Wilson and Armstrong Do the Honours in Phoenix GP

Over eighty riders signed on today for the two events organised by Phoenix CC. The A event saw a disappointing turn-out of only twenty riders. This race was set off first followed some four minutes later by the B event. The A event quickly turned into a 'three horse event' when Pezula team-mates Ryan Connor and Adam Armstrong, put on the pressure. Northern's Frazer Duncan, keen to make a come-back went with them as did Northern's Paul Kane and Lewis Ferguson. Roger Aiken(Banbridge) and Conor McAllister (Ballymena) were also in the initial break.
However by the second lap Armstrong, Connor and Duncan had opened up a gap on the others and continued to increase that over the remaining laps. In the final drag to the finish it was Armstrong who seized the day, romping home a clear winner over Connor and Duncan.

Good rides in this event were put in by Lewis Ferguson (Northern CC). Better known as an off road rider, Lewis took some time away from the bike last year but has decided to give road racing a go in 2008. Conor McAllister (Ballymena) proved he had lost none of last year's form and took the prize for unplaced S2. Allister Fiddes from Juiced orchard who has just moved up into senior ranks this year hung in well to take tenth place. Both of these riders could be in contention for the Cycling Ulster team In the St Partick's Classic.

The B event was a more exciting race with several riders jockeying for position and trying to make the break. Darren Weir (Dromara CC) and Thomas Martin (Clann Eireann/Linen Green) at one point were chasing down the remains of the A riders.

John Madden (Bann Wheelers) showed his strength by riding strongly at the front. With the event as one of the selection races for the Junior team for the Tour of the North the Juniors were out to impress. And there is nothing more impressive than a win. Maryland's Peter Wilson took his chance in the final kilometre and rode home an impressive victor.

Madden took second place while relative new faces on the scene Stephen Hutchinson (East Tyrone) and Alan Graham (Old Bleach) picked up third and fourth. North Down's Stuart Henry was often seen at the front and is proving his worth. He also had a good race on Saturday. Others riding strongly in the Junior ranks were Ballymena's Philip Bremnar who finished well up the bunch and team mate Leo McAllister finished just behind him. Unfortunately Team Madigan's Jonny Cole had to retire in the penultimate lap.

For the S2/S3 team for the Downpatrick Armagh event, Darren Weir has shown good form in both weekend events as has Thomas Martin. However with two more events on next weekend, the final team is still undecided.

For a few more pics of the Phoenix Grand Prix click the gallery link below.

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Report Tommy Lamb
Pics Marian Lamb

For a few more pics of the weekend events by Darren Crawford check out the gallery link below. Those who wish to obtain a copy of these photos should contact Darren on bigd@talktalk.net

Pics by Darren Crawford

Results
Phoenix GP 'A' race - Nutts Corner
1. Adam Armstrong (Team Pezula ) 1-59-04
2. Ryan Connor (Team Pezula) @ 39 secs
3. Frazer Duncan (Northern Dave Kane)@ 53 secs
4. Allister Steele (Science in Sport) @ 9min 50 secs
5. Conor McAllister (Ballymena) ST
6. Kirk Sloan (Ards CC) ST
7. Lewis Ferguson (Northern Dave Kane)
8. David McKnight (Dromara CC)
9. Kevin Lynch (Newry Wheelers)
10. Allister Fiddes (Juiced Orchard)


Phoenix GP 'B' Race - Nutts Corner
1. Peter Wilson (Maryland Wheelers) 1-43-04
2. John Madden (Bann Valley) @ 9 secs
3. Stephen Hutchinson (East Tyrone)
4. Alan Graham (Old Bleach) @ 38 secs
5. Bryce Irvine (U/A) ST
6. Gordon Scott (East Antrim) ST
7. Stuart Henry (North Down)
8. Darren Weir (Dromara CC)
9 Shaun Ogle (Northern Dave Kane)
10. Davy McCall (Maryland Wheelers)