Blair takes victory by half a wheel

Another huge turn out for the latest round of the GMC Electrical road race league on Tuesday 26th June saw 57 competitors line up to cover four laps of the fast and popular Ballynease course.

The riders were set off in four groups with a total of 8 minutes from the first group on the road to the scratch men.

By the start of the third lap the first and second groups had merged as had the scratch riders with the group in front and by the bell only about 90 seconds separated both bunches.

As the spectators gathered at the line it was felt for a while that a huge bunch sprint was inevitable, however, much to the relief of the timekeepers, the first group had maintained most of their advantage and the sprint was contested by Alan Blair BRC and Michael Clarke BVRC.

Alan just timed his move slightly better to take the victory by half a wheel.

Third place was secured by Ryan Shaw also of BRC from Bann Valley’s Liam O’Connor in fourth.

A full list of places can be seen on the club results page.

Meanwhile, Conor McAteer, Bann Valleys Junior star and Irish Development Team member, put in a superb performance at the weekend’s Newry 3 Day event which included over 80 A2/3 riders from teams across Ireland.

Riding for the Cycling Ulster Jnr team, Conor took 15th in the Stage 2 time trial and was 1st junior. Conor also won the prize for 1st unplaced junior.

To follow this Conor will also be riding for Ulster in the Junior Tour of Ireland from the 10th - 15th July.

This race covers the tough terrain in the West of Ireland.