Armagh-Downpatrick Classic
Report of the action
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2009
Road Racing Season Armagh-Downpatrick Classic Report of the action |
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| Armagh-Downpatrick
Classic Road Race Sunday 22 March 2009 Report adapted from that written by Tommy Lamb, Cycling Ulster Aaron Buggle of (Cycling Leinster) proved to strong for the rest of the field in last Sundays Armagh - Downpatrick Classic cycle race The 18-year-old was in the thick of the action all day in a race which averaged over 27mph. The Leinster squad attacked as the race left Armagh City and made sure that Aaron was in all the correct moves. Peter Wilson (Maryland Wheelers) and Gavin Callaghan (Cycling Ulster) made the first move of the day when they broke away from the main bunch early in the race. However Buggle was quick off the mark and rode across to them. In the climb towards Castlewellan this three man group comprising Buggle, Peter Wilson (Maryland Wheelers) and Gavin Callaghan (Cycling Ulster) held a short advantage over a chasing group of 11 who were well clear of the main field. The trio worked well together but 5 miles from Downpatrick Lisburn's Wilson fell back to the chasers and with just two miles remaining This was Peters first race of the year and he maybe gave to much to early. Callaghan from Omagh began to fade and lost contact with Buggle. The young first year senior was then free to take Leinster's first ever win in this traditional event.The chasers swallowed up the tiring young riders and it was North Down CC's Sam Craig finished in second spot 40 seconds later with team mate Paul Ferguson leading in the chasers a further 8 seconds in arrears. Lurgan's Michael Murray (Clann Eireann) showed he is beginning to return to form by claiming 4th place followed by Philip Bremnar(Ballymena), Barry Monaghan (Cycling Ulster), Peter Wilson (Maryland) and Kieran McNally (Cycling Leinster). Dromara Cycling Club had a three man team of Darren Weir, Ronnie Smyth and John Ceslik. All three found the race difficult with the very high speed being helped by a stiff tail wind and the constant attacks from the group. They remained in the main peloton of about 20 riders until after the major climb up to Castlewellan. John was unlucky to catch the rear derailleur of a fellow rider causing his front wheel to break but skill keep him from falling. The group containing Darren and Ronnie rode hard closing in on the leaders and finishing less than 20 seconds behind the 3rd place rider. Darren Weir said it was a tough but enjoyable race with just over 30 riders making the finish. Once again Cycling Ulster are indebted to the PSNI and the motorbike marshals for their help in promoting this event. Without their continued support events such as these would cease to exist. RESULTS 1. Aaron Buggle (Cycling Leinster) 52.2 miles 1 hour 52 minutes 29 seconds 2. Sam Craig (North Down) @ 40 secs 3. Paul Ferguson (North Down) @ 48 secs 4. Michael Murray (Clann Eireann) ST 5. Philip Bremner (Ballymena) ST (1st Junior) 6. Barry Monaghan (Cycling Ulster) ST 7. Peter Wilson (Maryland Wheelers) ST 8. Kieran McNally (Cycling Leinster ) ST |
Photos
courtesy of Marian Lamb (Cycling Ulster)
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