Carn Wheelers were the promoters of the Carn Classic which featured races for A1 -A3, A4 , Women and Masters.The sun came out and bathed the 14 mile circuit is glorious sunshime although there was a sharp bite from the chill wind.

Apollo had six riders entered, they were Daniel McGlade, Dominic McCartan, Cathal Hendron, Enda McDaid, Colin McCloskey and James Wilson.

First off were the A3’s who were given a small handicap over the A2’s which was soon closed down and for a while the bunch stayed together.

However there was enough aggressive riding in the bunch to ensure that this did not stay together for long. A small group of three broke clear of the main field. This group consisted of Darnell Moore,  Matthew O’Neill of Caldwell Cycles and James Wilson of Apollo. They managed to open a 40 second gap but two groups of chasers were hot on their heels. Eventually all the chasers managed to get on, forming a lead group of nine. O’Neill lost the wheel and was sucked back into the peleton but the remaining members powered on.

This group now consisted of Darnell Moore, (Caldwell), James Wilson (Apollo), Steven McAllister (Ballymoney CC), Barry Doyle, (U/A), Mark Millar (Velo Cafe Magasin) and Jonny Taylor, Joe McCrory and Micky Scullion of Carn Wheelers.

James Wilson in the breakaway

By the 40 mile mark this group had opened a 2 minute 7 second gap on the main field. Shortly after this all was to change again when Joe McCrory bit the bullet and went for it. He steadily began to open a gap and was left to hang out for a  while until the group saw this was a serious move. Both McAllister and Moore realised the danger and kicked clear to give chase. They caught McCrory and then these three managed to hold off the remaining chasers to the finish.

On the line it was Darnell Moore who had the power to sprint and take victory. McCrory was second with McAllister third.The chasing group, which had splintered, on the finishing straight then crossed the line with Jonny Taylor taking fourth ahead of Mark Millar and Mickey Scullion. James Wilson and Barry Doyle took the remaining positions for points

The A4 riders completed three laps of the course. As usual there was lots of movement in the bunch but at first no-one was getting away. Eventually one rider made a brave move and opened a gap on the field, He stayed out on his own for a considerable time until the bunch eventually reeled him back in.

It came down to a bunch sprint in the end which was taken by Chris Lawlor of VC Glendale.

Matt McLaughlin of Phoenix CC and Darren Hutton of Bann Wheelers. Adam Callaghan of Phoenix took fourth ahead of Daniel McGlade (Apollo CT) and William Convey of Termoneeny. Ivan Jeffers (East Tyrone CC) and Sean Scullion (Island Wheelers) took the remaining points.

Daniel McGlade Finished 5th

Report Courtesy of Marian Lamb (Cycling Ulster)