North Down GP

Local riders Fraser Duncan (Eurocycles) and James McMaster (Curran Racing) were first and second in the North Down Grand Prix today.

The Bangor men were best of a six man group after nine laps of the testing Donaghadee, Orlock, Springwell Road course (72 miles). Brian McCrystal was third, Alastair McAuley fourth and North Downs Connor Hanna fifth. Brian Stewart lead a group in for sixth place. Connor Hanna deserves high praise for his result. The 22 year old was up the road on the first lap and was strong in the final selection on the last few laps.

It was great to see Dromore man Davy McKnight back out racing and going well too. Davy fractured his hip in a crash last January.

Orchard CC man Sean McIntyre continued his rise up the rankings with another solo win in the A4 race. The bunch sprint was won by Sean Carey (North Down) with his team mate Andrew Gray third. Both men benefiting from an impressive lead out by North Downs Andy Young.

A crash in this bunch sprint caused a partial blockage of the finishing straight as a few riders received medical attention. As a result the A3 race was stopped as the commissaires took the decision not to continue the race to the finish.

Clare Oakley won an agressive ladies race after a race long breakaway with Dubliner Roisin Kennedy and Judith Russell (Phoenix CC).

The masters race was won by Phil Beattie ahead of North Downs Martin Lyttle.

Declan Mullholland (Clann Eirean) was the winner of the Under 16s while the under 14 race was won by an Harvey Barnes East Tyrone. there was more success for Molly McClarnon (North Down) who soloed to victory in the Under 12 event.

It was a great day of cycle sport with 250 riders taking part. Well done to the North Down club headed by new open race secretary Matty Blayney who also competed in the main A1 & A2 race!

report by Brendan Kirk