Bann-Lavery profits from gutsy breakaway at Clann Eireann Cup

John Bann-Lavery drives the winning move

John Bann Lavery took a popular win today, Saturday, at the Clann Eireann Cup promoted by his own Clann Eireann CC at Derrymacash in Lurgan.

With sixty starters in the race, which was for A3 and A4 riders only, there was some strong attacking in the opening miles. Among those in the mix early were John McAuley (Apollo) and Chris Meenan (Phoenix CC) and Brendan Kirk (Ards CC).

However, that action came to nothing as the bunch closed in each time, with a five-man group finally forging ahead and building up a gap just after the half way point at 25 miles.

In that group were eventual winner Bann Lavery, second placed man last weekend Chris Richardson (Castlereagh CC), Alaistair Macauley (Phoenix CC), Richard McCullough (North Down) and Chris Meenan (Phoenix CC).

While these worked well together, the large group behind saw plenty of activity as riders tried to chase the break down or get across in groups. This ensured the escapees never built enough of a lead to ever really relax, with the gap to the chasers hovering at between just 20 and 30 seconds for much of the 20 miles they were up the road.

However, though that gap never looked decisive, it was to prove enough to ensure the leading quintet held on from the chasers by 27 seconds, with a delighted Bann Lavery taking victory in the sprint finish from runner up again Richardson.