Newry 3 day – after stages 2 and 3 Heverin takes the lead
John Heverin (TVR) is the new leader of the Newry 3-Day after winning this afternoons Stage 3 time trial of 3.7 miles. The renowned tester from Lurgan clocked a time of 7 minutes 57 seconds to win by 8 seconds from Derek Cunningham (Bikeworx, Dublin). James Ambrose (North Down CC) did an excellent performance to place third at 9 seconds while Jake Gray (Nicholas Roche Performance Team) was fifth at 16 seconds dropping to third overall behind Heverin and Cunningham.
Earlier in the day the riders did a hilly 64 mile road race based at Hilltown. Comeback man Gary Crory (VC Glendale) showed what a fine road man he is when he won the stage in a twelve man sprint. Jake Gray was second and the new leader as Stage 1 winner Mark McKinley finished in a twenty strong group at 17 seconds. Heverin and Cunningham were fourth and fifth on this stage which set them up for the Stage 3 timetrial.
Gray still leads the King of the Hills and young rider classification while Lindsay Watson (TVR) is in the green jersey of point’s leader. The top twenty overall is covered by 1 minute so tomorrow’s 73 mile loop could see further changes with so many riders still in contention. Heverins’ TVR team is leading the team competition also and should be strong enough to face any attacks tomorrow. The stage includes two ascents of the steep Rathfriland Hill and is due to finish back in Newry at the MOT centre on the Rathfrland Road at approx 12:45pm.
Report by Brendan Kirk
Photos by Bronagh Kirk
Posted by Martin Grimley (martin@ulsterxc.com)
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