East Antrim Dominate PJ Logan 2010 - Video Links Added

The East Antrim Audi team dominated the P.J. Logan Cup promoted by Island Wheelers at Coalisland today. Young Jack Wilson was again to the fore attacking and going clear with Paul Mulligan from the Dublin based Eurocycles outfit. The duo worked very hard together staying away for much of the race and setting a ‘cracking speed’ to take advantage of the handicap.

However they were eventually reeled in by the remnants of the 2nd and 1st category bunches who had chased hard with the A1’s managing to close down the 6 minute handicap.

Two other East Antrim men, Glenn Kinning and Gary Cranston, then went clear and crossed the line without sprinting against each other. Kinning was first to cross with Cranston also holding his arms aloft to celebrate their club’s performance in the race.

Richill’s Junior star, Adam Raynor (Juiced Orchard) was next man home some 18 seconds later with Nathan Morgan (Newry Wheelers) getting the better of Wilson and Mulligan in the sprint for fourth place.

Crumlin rider Finbarr Cummins (Phoenix CC) was the star of the B event attacking early in the race and staying clear for almost the entire 40 miles.

He was joined by Mark Irvine (North Down) and William Larmour (East Antrim Audi) towards the end and this trio just managed to make the line as the main peleton made contact. Larmour got the verdict over Irvine with Cummins finishing a fine third.

Colin Scullion (Ballymena Scott Tiles), Nevin Smith (East Tyrone) and Magherafelt’s Martin Tohill (Spires CC) completed the top six. Mark Irvine a relative newcomer to cycling is beginning to make his mark although with Gerald Irvine as his father and Alaistair Irvine, former Commonwealth Games medallist, as his uncle is hardly surprising. Mark, until this year, was a keen competitor in motor-cross and decided towards the end of 2009 to have a go at cycling. Mark's father, Gerald, Alastair's younger brother, who trains and goes to all the races with him, rode for Ireland at the 1987 World championships. He also rode for Ireland at cyclo-cross in the same year. Gerald stopped competing in 1994. Both Irvine's dominated Irish Cycling in the 1980's. Perhaps Mark will join Ulster's current cycling dynasties which include the McCann's, Kirks, Wilson's and Downey's.

The second round of the SportActive Ulster Women’s League was also promoted by Island Wheelers) with Newtownard’s girl Rachel Mitchell (North Down) taking victory ahead of Lisa Mann (Roe Valley) and Caroline Patterson (Dromara CC).

As has come to be expected of Island Wheelers there was a marvellous spread back at the marquee which had been erected for the event by Dungannon Council. The club paid tribute to the support which Dungannon Council has given the club over the years.

Peter Corr said, “The Council have been very proactive in this area in supporting sport of all kinds. We are fortunate to have use of the Gortgonis Centre as well as today’s marquee. The staff of the centee are very helpful throughout the year." He went on to thank the Order of Malta who provided the first aid cover at the event and presented them with a donation raised at their Reliability Trial earlier in the year.Peter had a special mention for Chieftain Trailers Ltd who have been the main sponsors of the P.J.Logan for the past number of years.

From a race promotion point of view the Wheelers could not be faulted in any way. The marshalling was excellent with every corner covered by two to three club members.

Each marshall and the two Comms on the day had individual packs with all the information, bibs, flags etc that they would need including emergency contact numbers. The riders all enjoyed the course but were highly impressed with the level of support by the club. Island Wheelers are to be congratulated on such a professional approach to race organisation.

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

VIEW GALLERY PJ LOGAN A RACE BY MARIAN LAMB

VIEW GALLERY PJ LOGAN B AND WOMEN’S RACES BY MARIAN LAMB

Some video links have been posted on UTube by Nigel Sudlow, Dromara CC. To access the videos please click on the links below.


PJ Logan Part 1 by Nigel Sudlow

PJ Logan Part 2 by Nigel Sudlow

PJ Logan Part 3 by Nigel Sudlow


Report Tommy Lamb
Pics Marian Lamb
Video Nigel Sudlow

P.J. Logan Cup Coalisland A Race Results
1. Glen Kinning (East Antrim Audi) 2-01-13
2. Gary Cranston (East Antrim Audi) ST
3. Adam Raynor (Juiced Orchard) @ 18 secs
4. Nathan Morgan (Newry Wheelers) @ 30 secs
5. Jack Wilson (East Antrim Audi) ST
6. Paul Mulligan (Eurocycles) ST

Coalisland B Race Results
1. William Larmour (East Antrim-Audi)
2. Mark Irvine (North Down)
3. Finbarr Cummins (Phoenix CC)
4. Colin Scullion (Ballymena Scott Tiles)
5. Nevin Smyth (East Tyrone CC)
6. Martin Tohill (Spires CC)

SportActive Ulster Women’s League
1. Rachel Mitchell (North Down)
2. Lisa Mann (Roe Valley)
3. Caroline Patterson (Dromara CC)