| Bann Valley Classic 2011 | |
| Sunday 10 April 2011 The Bann Valley Classic took place on Sunday 10th April 2011 on the Innisrush Circuit. This was a change from the original circuit due to a local funeral. It proved to be very challenging course with many hills and drags throughout. The event was sponsored by Sizzlers Wine Bar and there were races for A2, A3, and A4 categories. The 'A' race was for A2 and A3's while the 'B' race will cater for the A4's. From a Dromara point of view we had Gavin Magowan racing in the A3 race which was 7 laps at approximately 56 miles on the warmest day of the year so far. After the brutal John Beggs race the day before (well done to Derek, Chris, Gavin and especially Ryan who all rode well to survive arguably the hardest race of the year), Gavin found that he still had tired legs and opted to "sit in" for the first 2 laps. A break went by Ian Inglis (Curran) and Jonathan Dempsey (East Antrim) and they held it at 1.30 minutes for three laps eventually being caught by the bunch. John Madden (Curran) attacked and won by one minute. The scene was set for a bunch sprint with Gavin taking an excellent 7th place (our riders will have to learn to get their nutritional strategy right....one bottle is NOT enough!!!), yet another top 10 placing this season....well done. Well done to Bann Valley for a well organised and marshalled race and for providing excellent "eats" post event. Report by Stephen Wallace Race reports on Cycling Ulster here | Photos by Marian Lamb, Cycling Ulster   |