Iron Mick

Younger riders were given a lesson in how to race today in the Clann Eireann Cup race at Derrymacash, Lurgan

Sixty one year old Kilrea man Micky Carroll (Ballymena Chain Reaction) raced ahead of the peleton with four laps (40k) to go. He was joined by Team Madigan junior Curtis Gilmore who shared the pacemaking until the last two laps. Despite some concerted chasing from the chasing pack Micky maintained a thirty second gap until the finish for a well deserved victory.

Back in the early 1990's when Micky first appeared on the cycling scene (he was a good motocross rider too) he was soon challenging the top men. He had some great battles with young riders like Ross Blayney and Kirk Sloan at the time and was often referred to as 'super vet'!

Notable win included the 1993 Tour of the Peninsula when he beat Commonwealth medalist Alastair Irvine. He was 41 then so his ride today in his second year of a comeback is remarkable! Mickey recalled today that over 20 years ago he also won a St Patricks Day race at Downpatrick.

Result of todays 17 March race at Derrymacash,( 47 miles)
 
1. Michael Carroll   Ballymena Road Club
2.Paul McCarter     Omagh Wheelers
3.Mark Downey     Roche Development 
4.Tom Simmons    Glendale
5.Bobby Kane        Bann Wheelers
6.Gavin Magowan  Dromara
7.Conor McAteer    Bann Valley
8. Andrew Stewart Orchard Wheelers