Plenty of good finishes for Bann CC at the North Down GP

It was a good day for Banbridge CC at the North Down GP even though there were no winners.

Many riders placed well at the event hosted by North Down Cycling Club (NDCC) and sponsored by Chain Reaction Cycles. Luckily, the rain stayed away from the event, which was held around Donaghadee, however there were blustery westerly winds, particularly affecting the lighter riders.

The first races of the day were the Masters and the Under 16s.

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These saw Cameron McIntyre (U16) in this as one of the favorites. Unfortunately he suffered a puncture just after the final left turn on to the coast road (on final lap) when placed fourth in the lineout and feeling good. It was a big disappointment for the promising young rider as he would have competed well with winner Jake Grey.

The Masters saw Phil Beattie and Paul McGuckin complete five laps but both missed the break on lap and when three riders got away from the pack. They finished in chasing group of six with Phil finishing fifth and Paul sixth.

The Ladies race saw Frieda Brown riding very well, always near the front. However, a crash occurred in front of her a mile from the finish with four girls down. The Banbridge girl avoided it but stopped to help the fallen riders.

The A4 race brought some aggressive riding, made by the rolling nature of the course and extremely blustery conditions. The riders were mixing it in the chase rather than leaving it to a mass bunch sprint to decide the outcome at the finish.

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The longer distance was generally well received and the field splitting up made for a safer event. BCC’s Adrian Finnegan finished in eighth place with Ian Cochrane close behind in 10th.

There was a combined A1, A2 and A3 race with duo Kevin McAlinden and Nathan Sturrock represented Banbridge Cycling Club. Nathan pulled out after four laps with mechanical trouble. Kevin finished in the main group comfortably having been active in earlier stages as the race finished with many small groups.

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