The combined elite and U23 men’s road race championships in Derry has been stopped following a crash on the course.
It is understood a vehicle crashed and that at least one cyclist
riding the race was also involved.
However, at the time of writing plans were being made to restart the race at 12:35pm.
At the time it was stopped, with three laps completed, a very strong breakaway had pulled clear and it was intended to restore its lead once the race restarted.
However, some of those involved in the race have indicated they did not intend to restart.
The event would be stopped for over an hour at the time of the restart, something which may lead to some riders calling it a day early.
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***RACE STOPPED***
Riders rolling back to finish line after incident
No further details on incident will be given at this stage#IreCyclingChamps19
— Foyle Cycling Club (@foylecc) June 30, 2019
Drivers are advised the Foyle Bridge in Derry/Londonderry is closed city bound from the Caw Roundabout due to a road traffic collision. Please seek an alternative route, if possible
— PSNI Road Policing (@PSNITraffic) June 30, 2019
In the breakaway at the time the race was stopped were three of the highly fancied men for the title; Mark Dowling (Unattached), Eddie Dunbar (Team Ineos) and Sam Bennett (Bora-hansgrohe).
Darragh O’Mahony of the French team CC Nogent-sur-Oise had been with the leaders but was dropped on one of the inclines on the course.
When the race was stopped the three leaders had a gap of over a
minute on a chase group of nine.
What remained of the main peloton in the title race was over two
minutes back.
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