Conor McCann won the combined A3 and junior race at the Bann Valley Classic yesterday, a result that clearly shows he is back to somewhere near his best after a traumatic year. (Photo: Toby Watson)
By Brian Canty
Almost 12 months since his last win, Derry teenager Conor McCann celebrated arguably the best moment of his cycling career when he won the combined A3 and junior event at the Bann Valley Classic on Sunday.
It wasn’t so much that he finally breasted the tape after a string of top five placings and near misses, rather the fact he is even competing, given he broke his back in a car crash travelling to a race with the NRPT-Magnet.ie squad last year.
The teenager still gets pain in his back from time to time but is edging closer to being 100 per cent again – as evidenced by this fine win.
Advertisement
“It felt class to win again, nothing beats that feeling,” he said afterwards. "I’m glad to get off the mark for the year.”
McCann looking relaxed on the way to a strong victory at the end of the contest on Sunday (Photo: Toby Watson)
Indeed, his win at the Grouchos GP last May seems like a lifetime ago now, given what’s happened in the interim.
“I’m just really happy and relieved after all I've been through," he said of his crash and the period since then.
Related News
“I've gotten more results already this year compared to last year but I just needed that first win.
“Stephen Gallagher (coach) has me in really good shape so it's good to get the results after all the work.”
Eventual 3rd place, Colm Watson of VC Glendale piles on the pressure on Sunday as the field splits behind (Photo: Toby Watson)
McCann can count himself somewhat lucky that the break that managed to extend their advantage to over a minute didn’t have the firepower to stay out front.
And with the help of his dad Chris McCann they reeled it back in, setting the final up for a sprint.
“I kept trying to jump across but the bunch wasn't having it," said ASEA-Wheelworx's McCann.
“But my dad and a few others did a good job of bringing it back for a sprint which I was won.
“I’ve been sprinting well this year and it was getting annoying being so close but I was knocking on the door and I knew it would come eventually.”
He took victory ahead of Harvey Barnes of East Tyrone CC and Colm Watson of VC Glendale.
Topics
