Emma McMullan and Ronnie Smyth Cup Road Races 13 June 2009

Emma McMullan and Ronnie Smyth Cup Road Races
organised by Dromara Cycling Club

Saturday 13 June 2009
Anahilt, Co. Down

Report by Tommy Lamb edited by Martin Grimley
Anahilt proved a happy hunting ground for the Curran Racing team with Fraser Duncan winning the “A” race and Alan Lavery taking the honours in the “B” event promoted over 105 kilometres by Dromara C.C. There was a disappointing turn-out of 1st and 2nd category riders for the main attraction of the day but the field was strengthened with veterans Shaun Gray (Juiced Orchard) and Liam Curran (Curran Racing) opting to line up for the Emma McMullan Cup.

After 20 miles of racing only nine riders remained in contention with constant attacks going off the front only to be brought back again. At one stage Liam Curran, Fraser Duncan and Donegal rider Paul Vaughan (Kilcullen CC) opened up a gap of just over a minute but strong riding saw the groups come together again. Towards the end Vaughan and Duncan managed to break clear with Duncan taking the sprint for the line. The chasers were led home by Liam Curran, Paul Ferguson (North Down), Shaun Gray (Juiced Orchard), Fergus Rooney (Phoenix CC), Davy McKnight of the promoting Dromara club and John Neill (Phoenix CC).

The “B” race with a respectable field of 60 riders resulted in another Curran win with Alan Lavery edging out Noel Boyce (North Down) and James Gault (Phoenix CC). One of the best performances of the day was that of Martin Birney (SportAactive CC). The Donegal man was seldom off the front of the bunch and was involved in many breakaway attempts. He was rewarded with a fine 4th placing coming home well clear of Paul McMinn (Curran Racing) and Simon Curry (Banbridge CC) who completed the top six.

The women's race resulted in victory for Omagh Wheeler Julie Mulligan who got the better of Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers) and Louise Fullerton (Ballymena Scott). The women's event attracted almost as many entries as the Elite A race which speaks volumes for the development of women's cycle racing in Ulster.

Dromara Cycling Club would like to thank the many club members who gave up their time to support and make safe this event. We would also like to thank

Stevie Baines for his generous donation towards the prize pot,
Müller Rice for providing some excellent sustanance,
the staff in the centre in Hillsborough for all their assistance,
the commaissaires,
Tommy and Marian Lamb for their guidance and use of the Cycling Ulster radios
Red Cross ambulance personnel who thankfully had little to do
Martin Downey for motorcycle support

RESULTS:
Emma McMullan Cup – Anahilt 105km
1. Fraser Duncan (Curran Racing) 2:41:47
2. Paul Vaughan (Killcullen CC)
3. Liam Curran (Curran Racing)
4. Paul Ferguson (North Down)
5 Shaun Gray (Juiced Orchard)
6. Fergus Rooney (Phoenix CC)
7. Davy McKnight (Dromara CC)
8. John Neill (Phoenix CC)

Ronnie Smyth Trophy – Anahilt - 105km
1. Alan Lavery (Curran Racing) 2:44:52
2. Noel Boyce (North Down)
3. James Gault (Phoenix CC)
4. Martin Birney (SportActive CC)
5. Paul McMinn (Curran Racing)
6. Simon Curry (Banbridge CC)
7. Stephen Baines (East Antrim – Audi)
8. Neil Millar (Ballymena – Scott)

Dromara CC – Womens Race - Annahilt (3 laps)
1. Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers) 1:52:15
2. Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers)
3. Louise Fullerton (Ballymena – Scott)
4. Orlagh Watters (Harps CC)
5. Maeve Cahill (Dromara CC)
6. Caroline Patterson (Dromara CC)
7. Therese Smyth (Dromara CC)
8. Nicky Jamison (Dromara CC)
9. Antje Otto (Dromara CC)

Timekeepers
Stephen and Lauren Phillips, Davy Robb, Alan Reid

Marshalls
John Ruddell (Ards CC), Anne Maguire, Martin & Mark Dobbin, Peter Swann, Marcus Magowan, Ian Harrison, Michael Pyper, Bernie Monaghan, Damien McDonald, Andrew Wilson, Stephen Younge

Support vehicle drivers
Trevor Annett, Brendan Monaghan, Noel Gibson, Stewart Moore, Martin Downey, Alister Gray

Video from finish line here

List of riders here

Pictures by Martin Grimley

B race line up

A race line up

John regrets forgetting his helmet




	Women's start - first group away
Women's second group - scratch

Winners

A race - Winner Frazer Duncan	A race - second Paul Vaughan (Killcullen Racing)
A race - runners up Liam Curran (Curran Racing), Paul Ferguson (North Down CC)	B race - winner Alan Lavery (Curran Racing)
B race - 2nd and 3rd Noel Boyce (North Down), James Gault (Phoenix)	B race - 4th Martin Birney (Sportactive CC)