The Billy Stewart Cup

Apollo CC promoted  three races including the Billy Stewart Cup for the 2 & 3 category race last Sunday. There was a big turn out for the racing which took place in intermittent weather conditions.

Paul McGuckin of Banbridge CC won the masters race. I am unsure of the results of the other events.

There was some controversy when the A2/3 race was abandoned in the last lap with 4 or 5 miles to go. Aparently the commissaire stopped the race because riders had deviated from their side of the road repeatedly, on the country circuit. 

There was confusion amongst the riders and spectators as only the bunch was stopped yet the breakaway was allowed to finish the race. The breakaway comprised of two riders and as you can see from the photos, they also deviated from the correct side of the road in view of the race official cars.

Strangely these riders were awarded prizes while the rest of the field was not allowed to finish. In effect the whole field was disqualified with the exception of the two riders in the break. It appears to me that the rules were applied inconsistently. Two riders who clearly rode on the wrong side of the road were awarded prizes. Several riders in the main field who stayed on their own side of the road were in effect disqualified. 

Despite the controversy Apollo CC ran an excellent event. It was well marshalled, the members were very welcoming and provided great refreshments at the finish.