David Hamilton leads the breakaway in the latter stages of the Spires GP. On his wheel is eventual winner Adam Armstrong of ASEA Wheelworx and Kevin Lynch of Newry Wheelers (Picture: Andrew Glendinning-Source Studios)
By Brian Canty
Adam Armstrong made sure of victory in Saturday’s Spires GP in Co Derry; the ASEA-Wheelworx man clearly beating David Hamilton of North Down CC in the two-up gallop to the finish line.
But while the gallop that settled the George Rooney Phoenix GP two weeks ago ended in then runner-up Armstrong expressing his frustration at what he saw as sharp tactics from winner Eoin Morton (UCD CC), the sprint to the line today was a very different affair.
Armstrong made no mention of it when we interviewed him immediately after his win.
Advertisement
But when the video below emerged from promoting club Spires CC we went back and queried whether a 'best man wins' agreement had been reached inside the last kilometre between himself and the prolific Hamilton.
“We had a quick chat about a kilometre or so out today and we made an agreement we’d do a straight-line sprint,” Armstrong confirmed of today's race final.
Related News
The two men can clearly be seen having a chat in the clip below, before they move alongside each other and sprint for the line; with nobody trying to get on anyone’s wheel.
It's very rare that footage like this emerges of races that aren't televised and the clip comes courtesy of Spires CC.
“There wasn’t much jumping, David tried a few times on the road coming in but I was still riding through strongly and I was confident of beating him,” said Armstrong of the action just before their gentleman’s agreement.
“He was strong and he rode honestly but I don’t think he didn’t get much of a chance to attack me.”
It’s great to see a finish like this - as well as the skin and hair flying variety - at the end of a domestic contest from two great riders.
We'll have a full interview with Armstrong shortly.
Last 1km and sprint
" controls="controls" />
Topics
