Evans and Scott -Double Weekend Winners

Tommy Evans showed he was back on form when he clinched the Noel Teggart Memorial Race on Sunday. This followed his win in the Northern Ireland Open Championships the previous day.
The Noel Teggart, hosted by Banbbridge CC, was also part of the Classic League and attracted a quality field from throughout Ireland. Evans was in the early action forming part of a four-man break along with team-mate Brendan Graham, Richard Alhadeff (Orchard Wheelers) and Conor Murphy (Crannog Ireland).
This group built up a lead of almost 2 minutes but with 80 miles of racing and riders of the calibre of Roger Aiken (Banbridge), David McCann (Giant Asia) and double Ras winner (Philip Cassidy) in the chase group it was inevitable that there would be a shake up before the finish.

McCann, Aiken and Stephen O’Sullivan (Cycleways) managed to bridge the gap whilst Graham and Alhadeff returned to the main field. In the long climb before the finish Evans managed to forge clear crossing the line 12 seconds ahead of McCann.

It also proved a weekend double for Kings Moss rider Gordon Scott. After winning the veterans championship on Saturday he won the massive bunch sprint in the B race at Banbridge. This race attracted 70 entries but the bunch stayed together throughout the 60 miles. Scott got the verdict over Orchard junior Simon Williams and Donegal’s Martin McDevitt (Four Masters) and must now be considered a contender for the All Ireland Veterans title which will be decided at Dundrod in a few weeks time.

The Youth events were no less exciting with the Under 16 race coming down to a hotly contested bunch gallop. Thomas Martin (Clann Eireann) had ridden hard at the front for much of the race but Michael McAree(Emyvale) proved he was the guy with the extra spurt in the legs and took the sprint from Sean Downey (Banbridge) and Ronan Byrne (Newry).

In the Under 14 event it was Peter Williams (Orchard Wheelers) who rode clear to take victory from Clifford Blayney (Ards CC)and Matthew Quinn (Banbridge).

The Under 12's shot like bullets from a gun the moment the flag was dropped. They vied with each other and never let up the pace. In the end Jack Wilson (Audi/East Antrim) got the verdict over Niall McAree(Emyvale) and Rachel Mitchell (Toyota North Down). Niall was unfortunate enough to crash in the closing stages but hung in to take his second place. A real wee champion.

For pics of Sundays's action click the link below.
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Results - Noel Teggart Memorial RR – Banbridge - 84 Miles

1. Tommy Evans (Planet X) 3-09-47
2. David McCann (Giant Asia) @ 12 secs
3. Stephen O’Sullivan (Cycleways) ST
4. Conor Murphy (Crannog Ireland) St
5. Roger Aiken (Banbridge) @ 18 secs
6. Philip Cassidy (Cycleways) @ 2-34
7. Bill Moore (Stamullan) @ 3-36
8. Mark Greer (Maryland) ST
9. Brendan Graham (Planet X) ST
10. Ryan Connor (Ballymena) ST

B Race
1. Gordon Scott (Kings Moss) 2-28-11
2. Simon Williams (Orchard Wheelers)
3. Martin McDevitt (Four Masters)
4. Tim Edgar (XMTB)
5. Paul Vaughan (Maryland)
6. Paul McCreadie (Roe Valley)
7. Lawrence Divers (Bann Wheelers)
8. Bob Patterson (Banbridge)


Under12
1. Jack Wilson (East Antrim)
2. Nial McAree (Emyvale)
3. Rachel Mitchel (TND)

Under 14
1. Peter Williams (Orchard Wheelers)
2. Clifford Blayney (Ards)
3. Matthew Quinn (Banbridge)

Under 16
1. Michael McAree (Emyvale)
2. Sean Downey (Banbridge)
3. Ronan Byrne (Newry)
4. Michael Mitchel (TND)
5. Leo McAlister (Ballymena)
6. Barry Hughes (Emyvale)

Report ; Tommy Lamb
Pics : Marian Lamb