Smyth victorious at Dromara CC’s Kelly race

The road had been resurfaced, the sunshine was out and wind was light, making it the ideal night for a race with a large crowd in attendance eager to show what they had been doing over the winter.

The race was used as a race to help attract new members with the scratch group taking up marshalling duties.

The prize for the winner at the end of the night was a signed Dromara CC jersey signed by cycling great Sean Kelly, kindly framed by Sharon Lee at Dromore Picture Framing. Many thanks to Gavin Magowan for sorting out this great prize.

As with all Club Races the secret is all in which Group you get put into, with the idea of trying to get yourself in a group that suits your speed.

Group One and Two got joined together and Group Three saw quite a few new faces with Stephen Irvine and Graham Smyth trying their hand at this road racing lark.

Group Four was full of over eager youngsters and a few more experienced riders making up the remainder of the group.

With the race only being five laps it, was always going to be difficult for Group 4 to catch Group 3, but with Group 4 splitting up it became impossible for the catch to be made. By the last lap group 4 were back together, this time some two minutes down on the group in front. In a sprint for the line Graham Smyth burst out to take the win with the ever young Marty McAnulty and his diesel engine taking second place and Stephen Irvine completing the podium with a well deserved third place. Well done to all who took part and many thanks to the marshals, timekeepers and photographers who volunteered on the night.

The next round of the league proper is this Thursday night, this time a two-up time trial on the Lurgan road in Dromore, starting at Mulgrews. See the club website or the message board for more information. www.dromaracc.co.uk