Northwest Classic 2017

Sunday 2^nd April saw the inaugural Northwest Classic hosted by Co. Derry’s  Northwest Cycling club. 140 A3 and A4 racers of the took to the rolling circuit in near perfect weather conditions.

The A race saw the 60 A3's set off to cover 4 laps and 48miles. The lumpy circuit made for exciting racing with small breaks forming throughout the race. At one point a 5 man breakaway group had 30 seconds on the peloton with Causeway’s Ryan Jamieson ever present at the sharp end. The break was never given much time to establish and were brought back as the pace heated up and the group came together for the last lap. With around 3 miles to go the race was disrupted by sheep straying onto the course and in the confusion 4 riders passed the safety car, a technicality which unfortunately resulted in these riders being disqualified.

Robbie Doherty (Ballymoney CC) was to triumph in the end beating Philip Bremner (Lakeland CC) and Martin Bradley of host club Northwest CC in 3^rd.

A full field of 80 riders contested the A4 race covering 3 laps of the 12 mile circuit with plenty of attacking riding making for a dramatic days racing. Again small breaks formed with the course being suited to the more punchy rider but no significant time gaps arose and the field came together for a bunch sprint which was taken by Chris McAloran of Orchard Wheelers narrowly pipping Craig Gibson of Carn Wheelers for the victory. Keelan Carburry of Four Masters rounded off the podium.

Northwest CC had loads of refreshments for everyone back at the hall and are to be congratulated on a safe and well run event. The event was assessed by Cycling Ireland as part of their event support initiative and commended the club on their organisation and safety management.

Eunisure NI Northwest Classic 2017 Results

Results – A3

1. Robbie Doherty, Ballymoney CC
2. Philip Bremner, Lakeland CC
3. Martin Bradley, Northwest CC
4. Tony O’Doherty, Carn Wheelers
5. Noel McDermott, Errigal CC
6. Mark Johnston, Bann Wheelers
7. Daniel Purdy, Banbridge CC
8. Mark McGinley, Four Masters
9. Neill David, Orchard CC
10. George Peden, Ballymoney CC

Results – A4

1. Chris McAloran, Orchard Wheelers
2. Craig Gibson, Carn Wheelers
3. Keelan Carburry, Fours Masters
4. Leslie Balmer, Ballymena RC
5. Paul Slavin, Performance SBR
6. Ryan Lyttle, Maryland Wheelers
7. Robert Curry, Foyle CC
8. Darren Murray, Caldwell Cycles

Report by Alan Campbell, Northwest CC

Photos courtesy of Jerry Rafferty

Marian Lamb UCN : marianlamb@ulstercyclingnews.com