| |
Irvine Takes Armagh to Downpatrick Classic
The Armagh to Downpatrick Classic cycle race lived up to its title with 100 competitors taking part in this inaugural event organised by the Ulster Cycles
Promotion Club today. The race came to life after Banbridge when a group of
10 riders jumped clear.Amongst these were Stephen McKenna (CU), Andy Flannery (Phoenix CC), GOrdon Scott (Kings Moss), Jim Mc Connell (Audi/East Antrim) and Martyn Irvine (Ards CC). John Scott (Orchard Wheelers)also made the break and rode a 'stormer' while Martyn, who has just returned from a Cycling Ulster training camp in Majorca looked fresh and strong. On the rolling road to Castlewellan this group built up a lead of some 2 minutes but the main field never sat up and narrowed the gap to just 15 seconds on the road from Newcastle to Clough.
East Antrim's Jim McConnell saw the danger and drove the break onward towards the finish at Downpatrick.
It was Ards CC's Martyn Irvine who got the verdict in the sprint for the line over Andy Flannery (Phoenix CC) and Nigel Quigley (Bann Wheelers). Paul Bloomer
(Harps CC), Stephen McKenna (Cycling Ulster) and Jim McConnell (East Antrim)
completed the top six.
The Cycling Ulster squad of McKenna, Peter Hawkins, Tim Walsh, Alan Hall, Glenn Kinning and Barry Mullin won the team prize. Well done lads. Leinster's Aishling Daly was the first woman.
Congratulations to Garry Nugent(UCPC) for a professionally organised event which was well supported. Down District Council who sponsored the race said they were proud to be associated with the event which will run annually as part of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
For more pics of the action, click the gallery link below.
VIEW FULL GALLERY
Results Armagh - Downpatrick Classic
1. Martyn Irvine (Ards CC) 56 Miles 2-20-50
2. Andy Flannery (Phoenix)
3. Nigel Quigley (Bann Wheelers)
4. Paul Bloomer (Harps CC)
5. Stephen McKenna (Cycling Ulster)
6. Jim McConnell (East Antrim)
7. Gordon Scott (Kings Moss)
8. Peter Cromie (Roe Valley)
9. Gary McKeegan (Team Madigan) all ST
10. Fraser Duncan (Northern) @ 1-07
First Woman Aishling Daly
Report : Tommy Lamb
Pics. : Marian Lamb
Return |
|
