New Faces to the Fore at Phoenix GP 2010 + Video Link

The Phoenix GP saw 150 cyclists signing on for the three races on the Nutts Corner Circuit. In the A race the 1st category riders were unable to make up the 10 minute handicap and Bobby Kane (Ballymoney CC) emerged as victor from the 3rd category bunch outsprinting Paul Mulligan (Eurocycles) and Jason Henry (U/A). Donegal’s Sean Stewart (Four Masters), Gordon Scott (East Antrim) and Marty Henderson (Phoenix CC) completed the top six.

In the B event former international Gary Wilson (East Antrim) showed his old craft and experience when he led home the bunch of almost sixty 4th category riders.

Barry Russell from the Carn Wheelers club in Maghera was second edging out Andrew McGibbon (Apollo) and Stephen Beck (U/A). John Smyth of the promoting Phoenix CC was next over the line depriving George Boyd (Roe Valley) of fifth spot.

Today's event also saw the first round of the UWA’s RR league which attracted almost 30 women showing the growth of interest in women’s racing. Maria Shannon (Ballymena – Scott Tiles) and Aimee Bryce (Phoenix CC) attacked early in the race and stayed clear until the final lap.

They were eventually reeled in and Lurgan teenager Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann) jumped early in the sprint to hold off Limavady’s Mary Boyd (Roe Valley) and Tonya Moran (Phoenix CC). Hannah Francis from the newly formed Bikeworks club in Newtownards was fourth followed closely by Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers) and Elle Forest (Bann Valley).

Behind the scenes the was a lot of work put in by Colin and Dermot Hughes and Eamon Burns. Brendan McCartan's tea making entourage came up trumps with hot soup, sandwiches and hot drinks.

Many thanks to all the marshalls who kept the race safe, commissaires Martin Lees and Maurice McAllister and to the inimitable Paul Devenney on his motorbike. Thanks also to the members of other clubs who helped out with the marshalling and Billy Smyth for the timekeeping

For a few more pics of today's racing click the gallery link below

VIEW GALLERY OF PHOENIX GP BY MARIAN LAMB

For a video link to today's event check out this by Conor Graham

Phoenix GP Video By Conor Graham


Report - Tommy Lamb
Pics - Marian Lamb


Results Phoenix GP – Nutts Corner
A Race
1. Bobby Kane (Ballymoney CC)
2. Paul Mulligan (Eurocycles)
3. Jason Henry (U/A)
4. Sean Stewart (Four Masters)
5. Gordon Scott (East Antrim – Audi)
6. Martin Henderson (Phoenix CC)
7. Ronnie Smyth (Dromara CC)
8. Danny Hylands (Team Madigan)
9. Mark McCullough (Ballymena-Scott Tiles)
10. Noel Boyce (North Down)

B Race
1. Gary Wilson (East Antrim – Audi)
2. Barry Russell (Carn Wheelers)
3. Andrew McGibbon (Apollo)
4. Stephen Beck (U/A)
5. John Smyth (Phoenix CC)
6. George Boyd (Roe Valley)
7. James McFerran (Dromara CC)
8. William Larmour (East Antrim Audi)
9. Gary Kendall (Bann Wheelers)
10.Clifford Grant (Ballymena Scott Tiles)

The last four riders are TBC

UWA Womens League
1. Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann)
2. Mary Boyd (Roe Valley)
3. Tonya Moran (Phoenix CC)
4. Hannah Francis (Bikeworks)
5. Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers)
6. Elle Forest (Bann Valley)