man group including Easton who eventually managed to get clear on his own. When Evans was told he waited on his teammate as Dempsey went ahead on his own but when the two got together they caught Blayney and then Dempsey leaving four again at the front as the bunch dropped back to over 2 minutes down. ON the penultimate lap Evans made his move and at the bell he led Easton and Dempsey by 25 seconds with Blayney a further 10 seconds behind. Easton then attacked and went clear as Blayney came back to Dempsey, beating him in the sprint for the silver medal 1.40 behind Evans. Mark Kiernan and Gary Crory (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) led in the bunch 2.10 behind the winner. Ulster Senior Road Race Championship, 100 kms, Hamiltownsbawn: 1, Tommy Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) 2.31.15; 2, D. Easton (TCLF) at 1.18; 3, R. Blayney (Ards CC) at 1.40; 4, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls) s.t.; 5, M. Kiernan (TCL) at 2.10; 6, G. Crory (TCLF); 7, S. Turner (Bann Valley CC); 8, F. Duncan (Northern CC Dave Kane Cycles); 9, N. Campbell (unatt.); 10. M. Greer (Maryland Whs.) all same time. Under 16: 1, Michael Murray (Clann Eireann); 2, B. Henning (Newry Haldane Fisher); 3, M. McGirr (Lakeland CC). Under 14: 1, James Kane (McQuaid Fireplaces, Emyvale CC); 2, R. Thompson (Ards CC); 3, T. Martin (Clann Eireann). Under 12: 1, Peter Williams (Orchard Whs.); 2, C Blayney (XMTB); 3, P. Kane McQuaid Fireplaces, Emyvale CC).
AIken, who had been concentrating on mountainbike races for most of the season, returned to the road last week when he was 5th in the Tour of the Mournes. The race was over nine laps of a hilly 7-mile circuit at Ballynure and it was on the second circuit the the two went away. They gradually build up a lead which reached its peak on the penultimate lap at 1.45. On the final lap a chasing group left the bunch and although they reduced the deficit to 35 seconds the leaders never looked in any danger. Owen Jeffries (Northern Dave Kane Cycles CC) won from this 5-man group from Paul Bloomer (Harps CC). The bunch finished a further 31 seconds down. Audi Grand Prix, 100 kms, Ballynure: 1, Roger Aiken (Banbridge CC) 2.30.00; 2, M. Ward (Phoenix CC) s.t.; 3, O. Jeffries (Northern Dave Kane Cycles CC) at 35 secs; 4, P. Bloomer (Harps CC); 5, M. Greer (Maryland Whs); 6, M. Lyttle (unatt); 7, P. Marshall (Toyota North Down CC) all same time; 8, B. Kirk (Ards CC) at 1.06; , W. Hamilton (East Antrim CC); 10, B. Graham (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) all same time. Veteran: B. Graham. Junior: David Watson (Northern Dave Kane Cycles CC). 2nd cat: P. Marshall. 3rd cat: John McCarthy (Maryland Whs) POWER-FULL: (June 13) Navigators cagey Irishman Ciaran Power won the first stage of the Nature Valley Grand Prix today, out-sprinting his breakaway companions, newly crowned National Champion Mark McCormack (Saturn), and Mike Beers (Jelly Belly). The 98-mile road stage in Virginia Minnesota began with a steady 1000ft climb, and then continued on a flat to rolling circuit that finished with several short laps in town. The day started aggressively as a four man break including Navigators' Henk Vogels, Saturn's Tom Danielson, and Beers forced the pace early. Vogels set his sights on the sprint jersey hot spots as the quartet powered up the road. Five riders were able to make the bridge from the field including Power and McCormack, and as the 9-man break neared town, Power, McCormack and Beers escaped. The three worked well together and pushed the gap to over 1 minute on the finishing laps. Power took the victory in front of McCormack and Beers as the field absorbed the remainder of the break. Navigators Olympic Champion Marty Nothstein led the field sprint for 4th place, as Vogels captured the sprint jersey after day 1. Tomorrow the race continues with a 6 mile TT in Virginia before heading south to Minneapolis for an evening criterium. Power should be right at home in Minnesota's big city as an Irish Celtic band will be entertaining the fans. TOMMY GIVAN MEMORIAL, HILLSBOROUGH/TOUR OF THE MOURNES: (By Jim Traynor Jun 8) Local riders will be relieved when Tommy Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) returns to the continent this week as the Banbridge rider has been unbeatable in single day races since the FBD Milk Ras. In yesterday's Newry Haldane Fisher CC 115 kms Tour of the Mournes at Newry he scored his fourth win in four races over the past two weekends, taking the Newry event for the third time. Evans was in a five-man group which went away at Banbridge after 30 miles of the race along with teammate Gary Crory, JOnathan Dempsey (Classic Walls), Conor Murphy (Crannog ireland) and Mark Lyttle (Crumlin Roadstars). The five quickly built up a 1 minute lead by Leitrim where Crory took the KOH prime and when he took the next at Rathfriland the lead was 2 minutes. However after two laps of the Kilkoo, Rathfriland, Hilltown circuit the leaders were surprised when they were caught by a 7-man chasing group which had pulled out all the stops to close the gap. When they were caught Crory attacked and went clear on his own. As the attacks followed Evans, Murphy and Ryan Connor (Ballymena Scott RC) got away from the rest and got up to Crory on the third climb at The Alt where Murphy took the points to tie the KOH with Crory. Behind them Roger Aiken (Banbridge CC) just failed to get on to the leaders before the finish where Evans took the sprint from Murphy and COnnor with Crory 4th, Aiken coming in 10 seconds later. Craig Sweetman (Stamullen M. DOnnelly) led in the remainder of the break 45 seconds behind the winner. On Saturday Evans had won Maryland Wheelers' 100 kms Tommy Givan Memorial at HIllsborough outsprinting Ryan Connor (Ballymena Scott RC) who stayed with the Banbridge rider but he convincingly beaten in the sprint. The two had been part of a 14-man group which went away around half distance. On the second last of the 7 laps Evans and Conor went clear and had a 12 second lead at the bell but over the final 9-mile circuit they stretched this to come home 1.10 ahead of Conor Murphy (Crannog Ireland) who outsprinted Stephen O'Sullivan (Cycleways Lee Strand) for third place. Twelve seconds later Aidan Crowley (Cycleways Lee Strand) outsprinted last year's winner Denis Easton (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) and the remainder of the breakaway. Tour of the Mournes, 115 kms, Newry: 1, Tommy Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) 2.32.10; 2, C. Murphy (Crannog Ireland); 3, R. Connor (Ballymena Scott RC); 4, G. Crory (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) all same time; 5, R. Aiken (Banbridge CC) at 10 secs; 6, C. Sweetman (Stamullen M. Donnelly CC) at 45 secs; 7, P. Muuigan (Crannog Ireland); 8, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls); 9, M. Greer (Maryland Whs.); 10, P. McMahon (unatt.) all same time. First vet: Brendan Graham (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford). Tommy Givan Memorial, 100kms, HIllsborough: 1, Tommy Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) 2.32.50; 2, R. Connor (Ballymena Scott RC) at 1 sec.; 3, C. Murphy (Crannog Ireland) at 1.10; 4, S. O'Sullivan (Cycleways Lee Strand) s.t. 5, A. Crowley (Cycleways Lee Strand) at 1.22; 6, D. Easton (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford); 7, R. AIken (Banbridge CC); 8, B. Stewart (Northern Dave Kane Cycles CC); 9, S. Gray (Harps CC); 10, G. Crory (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford), all same time. 1st vet.: Brendan Graham (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford). 1st 3rd cat.: Colm Watson (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford). May 2003EVENS WINS NOEL TEGGART MEMORIAL: (By Jim Traynor May 31) Two doubles and a treble was Banbridge cyclist Tommy Evans' score for the weekend. By winning the Irish Classic League event, the Noel Teggart Memorial, promoted by Banbridge CC over 80 miles at Banbridge, the Total Cycling Lindsay Cars rider completed a weekend double havingtaken the first ever Northern Ireland Open Road Race Championship the previous day. It was also a double as he also won the Noel Teggart race last year and a treble in that is was his third win in the race as he also won the inaugural event in 1998. As has been the norm for recent weeks the race was run off in heavy rain throughout. On the third of 7 laps there were 10 riders in the leading group and this was down to 7 a lap later and with twolaps to go the race was down to six riders. Included were Evans, league leader Joe Fenlon and his Cidona Carrick Wheelers teammates John O'Shea and Martin O'Loughlin, Brian Lennon (St. Tiernans) and Conor Murphy (Crannog Ireland). (Murphy was confirmed by Cycling Ireland as having tested positive for pseudoephedrine in a test at the Tour of Ulster but has not yet had a hearing so can still compete). ON the penultimate lap Lennon and O'Shea went clear and built up a 45 second lead before Evans and Murphy shgook off the other two Carrick riders to go in pursuit. They caught the leaders half way round the final circuit. On the 4-mile drag up from Scarva Evans made one unsuccessful attack before finally opening a gap near the top of the hill which he held to the finish where he was 13 seconds ahead of Murphy and O'Shea. Veteran Jim McConnell (East Antrim CC) also had a double in the B event for 3rd cats, vets and juniors breaking away on the second of five circuits and, like a; year ago, soloing it to the finish to win by 49 seconds from COlm Crowley (Stamullen M. Donnelly CC). Noel Teggart Memorial, 80m. Banbridge: 1, Tommy Evans (Total Cycling :Lindsay Cars) 3.20.03; 2, C> Murphy (Crannog Ireland) at 13 secs; 3, J. O'Shea (Cidona Carrick Whs.) s.t.; 4, B. Lennon (St. Tiernans CC) at 23 secs; 5, J. Fenlon (Cidona Carrick Whs.) at 1.41; 6, M. O'Loughlin (Cidona Carrick Whs.) s.ty.; 7, D. Cutting (Killorglin CU CC) at 5.18; 8, B. Graham ((total Cycling Lindsay Cars) s.t. 3rdcat./Jun./Vets: 1, Jim McConnell (East Antrim CC) 2.33.06; 2, C> Crowley (Stamullen M. Donnelly CC) at 49 secs; 3, O. McQuaid (Emerald CC) at 1.33; 4, E. Crory (Newry Haldane Fisher CC); 5, D. Cormican (Phoenix CC); 6, J. COnran (Four Masters CC) all same time. Under 16: 1, Brian henning (Newry Haldane Fisher CC); 2, M. Murray (Clann Eireann); 3, S> Williams (OPrchard CC). Under 14: 1, Michael McAree (McQueid Fireplaces, Emyvale CC); 2, J. Kane (EMyvale); 3, T> Martin (Clann Eireann). Under 12: 1, Peter Williams (Orchard Whs.); 2, C. Campbell (Drogheda Whs.); 3, C. Blayney (XMTB). NORTHERN IRELAND OPEN ROAD RACE CHAMPIONSHIPS: (By Jim Traynor May 31) Tommy Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford), taking a break at home after the FBD Milk Ras, rode away from the field to win the first ever Northern Ireland Open Road Race Championship promoted by the Toyota North Down club at Bangor. Held over 11 laps of the 7-mile Bangor - Donaghadee - Orlock circuit an early break of three riders: Hary McKeegan (Team Madigan), Mark Greer (Maryland Whsl.) and Nrman Campbell (unatt.) stayed out in front for three laps before being joined by Evans with 5 laps to go. A lap later the Banbridge man had gone clear on his own as the other three dropped back to the chasers. Jim McConnell (East Antrim CC) and Ryan Connor (Ballymena Scott RC) left the chasers but the pair made no impression on Evans who finished1.46 clear, McConnell taking the sprint for the silver The Ladies championship was won by Mary Boyd (Roe Valley CC) in the sprint from Trudi Brown (Northern Dave Kane CC) and Mary McKee (Phoenix CC). Kyle Cromie (Roe Valley CC) won the Junior title finishing 44 seconds ahead of Chris McCaughan (Ballymena Scott RC). Northern Ireland Open Road Race Championship, 77m., Bangor: 1, Tommy Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Cars) 3.14.36; 2, J. McConnell (East Antrim CC) at 1.46; 3, R. Connor (Ballymena Scott RC) s.t.; 4, M. Greer (Maryland Whs.) at 5.12; 5, N. Campbell (unatt.); 6, S. Thompson (Maryland Whs.); 7, J. Dill (East Antrim CC); 8, B. Kirk (Ards CC), all same time; 9, B. Sloan (Team Madigan) at 1 lap. Ladies, 28m.: 1, Mary Boyd (Roe Valley CC) 1.20.10; 2, T. Brown (Northern Dave Kane CC); 3, M. McKee (Phoenix CC), all same time. Juniors, 42m.: 1, Kyle Cromie (Roe Valley CC) 1.55.49; 2, C McCaughan (Ballymena Scott RC) at 44 secs; 3, D> Dougan (Ballymena Scott RC) at 6.52. Under 16, 28m.: 1, Adam Petrie-Armstrong (Northern Dave Kane Cycles) 1.17.25; 2, T. Calvert (Roe Valley CC) at 4.34; 3, M. Robb (Banbridge CC) s.t. Under 14, 14m.: 1, Michael Mitchell (Toyota North Down) 43.52; 2, Nadine MOrris (Ballymena Scott RC) at 3 secs; 3, R> Beggs (Banbridge CC) at 2.07. CI WOMEN'S LEAGUE ROUND TWO: (May 13) The Women's league is on again this Wednesday evening, same venue - the Boot inn -, same time - 7:30pm. It's a handicapped race and all levels are welcome. This is the only race in the country for women only (except for the TQ in Oct), I can only encourage you all to support it, without riders, it's not going to be much of a race. Lots of different levels have emerged over the last year with some riders being placed in open races, some riding comfortably in C and B races, some others have just started riding open races and some are completely new to the sport. The Women's League is generally 32km circuits, not very hilly and is an opportunity for women to compete with other women at their levels. The greater the number, the better the competition. We're hoping to run a few races with the Women's League running up North this year as well, to have a bigger field of riders and new faces to compete with. SURGENOR CUP, RANDALSTOWN: (By Jim Traynor May 10) Ballymena's Ryan Connor retained the Surgenor Cup promoted by Old Bleach CC at Randalstown. With the Tour of the Mournes put off until Sunday, June 8, the race was the only event today. Previously the race had been a road race but the club changed the format this year to a time-trial over a 26 miles course taking in Randalstown (Whiteside's Corner, Ahoghill and Portglenone. Connor (Ballymena Scott RC), who rode the Junior World Time Trial Championships last year, had a crushing victory, 2.17 ahead of Jonathan Dempsey (Classic Walls) and Gary McKeegan (Team Madigan) who tied for second place with Willie Hamilton (East Antrim CC) fourth a further 13 seconds back. The Women's race over 17 miles was won by Mary McKee (Phoenix CC)15 seconds ahead of Mary Boyd (Roe Valley) with Ann McFarland (Omagh Wheelers) third. Surgenor Cup, 26m.TT, Randalstown: 1, Ryan Connor (Ballymena Scott RC) 58....48; 2 eq., J. Dempsey (Classic Walls) and G. McKeegan (Team Madigan) 1.01.28; 4, W. Hamilton (East Antrim CC) 1.01.28; 5, J. McConnell (East Antrim CC) 1.02.34; 6, R. Bankhead (Ballymena Scott RC) 1.02.38; 7, T. Wilson (Ballymena Scott RC) 1.05.38; 8 eq., P. Nugent (Classic Walls) and H. Martin (Clann Eireann) 1.06.01; 10, P. Savage (Whirline West Down Whs.) 1.06.36. First Junior: Chris McCaughan (Ballymena Scott RC). Women (17m.): 1, Mary McKee (Phoenix CC) 50.08; 2, Mary Boyd (Roe Valley CC) 53.23; 3, Ann McFarland (Omagh Whs.) 55.15. Under 16 (17m.): 1, William Barr (Ballymena Scott RC) 49.19; 2, M. Robb (Old Bleach CC) 51.03; 3, A> Macauley (Team Madigan) 53.01.
However the expected battle between him and overnight leader Denis Easton failed to materialise when the Total Cycling Lindsay Ford rider failed to sign on for the final stage. His manager cited personal reasons but the organising UCPC were very unhappy and have withheld Easton's prize money pending a report to Cycling Ireland. Rider of trhe day was Northern Dave Kane Cycles rider Brian Stewart who won the stage and took four Vredstein King of the Hills primes en route, just failiing by 1 point to overtake leader Seamus O'SUllivan in that competition. Stewart attacked from the drop of the flag at Craigavon Civic Centre and took six riders with him. At the first prime after the Primates Wall in Armagh the group was down to five as Stewart led Keith Gallagher (Orchard Whs.); Shane Baker (Usher IRC), Mark Power (Carrick Cidona) and Mark Cavendish (ISle of Man) over the prime. The order was the same over the next prime on the first ascent of Keady Mountain where the quintet's lead was 3.15 over the bunch where the yellow and KOH jersies were prominent at the front. The rain which had pounded the riders on the first two stages was only in showers but the strong wind was still there and when it was on their side it several times split the bunch into several groups but they always managed to come back together. At the front Stewart and Gallagher were doing the lions share of the work as the Usher and Cidona riders were only there to look after the interests of their team leaders. As a result the lead started to come down. It was still almost 3 minutes when Stewart again led them over the Primates Wall KOH for the second time and he made it a clean sweep next time up the Keady Mountain where Connor Murphy (Crannog Ireland) was on his own in front of a small chasing group. Back through Armagh the lead was down to 40 seconds and at Portadown, with 4 miles remaining three rider made it across to the leaders: Andrew Donnellan (Dublin Whs.), Derek Cunningham (Bray Whs.), and Mick Mulcahy (Usher IRC). With the bunch closing in the leading group split up on the run-in but Stewart was with the four at the front winning the sprint fromGallagher, Mulcahy and Donnellan. The bunch came hhome 31 seconds behind the stage winner so there were no dramatic changes in the top placings. Stage 3: 1, Brian Stewart (Northern Dave Kane) 3.24...35; 2, K. Gallagher (Orchard Whs.); 3, M. Mulcahy (Usher IRC) 4, A. DOnnellan (Dublin Whs.) all same time; 5, M. Cavendish (Isle of Man) at 11 secs; 6, D. Cunningham (North Kildare CC) s.t.; 7, B. Ahern (Newbridge CC)C at 27 secs; 8, C. Murphy (Crannog Ireland) s.t.; 9, E. Moriarty (Cycleways A) at 31 secs; 10, E. O'Donoghue (Usher IRC) s.t. General Classification: 1, T Barry (Carrick Cidona) 10.34.42; 2, B. Kenneally (Carrick Cidona) at 2.07; 3, E. O'Donoghue (Usher Irish RC) at 2.20; 4, E. Moriarty (Cycleways A) at 3.05; 5, B. Stewart (Northern Dave Kane) at 4.37; 6, Stephen O'Sullivan (Cycleways A) at 5.25; 7, C. Murphy (Crannog Ireland) at 8.10; 9, M. O'Loughlin (Carrick Cidona) at 10.48; 10, P. Finnegan (Cycleways A) at 10.52. Vredstein KOH: 1, S. O'Sullivan 32; 2, B. Stewart 31; 3, T. Barry 18. Under 23: Conor Murphy (Crannog Ireland). 2nd cat.: Brendan O'Brien (Classic Walls). Team: Carrick Cidona 31.57.39; 2, Cycleways A at 6.08; 3, Usher IRC at 19.40. TOUR OF ULSTER: Full Results Here on the Message Board
EASTON TAKES LEAD: (By Jim Traynor May 4) Denis Easton (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) has taken over the lead in the Tour of Ulster after winning today's 80 miles stage from Downpatrick to Craigavon. Easton won in a sprint from a 5-man group which also contained 2001 winner Timmy Barry (Carrick Cidona) who finished second on yesterday opening stage. With the time bonus for the win Easton leads Barry by 5 seconds with Brian Kenneally (Carrick Cidona) third 2.12 and stage 1 winner Eddie O'Donoghue (Usher Irish RC) fourth at 2.26. Easton was second to the Isle of Man's Rob Hoden last year. A win tomorrow would give the local Total Cycling Lindsay Ford team the double after Tommy Evans' win in the recent the P&O Tour of the North. For the second day in a row the riders had to face high winds and driving rain all the way. Shortly after the start the race split into three groups. In the first group of 12 riders was Stephen O'Sullivan, the Vredstein King Of the Hills leader who took the primes at Castlewellan.and Hilltown. After HIlltown a chasing group caught the leaders leaving 24 at the front. Brian Stewart (Northern Dave Kane) went away on his own taking the next KOH at Crankey. When Stewart was caught Barry attacked and went over a minute clear taking the KOH at Keady Mountain. However he caught by 4 riders including Easton on the descent into Keady. The five worked well to come home 2.23 ahead of a chasing group led in by the yellow jersey. Easton took the sprint from Connor Murphy (Crannog Monaghan), Eugene Moriarty (Cycleways ), Barry and Brian Kenneally (Carrick Cidona). On tomorrow's final stage the race leaves Craigavon Water Sports Centre at 11 o'clock. The route takes in Portadown and Armagh where there are two laps of the Armagh, Newtownhamilton, Keady circuit returning to finish at Craigavon Centre around 2.15. Tour of Ulster Stage 2, 80m.: 1, Denis Easton (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) 3.27.08; 2, C. Murphy (Crannog Monaghan); 3, E. Moriarty (Cycleways A); 4, T. Barry (Carrick Cidona); 5, B. Kenneally (Carrick Cidona) all same time; 6, E. O'Donoghue (Usher IRC) at 2.23; 7, M. O'Loughlin (Carrick Cidona); 8, G. Cranston (East Antrim CC); 9, M. Slattery (Earl of Desmond); 10, B. Stewart (Northern Dave Kane CC), all same time. General Classification: 1, D. Easton 7.09.31; 2, T> Barry (Carrick Cidona) at 5 secs; 3, B. Kenneally (Carrick Cidona) at 2.12; 4, E. O'Donoghue (Usher Irish RC) at 2.26; 5, E. Moriarty (Cycleways A) at 3.12; 6, G. Cranston (East Antrim CC) at 4.40l 7, B. Stewart (Northern Dave Kane) at 5.28; 8, Stephen O'Sullivan (Cycleways A) at 5.30; 9, C. Murphy (Crannog Monaghan) at 8.22; 10, M. O'Loughlin (Carrick Cidona) at 10.53. Vredstein KOH: 1, S. O'Sullivan 32; 2, T. Barry 18; 3, B. Stewart 13. Under 23: C. Murphy. 2nd cat.: B. O'Brien (Classic Walls).
Only 80 of the 95 entries started and the conditions had cut this down to 61 by the end of the gruelling opening stage. Nine riders went away after 10 miles of racing and they were caught by a chasing group of five by the climb of the Seven Sisters after Mayobridge. Sharing the primes for the KOH were Eddie O'Dopnoghue (Usher IRC); Ryan Connor (Ballymena Scott RC) and Seamus O'Sullivan (Cycleways Lee Strand A) with O'Sullivan leading the classification by the end of the stage from O'Donoghue and Connor. The weather, distance and many punctures were taking their toll as the bunch blew to pieces and up front the lead group was steadily whittled down. As they came on to the 3.6 miles finishing circuit at Downpatrick the leaders were split into four groups with three surviving to fight out the sprint which went to O'Donoghue from 2001 winner Tim Barry (Carrick Cidona) and Denis Easton (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford). Next home were Brian Kenneally (Carrick Cidona) and Gary Cranston (East Antrim CC) 2.03 back and the riders continues to arrive in two's and threes until what was left of the main bunch came in 11.14 down. Today's stage is 80 miles back to Craigavon leaving Downpatrick at 11 a.m. and finishing behind the Watersports Centre around 2.30 p.m. Result:- 1 Eddie O'Donoghue Usher Irish RC 3h42'46", 2 Tim Barry Carrick Cidona @ 02", 3 Denis Easton Total Cyc. Lindsay same, 4 Brian Kenneally Carrick Cidona @ 02'03", 5 Gary Cranston East Antrim CC same, 6 Brian Stewart Northern Dave Kane @ 02'48" Full Results Here on the Message Board April 2003John Beggs Memorial, Dromore: (By Jim Traynor Apr 26) The Lynch brothers from Kanturk, Denis and Daniel, completely destroyed the field in the 100 kms John Beggs Memorial, promoted by Banbridge VV at Dromore, the pair finishing almost 9 minutes ahead. Although there was a big total entry at Dromore of over 140, the 1/2 cat. race was poorly supported, many elite riders saving themselves for the UCI ranked Shay Elliot Memorial next day so only 31 riders started. There was a very strong wind and some heavy showers which, combined with the hilly course, saw the race blown apart on the first of seven 9 mile laps. there were a constant stream of retirals and only eight riders finished. AN attack by French based Denis Lynch (VC La Pomme) saw the field split on the first big climb with ten riders going clear. Lynch pressed on ahead on his own chased by Kirk Sloan (Ards CC), Conor Murphy (Crannog Ireland), Paul Bloomer (Harps CC) and last year's winner Roger Aiken (Banbridge CC) with Daniel Lynch (Kanturk CU CC) in attendance. One by one the four dropped back to the main chasing group except Daniel Lynch and when the two brothers got together they quickly opened up a gap at the rate of over a minute for each of the seven circuits. Behind them the race was for third place. Murphy and Sloan retired and Brian Stewart (Northern Dave Kane CC) punctured while the remaining six split as Derek Finnegan (Navan RC), Paul Bloomer and Shaun Turner (Bann Valley) lost contact on the climb, Bloomer also calling it a day. In the sprint for third place Aiken pulled his foot out of the pedal leaving the way clear for Hamilton to beat Paul Mulligan (Crannog Ireland). The only survivor of the main bunch Peter Savage (Whirline West Down) finished well behind to take 8th. In the B event Jim McConnell (West Antrim CC) also rode away on his own to win by over 2 minutes while in the under-16 race, a selection event forthe Youths Olympics, Urban Monks (Bray Wheelers) won from Sean Doyle (Killarney CC). John Beggs Memorial, 100kms, Dromore: 1, Denis Lynch (VCLa Pomme) 2.55.51; 2, Daniel Lynch (Kanturk CU CC) at 3 secs; 3, W. Hamilton (East Antrim CC) at 8.47; 4, P. Mulligan (Crannog Ireland); 5, R. Aiken (Banbridge CC) all same time; 6, D. Finnegan (Navan RC) at 15.21; 7, S. Turner (Bann Valley CC) s.t.; 8, P. Savage (Whirline West Down) at 19.00. B Race (3rds, jun.vets.) 80kms: 1, J. McConnell (East AntrimCC) 2.15.38; 2, A> Deane (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) at 2.20; 3, P. Brady (McQuaid Fireplaces Emyvale); 5, M. Nestor (Shannonside) all same time; 5, J. Dill (East Antrim) at 3.33; 6, V. Tubridy (Slane Cycles CC) s.t. Under 16: Urban Monks (Bray Whs.); 2, S. Doyle (Killarney CC); 3, T> Jensen (Sorrento CC); 4, C. Lannigan (Killorglin CU CC); 5, S. Wright (Kanturk CU CC); 6, M. McAree (McQuaid Fireplaces, Emyvale). Under 14: 1, Thomas Kane (McQuaid Fireplaces, Emyvale); 2, N. Bleaks (McQuaid Fireplaces, Emyvale); 3, C. jensen (Sorrento CC). Under 12: 1, Peter Williams (Orchard Whs.); 2, W. Boyd (XMTB); 3, R. Bekesius (McQuaid Fireplaces, Emyvale). TOUR OF ULSTER 3-DAY PREVIEW (By Jim Traynor Apr 23) With Easter late this year the interval between the P&O Irish Sea Tour of the North which finished on Tuesday last, with another great win for Tommy Evans, and the other big stage race here, the 3-day Tour of Ulster, is less than a fortnight. With the the 8-day FBD Milk Ras only two weeks later, the Tour of Ulster has probably the best field of first category riders for any other stage race. Southern teams entered include the Earl of Desmond from Tralee who have past stage and KOH winner Paul Griffin, Team Ireland with Paddy Moriarty, just pipped in the 3-day Ras Mumham at Easter by Kevin Dawson. The Irish Road Club from Dublin sent two teams and have in their ranks top hitters like David Peelo, Greg Swinard, Mick Mulcahy and another past stage winner Eddie O'Donoghue. Top Munster club Cidona Carrick Wheelers include another past stage winner Brian Kenneally and the 2001 winner Timmy Barry, Dublin Wheelers have one of last year's form riders Andrew Donnellan while Leeside Cork have Brian Lynch. Other southern clubs entered are Bray Wheelers, Newbridge and North Kildare (with past Tour de France finisher Laurence Roche). Of the Ulster entries East Antrim CC have the team who rode so well in the P&O Tour with the morrow brothers, Willie Hamilton and Gary Cranston. Cookstown Harps have sprinter Paul Bloomer, Orchard Wheelers have 2001 Ulster Road Race Champion Keith Gallagher and the Classic Walls team are headed by Jonathan Dempsey , 10th in the P&O Tour. Northern Dave Kane Cycles have P&O Tour stage winner Owen Jeffries, Paul Kane and Brian Stewart who also had a great race last weekend. Last year the fight for overall honours developed into a struggle between the Total Cycling.com team and the Isle of Man with Denis Easton leader on the road on the final stage only for the Manxmen to stage a fight back which gave Rob Holden the final yellow jersey. The Belfast based team now Total Cycling Lindsay Ford dominated the P&O Tour but will be without Tommy Evans, back in France, and Gary Crory, who will be on international duty. The Manxmen were at the Ras Mumham where Andy Roche was 10th overall. The Total boys will rely on in-form Easton, Brendan Doherty, in the top 8 last weekend and Brendan Graham who was top vet and Mark Kiernan.
Tour of the North Stage 6: (By Jim Traynor Apr 21) Tommy Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) emphasised his supremacy on the sixth and final stage of the P&O Irish Sea Tour of the North 5-day cycle race when he outsprinted about 60 riders to win the final stage. Veteran Lennis Kirk (Ards CC) showed he still retains his finishing power taking second with Monday's stage winner Denis Easton adding to the Total Cycling long list of successes in third place. The stage was over two laps of a 40-miles circuit from Dundonald Ice Bowl and early on at Saintfield a break of nine riders went away. Included were past winner Andy Profitt and Adam Broyad (Artic RT), Kirk Sloan (Ards CC) Peter Hawkins (Massest Castlereagh CC); Greg Roche (Cycle Centre RT), Ashley Patterson and Brian Stewart (Northern Dave Kane Cycles); Paul Mulligan (Crannog Ireland) and Willie Hamilton (East Antrim CC). Patterson dropped back sick before the endof the first lap leaving 8 at the front but on the second time up the climb at Gilnahirk hill Evans and the Total Cycling boys put on the pressure and the break was finally reeled in after Balloo with less than 10 miles to go to the finish. Before they were caught Profitt and Sloan attacked from the leaders and they stayed out in front only getting swept up by the bunch in the final mile setting it up for a mass gallop which Evans won with enough to spare to throw up his arms in a victory salute. After finishing 10th, 6 seconds down in the opening prologue on Friday at Stormont, won by Northern Dave Kane's Owen Jeffries, Evans's made his bid for overall victory on Saturday's first road stage at Downpatrick when he attacked from the leading break with 10 miles to go and opened up a 33 second gap by the finish. Although he only finished second to Michael Hutchinson (NICF) on Sunday morning's 7.7. miles time-trial at Bangor, he put time into all his main rivals and had a big enough margin for the very strong Total Cycling Lindsay Ford team to defend over the final two road stages. The Total Cycling team were obviously the strongest in the race and never looked like losing control. In addition to Evans' overall win they took three stages, Dennis Easton winning at Galgorm on Monday and they had four riders in the top eight places on general classification. In addition Gary Crory won the King of the Hills classification with Easton joint second with Phoenix CC's Matthew Ward. Best of the visiting riders was Evan Oliphant of the Scottish Under23 team who also won the afternoon road stage at Bangor. Michael Hutchinson, as expected won the time-trial but lost out on any chances of overall honours when he missed the vital break on Saturday and despite chasing valiantly all day he lost four minutes. In third place overall was Ryan Connor, riding for the promoting NICF. The young Ballymena rider, who was a star junior, only turned senior at the start of the season. He will be spending much of the season racing in France. P&O Irish Sea Tour of the North, Stage 6, 80m, Dundonald: : 1, Tommy Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) 2.52.03; 2, L. Kirk (Ards CC); 3, Denis Easton (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford); 4, M. Holmes (Artic RT); 5, W. Hamilton (East Antrim); 6, P. Ferguson (Toyota North Down); 7, M. Ward (Phoenix CC); 8, F. O'Kane (Phoenix CC); 9, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls); 10, S. Jackson (Saltire Selection), all same time. General Classification: 1, T. Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) 10.34.02; 2, E. Oliphant (Scotland U23) at 1.02 secs; 3, R. Connor (NICF) at 1.17; 4, M. Sewell (Cycle Centre RT) at 1.44; 5, N. Kenwright (South Wales) at 1.45; 6, D. Easton (Total Cycling) at 1.46; 7, B. Doherty (Total Cycling) at 1.51; 8, G. Crory (Total Cycling) at 2.09; 9, M. Ward (Phoenix CC) at 2.12; 10, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls) at 2.31. AA King of the Hills 1, G. Crory 14 points; 2 eq, M. Ward and G. Crory 12. Tour of the North Stage 5: (By Jim Traynor Apr 21) It was another good day for the Total Cycling Lindsay Ford team in the P&O Irish Sea Tour of the North 5-day cycle race with Denis Easton winning the 78 miles stage at Ballymena. His teammate Tommy Evans finished just 28 seconds behind in the bunch along with his closest rivals and he retains the leader's yellow jersey going into today's final stage at the Dundonald Ice Bowl. Paul Watson was the main loser as Gary Crory, Matthew Ward and Jonathan Dempsey, who were in the break all moved up above him on GC. The Total Cycling team, who have four riders in the top eight on general classification, looked in control all day and although a big break was away for much of the stage it was always on the cards that they would be brought back when the bunch upped the speed of the chase. So it proved and it was on the final climb at Tully that the Paul Ferguson (Toyota North Down) attacked starting the final and successful break of 14 riders who gaining around 20 seconds which was enough on the fast five-miles descent to the finish at Galgorm where Easton comfortably won the sprint from Brian Stewart (Northern Dave Kane) and Brendan O'Brien (Classic Walls). Easton had ben active all day on the King of the Hills primes and was first over the climbs at Cam Forest and Springwell. However his teammate Gary Crory who was in the Polka Dot Jersey fought back taking the final prime at Tully. Three early attacking groups were brought back at Gulladuff, Maghera and Swatragh before a more dangerous move formed at the front with 9 riders chased by 14 with the bunch at 43 seconds. Evans said he thought the gap was getting too big so he starting chasing on the climb at Cam Forest bring it down to around 20 seconds. Easton led over the top of the climb from JOnathan Dempsey (Classic Walls) and Andy Profitt (Artic RT). The break was eventually brough back to the bunch just before Kilrea (63 miles) and it was on the climb at Tully that 13 riders went away. They were joined by another 5 leaving 18 at the front which was whittled down to the 14 who contested the sprint. Today's final stage starts from the Dundonald Ice owl at 10a.m. with a two lap route taking in Gilnahirk Road (AA KOH prime 2nd lap), Ballygowan, Saintfield, Crossgar, Killyleagh where there are AA KOH primes on both laps, Comber and Dundonald. They are due round at the end of the first circuit at 11.40 and the finish is due around 1.20 p.m. P&O Irish Sea Tour of the North, Stage 5, 78m., Ballymena: 1, Denis Easton (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) 2.59.20; 2, B. Stewart (Northern Dave Kane Cycles); 3, B. O'Brien (Classic Walls); 4, W. Hamilton (East Antrim); 5, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls); 6, K. Sloan (Ards CC); 7, A. Broyad (Artic RT); 8, R. Scott (Scotland U23); 9, W. Ward (Phoenix CC); 10, G. Roche (Cycle Centre RT), all same time. General Classification: 1, T. Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford) 7.42.14; 2, E. oliphant (Scotland U23) at 47 secs; 3, R. Connor (NICF) at 1.02; 4, M. Sewell (Cycle Centre RT) at 1.29; 5, N. Kenwright (South Wales) at 1.30; 6, B. Doherty (Total Cycling) at 1.36; 7, D. Easton (Total Cycling) at 1.36; 7, G. Crory (Total Cycling) at 1.54; 9, M. Ward (Phoenix CC) at 1.57; 10, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls) at 2.16. EVENS LEADS P&O IRISH SEA TOUR OF THE NORTH: (By Gim Gore Apr 20) Tommy Evans starts today's fifth stage of the P&O Irish Sea tour of the North in the leader's yellow jersey following an action-packed weekend of racing. Evans grabbed the jersey from Belfast's Owen Jeffries on Saturday and successfully defended the lead during yesterday's two stages in Bangor. In the early morning individual time trial Stage 3, held over a 7.7-mile hilly course at Clandeboye, British time trial champion Michael Hutchinson strutted his stuff, winning the stage in a time of 15 minutes 39seconds. Evans was runner-up (16.16) with Ballymena's Ryan Connor third (16.26). It was a brilliant win for Hutchinson, and lifted him back up the leaderboard to 12th spot after disastrously losing more than four minutes to Evans on Saturday. In yesterday afternoon's Stage 4 which started and finished in Bangor, a number of attacks proved futile as Evans' Total Cycling team controlled every move. The 50 miles, which took the riders throughout the Ards Peninsula, finished in a bunch sprint on Bangor's South Circular Road with flying Scot Evan Oliphant just snatching victory over Matthew Ward of Crumlin. However, Evans was safely home in the bunch and he retains his lead. but Oliphant's 15 seconds bonus as stage winner has moved him into second sport, just 47 seconds behind the Banbridge rider. Meanwhile, Evans successfully plotted a resounding victory into Downpatrick on Saturday. Although suffering from the effects of a slight cold, he managed to join a 13-man break that went ahead after the race had reached Clough. Joining the Banbridge rider were teammates Gary Crory, Denis Easton and Brendan Docherty as well as Ryan Connor (NICF), Nick Kenwright and George Rose (Wales), Matthew Sewell and Paul Watson (Cycle Centre RT), Evan Oliphant (Scotland), Iain Nimmo (Saltires), Matthew Ward (Phoenix) and Jonathan Dempsey (Classic Walls). Crory took the first king of the hills at Castlewellan and by Hilltown the gap had gone out to more than one minute. At the second KOH in Rathfriland, Crory again was first over the line, while a chasing group of 14 riders, including the yellow jersey worn by Belfast's Owen Jeffries had aken up the chase. However, they never got back in contention and at Castlewellan as the race moved back towards the finish in Downpatrick, it was Ward who took the prime. Reaching the Abbey Lodge circuit, Evans moved clear on the first of four laps and finished the stage 33 seconds ahead of teammate Easton with 21-year-old Oliphant from Caithness in the north of Scotland finishing third. The P&O Tour continues this morning with 78 miles beginning at 10am in Galgorm and fnishing in the same spot at 1pm (approximately). Stage 2 (67 miles, Downpatrick): 1 T Evans (Totalcycling/Lindsay Cars) 2hrs 33mins 16secs; 2 D Easton (Totalcycling) 33secs behind; 3 E Oliphant (Scotland); 4 M Sewell (Cycle Centre RT) both at 35secs; 5 N Kenwright (Wales); 6 R Connor (NICF); 7 G Crory (Totalcycling); 8 P Watson (Cycle Centre RT) all at 46secs; 9 B Docherty (Total Cycling) at 51secs; 10 M Ward (Phoenix CC) at 53 secs. Stage 3 (7.7 individual time trial): 1M Hutchinson (NICF) 15mins 39secs; 2 T Evans (Total Cycling) 16.16; 3 R Connor (NICF) 16.16; 4 B Morrow (East Antrim) 16.35; 5 E Oliphant (Scotland) 16.38; 6 B Docherty (Total Cycling) 16.46; 7 P Kane (Northern) 16.49; 8 A Proffitt (Arctic RT) 16.49; 9 B O'Brien (Classic Walls) 16.56; 10 O Jeffries (Northern) 16.59. Stage 4 (50 miles, Bangor): 1E Oliphant (Scotland); 2 M Ward (Phoenix); 3 O Jeffries (Northern); 4 F Duncan (Northern); 5 L Kirk (Ards CC); 6 B Stewart (Northern); 7 C Tierney (Apollo); 8 G Roche (Cycle Centre RT); 9 P Hawkins (Castlereagh CC); 10 R Scott (Scotland). Overall: 1
T Evans, 4hrs 42mins 26secs; 2 E Oliphant, 47secs behind; 3 R Connor, at 1min
2secs; 4 B Doherty, at 1.35; 5 N Kenwright (Wales), at 1.56; 6 M Sewell, at
1.57; 7 D Easton, at 2.04; 8 P Watson; 9 G Crory, both at 2.22; 10 M Ward,
at2.35. P&O IRISH SEA TOUR OF THE NORTH: (By Jim Traynor Apr 18) Owen Jeffries, riding for the Northern CC/Dave Kane Cycles team wears the first yellow jersey of this year's P&O Irish Sea Tour of the North 5-day on today's 70 miles stage at Downpatrick. Jeffries, secound in the prologue to Jonathan Dempsey last year, turned the tables beating the Classic Walls CC rider by 1 second, Dempsey getting second place on hundredths split as Evasn Oliphant (Scotland Under 23) and George Rose (South Wales) also recorded 2.09. It was very tight at the top with 12 seconds covering the top 36 riders. Of the pre-race favourites Tommy Evans (Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars) made it into the top ten in tenth place sharing 2.14 with four other riders. British time-trial champion Antrim born Michael Hutchinson, riding for the NICF, fount the course a bit short and recorded 2.16, 8 seconds behind Jeffries but he is likely to favour Sunday morning's longer time-trial at Bangor. '98 winner Andy Profitt (Artic RT) was 7th sharing 2.13 with two of Evans' teammates Brendan Doherty and Denis Easton. Of the other local riders young Matthew Ward (Phoenix CC) had an excellent 5th place while Kirk SLoan (Ards CC) was 9th. Today's stage started at Downpatrick Leisure Centre at 10 a.m. and was due to finish on the Belfast Road, Downpatrick around 12.45. P&O Irish Sea Tour of the North, 1m. Prologue, Stormont: 1, Owen Jeffries (Northern Dave Kane Cycles) 2.08; 2, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls) 2.09.21; 3, E. Oliphant (Scot. U23) 2.09.38; 4, G. Rose (South Wales) 2.09.61; 5, M. Ward (hoenix CC) 2.10.49; 6, B. Doherty (Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars) 2.13.21; 7, A. Profitt (Artic RT) 2.13.55; 8, D. Easton (Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars) 2.13...64; 9, K. Sloan (Ards CC) 2.14.10; 10, T. Evans (Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars) 2..14.52. CASTLEREAGH GRAND PRIX: (By Jim Traynor Apr 13) Norman Campbell (unattached) became the first winner of the John Moore Memorial Trophy when he won the 100 kms Castlereagh Grand Prix at Carryduff, outsprinting fellow veteran Jim McConnell (East Antrim). The two were in the first of three graoup, receiving 7 minutes handicap from scratch and they wnt away early on along with Vincent Tibridy (Slane Cycles) as a cold wind fragmented the race from the second of five laps. After two of the 12.5 miles circuits these three held a lead of 2.10 and this was down 10 1.30 a lap later. At the bell comeback rider Tubridy was dropping back to the chasers but the two leaders still had nearly 2 minutes and never looked like being caught. After Campbell won the sprint Ross Blayney (Ards CC) was next home in third place outsprinting Ben Morrow (East Antrim). Castlereagh G.P. (John Moore Mem.), 100kms: 1, Norman Campbell (unatt) 2.33.50; 2, J. McConnell (East Antrim CC) at 2 secs; 3, R. Blayney (Ards CC) at 1.46; 4, B. Morrow (East Antrim CC) s.t.; 5, L. Kirk (Ads CC) at 2.40; 6, P. Hawkins (Castlereagh CC) at 3.10; 7, G. Wilson (Team Madigan); 8, C. Tierney (APollo CT); 9, J. Dill (East Antrim CC); 10, M. Hamilton (Toyota North Down) all same time. COOKSTOWN SPRING CLASSIC: (By Jim Traynor Apr 12) Ballyment cyclist Ryan Connor had his second win in a row since returning from France whem he outsprinted Phoenix CC's Matthew Ward in RT Autoparts East Tyrone CC's Cookstown Spring Classic. There were 80 starters in the 62 miles handicap, held over 12 laps at Drum Manor with the scratch group giving away 3 and 6 minutes.. However after 5 laps they were all together. Jim McConnell (East Antrim) and Paul Nugent (Classic Walls) were the early animators and they were joined by last year's winner Denis Easton (Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars) and Jonathan Dempsey (Classic Walls), the four gaining 25 seconds on the bunch. When this move was brought back Connor and Ward went away with Dempsey and Willie Hamilton (East Antrim). and with 4 to go they held a 10 second lead which they stretched to 18 over the next lap. Dempsey and Hamilton went back to the bunch to be replaced by Wayne Morrow (East Antrim) and with 2 to go the three held a 10 second lead. At the bell morrow was osing contact with the other two dropping back to the bunch as Connor and Ward stayed out in front. At the line, where Connor proved the strongest in a long sprint, they were 9 seconds clear of Donal Clancy (Four Masters CC) while Denis Easton led in the bunch in a further 3 seconds back. Cookstown Spring Classic, 62m., Drum Manor, Cookstown: 1, Ryan Connor (Ballymena Scott RC) 2.41.07; 2, M. Ward (Phoenix CC) s.t.; 3, D. Clancy (FOur Masters CC) at 9 secs; 4, D. Easton (Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars) at 12 secs; 5, S. Gray (Harps CC); 6, D. McCall (Maryland Whs.); 7, P. Bloomer (Harps CC); 8, W. Hamilton (East Antrim CC); 9, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls); 10, P. Harte (Phoenix CC) all same time. Vet: D. McCall. 2nd cat.: P. Harte. 3rd cat.: D. Clancy. Junior: Chris McCaughan (Ballymena Scott RC). Lady: Marie Reilly (Bohermeen CC). U16: 1, Michael Robb (Old Bleach CC); 2, S. Coyle (Lakeland CC); 3, N. Bleakes (McQuaid Fireplaces/Emyvale CC). U.14: 1, Tom Martin (Clann Eireann CC); 2, R> Baird (Ballymena Scott RC); 3, N. MOrris (Ballymena Scott RC). Under 12: 1, Caolan Loughran (Fintona CC); 2, R. Withers (Fintona CC). WALLACE CALDWELL MEMORIAL: (By Jim Traynor Apr 5) Gary Cranston (East Antrim CC) had a good victory when he came home on his own to win Ballymena Scott RC's Wallace Caldwell Memorial at, Galgorm, Ballymena. Cranston was in a break of seven riders who went away 24 miles into the 80 miles event. With him were teammates Ben Morrow and Willie Hamilton, John Neill (Team Madigan), Owen Jeffries (Northern Dave Kane), Ian Proctor (Castlereagh CC) and Sean Wright of the promoting club. At the climb of Cam Forest the seven had a lead of 1.25 which they had stretched to 1.30 by the top of the next climb at Springwell Forest. However there was now a group of nine riders in a chasing group while the bunch had dropped back and were 2.30 down. After Aghadowey, at 56 miles Cranston, Morrow and Proctor attacked and the other four dropped back to the chasing group.. On the final climb at Tully Cranston attacked again. He was briefly joined by Proctor but the Castlereagh rider unshipped his chain and dropped back to the chasers which Cranston carried on to finish on his own. Ryan Connor (Ballymena Scott RC) launched an attack which split the chasers, seven of them going off the front. From this group Proctor attacked near the finish to take second while Paul Slane won the sprint for third. Wallace Caldwell Memorial, Galgorm, 80m.: 1, Gary Cranston (East Antrim CC) 3.00.03; 2, I. Proctor (Castlereagh CC) at 37 secs; 3, P. Slane (Slane Cycles) at 46 secs; 4, B. Stewart (Northern Dave Kane Cycles); 5, D. Easton (Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars); 6, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls); 7, R. Connor (Ballymena Scott RC); 8, J. Dill (East Antrim), all same time; 9. J. Neill (Team Madigan CC) at 1.31; 10, M. Ward (Phoenix CC) s.t. March 2003AGHAGALLON CUP: (By Jim Traynor Mar 30) Lennis Kirk (Ards CC), who won the Aghagallon Cup in 1984, came back as a veteran to score his second win in the Clann Eireann CC promotion At Bartin's Bay. The event was a 55 miles handicap over 17 laps on the shores of Lough Neagh and there wwere two groups with a 6.45 handicap. With a high pace set throughout and a flat course, all breakaway attempts were short lived and the two groups finally merged with just twolaps remaining. Kirk, who was a noted sprinter in his prime, left nothing to chance going away in the final mile and holding on to come home 5 seconds ahead of the 80-strong bunch sprint which went to junior Frazer Duncan (Northern Dave Kane Cycles). Aghagallon Cup Handicap, 55m.: 1, Lennie Kirk (Ards CC) 2.10.22; 2, F. Duncan (Northern Dave Kane) at 5 secs.; 3, P. Brady (McQuaid Tyres, Emyvale CC); 4, O. McQuaid (Emerald CC); 5, A> Irvine (Toyota North Down); 6, C. Tierney (Apollo CT); 7, P. Hawkins (Castlereagh CC); 8, P. McSorley (Apollo CT), all same time. BANGOR SPRING CLASSIC: (By Jim Traynor Mar 29) Peter Hawkins (Castlereagh CC) scored his third win of the season when he won a big bunch sprint to take VC Bangor's 45 miles Bangor Spring Classic Handicap. The time was a race record, 1.51.03 which was 1.45 faster than David McCann's 1994 winning time. Seventy eight riders started in three groups with gaps of 4 minutes and 3.30 and the handicap worked out just right as the frontmarkers were only caught in the final mile. The scratchmen caught the middle group towards the end of the third of five 9-mile laps but at that stage the 38-strong leading bunch still led by 5 minutes. However they started stalling as a series of breaks tried to get away and at the bell their lead was down to 2.50 which still looked to be more than enough for them to stay away. However the erratic riding of the leading group saw them continually lose ground and when the pursuers got them in sight they upped the pace and got onto the tail of the leaders as they turned into the final straight. However it was two juniors from the leading group: Hawkins and Frazer Duncan (Northern Dave Kane Cycles) who held on to the line as the scratchmen fought their way to the front to take the next three places: Gary Crory just ahead of his Total Cycling/Lindsays Cars teammate Brendan Doherty in third place while Roger AIken (Banbridge CC), who won the identical sprint three weeks ago finished 5th. Bangor Spring Classic, 45m.: 1, Peter Hawkins (Castlereagh CC) 1.51.03; 2, F. Duncan (Northern Dave Kane Cycles); 3, G. Crory (Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars); 4, B. Doherty (Total Cycling/Linsay Cars); 5, R. Aiken (Banbridge CC); 6, C. Tierney (Apollo CT); 7, B. Graham (Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars); 8, L. Kirk (Ards CC); 9, G> Heverin (Castlereagh CC) CYCLING IRELAND APPOINT NEW CEO: (Mar 28) The Board of Cycling Ireland is pleased to announce that Stuart Hallam has accepted the position as Chief Executive Officer of Cycling Ireland. Stuart Hallam has vast experience in both the business and cycling worlds. He has been formerly Managing Director UK of Philips Business Systems, Chief Executive Officer of the European division of Brite Voice Systems and Managing Director of the Telecom division of Opus Trust Ltd a Swiss based company. He is Managing Director of Dataphonics Limited. On a voluntary basis Stuart Hallam is also a member of the board of British Cycling and has just completed Project China a major strategy plan for the revamping of the grass roots of the organisation. He is also Director of the Dataphonics cycle racing team. Stuart comes from a family steeped in cycling tradition; Stuart is a former first category racing cyclist and a top level rugby player, his brother Ian has won Olympic, World and Commonwealth Games medals in the individual and Team Pursuit and Stuarts son Ben is also a national Pursuit medallist at Elite level and currently races with a First Division team in France. Stuart Hallam succeeds Eamon Duffy who now takes up the position of Commercial Director within Cycling Ireland. PJ Nolan President of Cycling Ireland said the board of Cycling Ireland is very happy with the appointment. He said that Stuart Hallam brings a wealth of experience to Cycling Ireland as it moves forward and expands. "The knowledge of cycling and business that Stuart will bring to the organisation will be immense and his track record as an organiser, team manager and national executive member will be a huge boost to Cycling Ireland. The combination of Stuart Hallam's experience and Eamon Duffy's commercial expertise is very exciting for the organisation." TOUR OF ULSTER: (Mar 26) This year's Tour of Ulster will take place over the weekend of May 2-4. The race covers some of the roads used during the past two years taking place in counties Armagh and Down. Stage end towns are Craigavon and Downpatrick. more...
The biggest Ulster field of the year took part in the Phoenix 85 kms. handicap and went off in four groups, each separated by 2 minutes but, after only one of the six laps, the first two groups and the second two groups had merged with 2.31 between the two big bunches. A lap later this was down to 1.16 and next time past the finish line they were all together. On the next lap a 17-strong group went clear and with 2 to go they led by 17 seconds. At the bell they were down to 11 riders with a 28 second advantage. On the final circuit Evans went away on his own and although Paul Kane (Northern/Dave Kane Cycles) also get clear he was 28 seconds behind Evans at the line. Gary Cranston (East Antrim) also got away just holding off the remainder of the break at the line. See Jerome Rafferty's Pictures Here... Phoenix Grand Prix, 85kms.: 1, Tommy Evans (Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars) 2.02.07; 2, P. Kane (Northern Dave Kane) at 28 secs; 3, G. Cranston (East Antrim) at 1.08; 4, P. Slane (Slane Cycles) at 1.08; 5, B. Stewart (Northern Dave Kane); 6, B. Doherty (Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars); 7, J. McConnell (East Antrim); 8, W. Hamilton (East Antrim); 9, O. Jeffries (Northern Dave Kane); 10, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls) all same time. TOUR OF THE ARDS PENINSULA: (By Jim Traynor Mar 22) Matthew Ward (who moved to Phoenix CC) at the start of the season, had his first win in his new club colours and probably the best of his career when he won Ards CC's Tour of the Ards Peninsula. 78 started in the 102 kilometre race which had to have some last minute changes due to roadwords at Kircubbin. The race started as a furious pace with wind assistance round the Bangor Ring Road and once on the coast road a break of seven went away. These seven were: Ward, Brendan Doherty and Denis Easton (Total Cycling Lindsay Cars), Gary Cranston (East Antrim), Roger Aiken (Banbridge CC), Brian Stewart (Northern Dave Kane) and Ross Blayney for the promoting club. The break steadily increased their lead and the gap was 1 minute at Millisle. By Portaferry it was 1.40 and on the diversion to avoid Kircubbin the bunch took a wrong turn. The commissaire stopped the race and restarted the groups with the time intervals before the mistake. With only 10 miles remaining there was little chance of the leaders being caught although a chasing group of Tommy Evans, Gary Crory and Brendan Graham (Total Cycling Liindsay Cars), Keith Gallagher (Orchard Wheelers), and Willie Hamilton (East Antrim) went in pursuit. On the run-in to the finish Ward and Doherty got clear and were chased by Cranston who just got up to them at the line with Aiken leading in the rest, only a few seconds covering the seven. Evans led in the five chasers at 2.10 while Michael Greene (Phoenix CC) led in the bunch a further 1.05 back. Tour of the Ards Peninsula, 102 kms, Newtownards: 1, Matthew Ward (Phoenix CC) 2.20.10; 2, B. Doherty (Total Cycling Lindsay Cars); 3, G. Cranston (East Antrim); 4, R. Aiken (Banbridge CC); 5, B. Stewart (Northern Dave Kane); 7, R. Blayney (Ards CC), all same time; 8, T. Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Cars); 9, K. Gallagher (Orchard Whs.); 10, W. Hamilton (East Antrim) all same time. First Vet.: Brendan Graham (Total Cycling Lindsay Cars). First Junior (tie) F. Duncan (Northern Dave Kane) and Peter Hawkins (Castlereagh CC). ST PATRICK'S DAY RACE, DOWNPATRICK: (By Jim Traynor Mar 17) The biggest field of the Ulster season so far, 89 riders, contested the UCPC St. Patrick's Day race at Downpatrick and 2001 Ulster Road Race Champion Keith Gallagher (Orchard Wheelers) opened his account winning in a sprint from a 7-man group. Because of the continually increasing sixe of the Downpatrick St. Patrick's Festival the PSNI requested an earlier finish because of the heavy traffic so instead of the usual 14 laps the riders covered 12 making it 46 miles in all. The field was aplit into three groups, the scratchmen giving away 7.30 and 4 minutes respectively. Three riders get away from the front group and although the scratchmen looked on course to catch the rest of the field with a couple of laps to go, Jim McConnell (East Antrim Audi), Norman Campbell (unatt.) and John Neill (Team Madigan) still had a healthy 2.30 lead with three laps to go. However in the next lap they lost a minute and as the scratchmen caught the big bunch a small chasing group went away and caught the leaders on the final lap leaving seven to contest the finish which Gallagher won from Conor Murphy (Crannog Ireland) and Lennie Kirk (Ards CC). Frazer Duncan (Northern Dave Kane Cycles) and Aaron Deane (Total Cycling Lindsay Cars) silpped away from the bunch coming home17 seconds later while Ross Blayney (Ards CC)led in the bunch 34 seconds behind the winner. St. Patrick's Day Race, Downpatrick, 46m.: 1, Keith Gallagher (Orchard Whs.) 1.44.48; 2, C. Murphy (Crannog Ireland); 3, L. Kirk (Ards CC); 4, B. Graham (Total Cycling Lindsay Cars); 5, John Neill (Team Madigan); 6, N. Campbell (unatt.); 7, J. McConnell (East Antrim Audi), all same time; 8, F. Duncan (Northern Dave Kane Cycles) at 17 secs.; 9, A> Deane (Total Cycling Lindsay Cars) s.t.; 10, R. Blayney (Ards CC) at 34 seconds. McCANN CUP, OMAGH: (By Jim Traynor Mar 16) Ross Blayney (Ards CC) won Omagh Wheelers' McCann Cup in a sprint from a six man group at the end of the 50 miles handicap. The 70-strong field were sent off in two bunches with a 3-minute gap and it took the backmarkers three of the five 10-mile circuits to get up to the leaders. After this junction the winning move came almost immediately six riders went away: Blayney, Mathew Ward (Phoenix CC), Sean Gray (Cookstown Harps CC), Peter Hawkins (Castlereagh CC), Ashleyt Patterson (Northern Dave Kane Cycles) and local rider Paul Mulligan, now riding with new club Crannog Ireland. Despite a spirited chase by the bunch the six stayed out in front and at the line, where Blayney proved fastest, their lead was still only 20 seconds. McCann Cup, Omagh, 50m. Handicap: 1, Ross Blayney (Ards CC) 2.01.35; 2, M. Ward (Phoenix CC); 3, P. Mulligan (Crannog Ireland); 4, P. Hawkins (Castlereagh CC); 5, Ashley Patterson (Northern Dave Kane Cycles); 6, S. Gray (Cookstown Harps CC) all same time; 7, Frazer Duncan (Northern Dave Kane Cycles); 8, N. Campbell (unatt.); 9, A. Steele (Bann Valley CC); 10, P. Lynch (Newry Haldane Fisher CC), all same time. Junior: F. Duncan. Vet.: N. Campbell; 3rd cat.: Michael Somers (Eire Og CC, Sligo). CICLI SPORT GRAND PRIX: (By Jim Traynor Mar 15) Belfast based club Total Cycling, who have added a new sponsor Ford dealers Lindsay Cars, weren't long about getting a win under their new team name: Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars, when Gary Crory won the Cicli Sport Grand Prix. The 45 miles handicap, promoted by RT Autoparts/East Tyrone CC on a new circuit based at Springwell House, Moneymore, attracted a good field of 78 riders who were set off in three groups at 3 minute intervals. The scratch group immediately started hauling back their deficit and after the first of five 9-ile circuits they were 4 minutes behind the limit group and only 1.30 behind the middlemarkers and after a further circuit they had caught the middle group and the limit now held a 2.05 advantage. At the end of lap 3 they were all together and the fourth lap was hectic with around 40 riders getting dropped in groups of wo and three because of the high speed. At the bell veteran Jim McConnell (East Antrim Audi) went off on his own and he was chased by a group of three including his teammate Jim DIll, Tony Brady (Navan Avonmore) and Gary Crory.. The three caught McConnell at The Loug with just over three miles to go and it was here Crory made his move powering away to come home 33 seconds ahead of McConnell who led in the chasers. Gary Cranston (East Antrim Audi) and Keith Gallagher (Orchard Whs.) escaped from the bunch to take the next two places 25 seconds ahead of the bunch led in by Paul Slane (Slane Cycles). Cicli Sport Grand Prix, 45m., Moneymore: 1, Gary Crory (Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars) 2.00.43; 2, J. McConnell (East Antrim Audi) at 33 secs., 3, J. Dill (East Antrim Audi) s.t.; 4, T. Brady (Navan Avonmore) at 39 secs.; 5, G. Cranston (East Antrim Audi) at 44 secs; 6, K. Gallagher (Orchard Whs.) s.t.; 7, P;. Slane (Slane Cycles) at 1.09; 8, W. hamilton (East Antrim Audi); 9, D. Easton (Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars); 10, M. Greer (Maryland Whs.), all same time. 2nd cat.: T. Brady. 3rd cat.: D. Heagney (RT Autoparts East Tyrone CC); Vet.: J. McConnell; Junior: P. Brady (McKenna Fireplaces, Emyvale). Gallagher good to go: (By Gerry McManus Mar 15) Neo-pro Stephen Gallagher has returned to Italy from a short break in Ireland and rides his first race of the season in Giro del Lago Maggiore (UCI 1:5) on Sunday 16th March. It will be his first race in the TeamEndurasport.com - Principia colours. The new division III team has great plans for the year under the guidance of Director-Sportif Harry Lodge. The ex-professional is aiming to get the team in the results from their Italian base with the ultimate target being promotion to division II in 2004. “The team is going well,” said Stephen: But has had the usual problems for a new team trying to get into some of the early season races. We now have a heavy schedule in April and May and we expect to be going well then. My early season program includes Strausse Rundfart on the 22-23 March then on to the Tour of Majorca. In April we have entered the Settimana Lombarda 16-20th April, and then I am home for the Shay Elliott on the 27th.” “I’m looking forward to moving into my new apartment on Monday, which is just outside Varse just North of Milan. If everything goes to plan I hope to be in good enough form to be selected for the Irish team for the Rás and the ‘B’ worlds.” Het Volk Classic: (By Cian Lynch Mar 2) The Lion of Flanders, Johan Museeuw (pronounced Muse-ay-uu) took a fine solo win in the 58th edition of the Semi Classic HET VOLK in Belgium today.
The decisive split occured at 60kms to go, with Museeuw part of a 7 man break which included 3 team-mates, riding as a unit, the race was as good as over for the favourites behind, as they failed to organise a chase. With 6 kms to go, Museeuw jumped his breakaway companions, Bettini and Van Heyswick, to take his 2nd win in this race ,as he completed the 200km course in just under 5 hours, with 4 of his team in the top 5 places, a masterful display of team tactics. No real consolation for Ireland's Mark Scanlon, as his team leader Kirsipuu took 13th place in the sprint for the minor places behind. Scanlons next big outing will be the Paris-Nice stage race, starting on March 9th.
February 2003WOMEN'S ROAD RACING NEWS: (Feb 26) The world B's is on in early July and with a bit of luck (i.e. hard work) there'll be an Irish Women's team going to it. Up to 5 people can be sent but only those up to the standard of international competition will be selected to go. It's roughly 17 weeks from now. The B worlds is the qualifying for the Olympic Games so 2 Irish Girls would have to finish in the first 9 in order to qualify Ireland to send 2 riders to the Olympics. In order to be selected for a squad, there's certain criteria to be adhered to: * you must enter open races regularly * have to ride the selection races * have to have a coach * and be able to keep with the juniors (the hardest bit) / finish with the bunch in the open races The Gorey 3 day is on the 19th April - we'd like to put a squad into this race. The Gorey will be the first major milestone for an Irish Squad. After that, depending on how people get on, a team will be sent to international women's races either in Belgium or England (e.g Team or Bruton Series). The team selected for the Gorey will be looked after by an appointed manager, mechanic and whoever else is required! There's a list available of 14 open races between now and the Gorey. You do not have to enter all of these races, it's up to you. On speaking to various people, about 9 would be a good number of races to complete. Consult your coach, if you're in doubt. Of the 15 races, 4 will be selection races - you should ride these if you want to get selected on a squad. Apologies to the women in the South and North - most of the races are in Leinster which means you have to travel - we'll change this after the Gorey to have a more even mix. The first open race on the list is on this weekend: 2nd March - Cycleways Cup - Navan The first selection race on the list is: 8th March - Batterstown G.P. - Batterstown If you'd like a copy of the list of races or have any questions, please contact Valerie Considine @ 086 382 5842 or email valerieconsidine@eircom.net |
TOUR
OF THE SPERRINS: (By Jim Traynor Jun 22) In the last outing before
next Sunday's Irish Senior Road Race Championship at Sligo when all the Irish
pros. will be home to chase the title, Tommy Evans (Total Cycling Lindsay Ford)
showed he will probably also be in the reckoning when he scored this third
weekend double in a row,
AUDI
GRAND PRIX, BALLYNURE: (By Jim Traynor Jun 14) Roger Aiken (Banbridge
CC) had his first win of the year in East Antrim CC's 100 kms Audi Grand Prix at
Ballynure, winning in a two-up sprint from Matthew Ward (Phoenix CC).
BARRY
WINS OVERALL: (By Jim Traynor May
5) Timmy Barry from Cork, riding for the Carrick Cidona club became only the
sixth rider in the 47 years of the event, to win the Tour of Ulster twice when
the race finished with an 80 miles stage in County Armagh yesterday.
O'DONOGHUE
WINS STAGE 1 TOU: (By Jim Traynor May 3) The 98 miles opening stage
of the UCPC Tour of Ulster from Craigavon Watersports Centre to Downpatrick was
run off in terrible weather with high winds and rain battering the riders all
the way.
PHOENIX
GRAND PRIX, BELFAST: (By Jim Traynor Mar
23) Tommy Evans (Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars), on a flying visit home from France,
rode the weekend events and although he didn't manage to successfully defend his
Tour of Ards title on Saturday, he rode away from the field in yesterday's
Phoenix Grand Prix at Nutts Corner.
1st
race of the season! Annaclone GP: Winner Peter Hawkins,
Castlereagh 2nd Brendan Graham 3rd Mickey Gallen Picture by Jerome Rafferty 1st
March 2003