Lucky seventh for magic Madden

This was John’s second road race of the season and signs are good if the Ballycastle man can continue this form into the rest of the forthcoming season.

The first category riders made no mistake in judging the handicap at the John Moore Memorial Road Race promoted by Castlereagh CC at Carryduff. There was a seven minute deficit from front to back with three groups setting off from Carryduff but eventual winner Adam Armstrong attacked from the drop of the flag splitting the scratch group within minutes. Madden was off in the second group three minutes behind the A4 riders but some 4 minutes ahead of the Armstrong group.

By the third of the seven laps the groups had merged with a break comprising Simon Williams (Juiced Orchard), Leo McAllister (Ballymena – Scott Tiles) Adam Armstrong (Eurocycles) and John Neill forging through. However Neill dropped back and joined the main bunch while John Madden (Curran Racing/Bann Wheelers) Jack Wilson (East Antrim –Audi) and Jonny Cole (Team Madigan) broke away to try and chase down the break.

McAllister and Williams attacked again and opened a gap on Armstrong who retaliated and managed to join them and counter attack in the last few miles coming home on his own almost 30 seconds clear.

Williams out sprinted McAllister for second spot by a short margin.

Madden worked tirelessly in the chasing group and had the lead group back to 10 seconds at one point but he paid the price for his efforts in the sprint for the line and finished towards the back of the fast finishing chase group to take seventh place. In fourth spot was 18-year-old Jack Wilson who edged out Jonny Cole (Team Madigan) and Nathan Morgan (Newry Wheelers) to complete the top six.

“I am very pleased with my result today. I thought about trying to jump from the chase group when their lead was down to 10 seconds but hesitated and the moment was lost as the riders in my group tired and the leaders pulled away. I cannot complain though and I am happy with my current form at this stage of the season.” Said Irish 50 mile record holder Madden. Let’s hope John can retain his record breaking success of last season and achieve that elusive road race victory he so badly desires soon.

RESULTS: John Moore Memorial – Carryduff

1. Adam Armstrong (Eurocycles)2-06-13

2. Simon Williams (Juiced-Orchard) @25secs

3. Leo McAllister (Ballymena Scott Tiles) "

4. Jack Wilson (East Antrim-Audi) @ 1.22

5. Jonny Cole (Team Madigan) "

6. Nathan Morgan (Newry Wheelers)

7. John Madden (Curran Racing)"

8. Mark Campbell (Newry Wheelers) @ 1.30

First Unplaced A2 - Mark Campbell (Newry Wheelers)

First Unplaced A3 - John Madden (Curran Racing)"

First Unplaced A4 Seamus Walshe (Phoenix CC)