Marc Heaney celebrates his first ever win; galloping in for victory at the Bann Valley Classic (Photo: Tommy Heaney)
Marc Heaney took his first ever win yesterday when he galloped to victory in the Bann Valley Classic.
The 17-year-old from Derry bested many seasoned riders in the bunch sprint that decided the outcome after a fast and furious 78 kilometre race featuring A2 and A3 riders.
And the Carn Wheelers man is now setting his sights on maintaining his form right up to and including the Junior Tour of Ireland in the summer.
“The race was really fast on a rolly and technical circuit, there were attacks going all day but nothing stuck as it was too windy,” explained the first year junior.
That wouldn’t deter him from trying to go clear and he spent much of the first lap away with Kenny Wilson (East Antrim) before being reeled in.
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“Because it was so fast everything was brought back and I kind of decided it would be best to conserve, conserve and wait for the sprint.”
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Niall O’Hagan of Ballymoney CC was one rider who enjoyed a protracted spell out front after Heaney was caught but he too was hauled back before the finish.
“I knew from a while out it was going to be a bunch sprint so I waited and waited
“There was a hill with about 500m to go and I saw a gap so I went for it and held it to the line. It was amazing.
“I had numerous podiums last year and a few this year already so it was finally good to actually win.
“Hopefully this can be the springboard for a good season now because I want to do well in Rás Dun na nGall and the Tour of Ireland so fingers crossed.”
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