Banbridge CC host Teggart Memorial Race

Banbridge CC’s ever popular Teggart Memorial Road Race event, generously sponsored by O’Hagan Tyres, Laurencetown and Continental Tyres, was held on the Gilford- Scarva- Banbridge circuit last Sunday in glorious sunshine from start to finish.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Jul 2014, 19:59 BST
Riders turning at Scarva back up to Banbridge with Banbridge riders well to the fore.Riders turning at Scarva back up to Banbridge with Banbridge riders well to the fore.
Riders turning at Scarva back up to Banbridge with Banbridge riders well to the fore.

Almost 200 riders signed on for a full programme of races for all of the senior categories and under age riders – at U16, U14 and U12 years. Havelock Park was bouncing with activity from early morning with the cyclists enjoying the company of a large Motor Home Rally parked up on site.

In the feature race of the afternoon for A1s and A2s a four man break comprising Sean McKenna (UCD), Alex Donald (Phoenix), Paul Mulligan (Caldwell Cycles) and Sean McIntyre (Orchard/ Shelbourne) was established early on and was able to withstand the efforts of the chasing group right to the end with the UCD man taking a well deserved win.

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Banbridge CC were represented in the A3 race by Dan Purdy and Gareth Hillen who both finished in the main bunch. Unfortunately Banbridge rider Matty Teggart riding for the Nicholas Roach Performance Team crashed early on in this race though thankfully was not seriously hurt.

In the A4 race (5 laps, 58 miles) seven riders sported the yellow red and black jersey – Ian Cochrane, Phil Beattie, Kevin Wilson, David Lavery, Andy Beattie, Chris McCann and Aidie Finnegan. Two of these – Ian and Kevin managed to get into the decisive break of the day to with Kevin finishing in 4th place and Ian in 8th place – a fine result for this relative newcomer to open racing. The rest of the team finished in the main bunch with Phil and Chris, normally riding in Masters 50+ races happy to cruise around in this company.

In the main the event passed off without serious incidents. Thanks to all of the marshalls, timekeepers, and local PSNI officers who helped to ensure the safety of riders and the public. As usual the Teggart family turned out in force to ensure that everyone was well provided with a splendid choice of refreshments at the finish – all greatly appreciated by riders and officials.