Aaron McBride Donegal Bay CC Carn Classic

That's how close it was: Aaron McBride just about holds off Conor McCann. McBride let rip with a late attack from the breakaway to take his first ever open race win in the A1-A2 Carn Classic in Maghera (Photo Carn Wheelers-Colm Heron)

Aaron McBride of Donegal Bay CC wins Carn Classic

Aaron McBride has taken victory in the Carn Classic with a late solo effort from the winning breakaway.

The Donegal Bay CC rider pounced just inside the final kilometre. He just about had enough of a gap to hold off the in-form Conor McCann.

McBride began the race in Maghera in the A1 scratch group in the Carn Wheelers-promoted event.

The scratch men had two minutes to make up on the A2s before any thoughts of winning could be seriously entertained.

The gap was closed after two laps of five on the circuit from Maghera to Knockloughrim, Hillhead and Bellaghy.

The scratch group combined well to make the catch and shortly thereafter the winning escape went.

Around a dozen riders took flight and combining well they had a minute’s advantage quite quickly.

Chris Tierney wins the A4 race and Adam Ward on his way to a solo victory in the A3 event (Photos courtesy CarnWheelers-ColmHeron)

And once that lead was established the escapees continued to work and never looked like being caught.

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Deep into the final lap the lead group had jettisoned a number of men and had been trimmed back to eight.

And with about half a lap remaining a tactical game of cat and mouse ensued. When the attacks began it was Mark McClure of Caldwell Cycles Omagh who looked strong.

He broke clear on his own with about 3km remaining. And it appeared for a time he may succeed.

However, he was brought back. And just as he was being caught with less than one kilometre to the chequered flag McBride hit out for home.

He put in a glory or bust effort and eked out a small advantage. When the sprint in the group behind opened up, McBride was being closed down rapidly.

But he managed to hang on for what was his first ever victory in an open race.

Inspired Cycling’s McCann, who win the Spires GP last month and was on the Irish team for Rás Mumhan, was strongest of those behind.

He took the runner-up spot from Sport Active’s Chris Birney. Craig McAuley of Caldwell Cycles was next followed by Phoenix CC’s Jody Wright and McClure.

In the A3 race the junior riders filled all three steps on the podium. Adam Ward (Powerhouse Sport) took a solo victory. Team mate Cathir Doyle won the bunch sprint for 2nd place from Shay Donley (NRPT-Chill Insurance).

The A4 event saw Chris Tierney (Bann Valley) win from Ryan Beech (Ballymena RC) and Cameron McFarland (Caldwell Omagh).

And in the Masters race Paul McArthur (North Down CC) won from Chris McCann (Phoenix CC) and John Rafferty (Ards CC).

The women’s podium was filled by top junior Clodagh Gallagher (AAA), Jane Wilkinson (Bann Wheelers) and Laura Campbell (Ballymena RC); in that order.