Junior champ Ward rounds out strong season with final win

Adam Ward takes victory with Des Woods and John Heverin in the distance, chasing down the Irish junior champion all the way to the finish line (All photos by Sharon McFarland)

Having been left disappointment not to gain selection onto the Irish team for the Innsbruck Worlds, Adam Ward made the most of the late season racing on the home scene.

The Irish junior road race champion claimed a strong victory in the West Down Wheelers GP in Katesbridge, Co Down, at the weekend.

With six laps of a local circuit facing the riders in the A1-A2-A3 main event, Powerhouse Sport’s Ward attacked on the third lap.

However, while he remained out front alone for about 25km, the chasing pack eventually reeled him in.

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Top down: Woods comes in second in the main event, with Heverin just behind in third place. The sprint for 4th place comes charging towards the line, won by Gary Walker, in blue on far right. The A4 event came to a close finish; Crichton taking it from Green and Loughran (Photos with thanks to Sharon McFarland)

On the final circuit the loop was extended with a detour up the Rathfriland climb; adding some extra mileage and a testing ramp.

After being caught Ward kept his powder dry until the final climb, where he attacked at the bottom and rode clear again on his own.

This time there was no bringing him back, though Masters 50 Irish champion Des Woods did his best.

In the end of the Newry Wheelers veteran had to settle for the runner-up spot on the day.

And just behind him, to round out the podium in the main event, was John Heverin of Clann Eireann.

Woods and Heverin came in just ahead of a small bunch sprinting for 4th place. Gary Walker (Ballymena RC) took that gallop from Ian McClure (Dave Kane) and Nathan Keown (North Down CC).

The A4 race came down to a bunch sprint, won by Liam Crichton (Velo Café Magasin). Gavin Green of Cuchulainn CC was 2nd with Martin Loughran from Harps CC in 3rd place.