Chris Dawson was delighted with his win at Tour of the Mournes after going long and leading solo into the brutal finish (Photo: Jerome Rafferty)
Christopher Dawson (Dawson Racing) has made a winning return to road racing, having been racing off-road at home and abroad in recent months, after claiming a really strong victory in the main event at Tour of the Mournes.
He was among a small group of riders to get across to the C2 group first in the Newry Wheelers C1-C2 main handicapped promotion in Co Down.
When the attacks started from that group, Dawson got clear with two laps remaining of the 12-mile Ratfriland-Katesbridge circuit.
And though there was something of a regrouping behind him, with more C1s catching the group he had attacked from, nobody could get across to Dawson.
He hit the final climb of the race, the tough kicker to the line, ahead of a large chasing group. Bryan McCrystal (Bear Cycling) was next on the road, dangling out in front of the chasers.
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As the climb to the line continued, Dawson had the power to stay well clear and take the win, with McCrystal fading a little behind him, just before the line, though the veteran Co Louth man still secured a result.
One of the form men of the season, Paul Kennedy (Burren CC), came through from the chasing group to pass McCrystal and take 2nd place, with Gary Donaldson (Caldwell Powerhouses) in 3rd.
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Then came McCrystal, who managed to keep his shape all the way to the line, in 4th. Eoin Clifford (Velo Revolution-Speed Queen) finished very strongly, almost catching McCrystal, taking 5th.
And just behind Clifford came junior rider Riley Smith (Banbridge CC), who is enjoying a very strong season, taking 6th place today, and with a line on riders on his wheel.
More to come.
Sun, May 31st | Tour of the Mournes
Sponsored by Leprino
Rathfriland Co Down
Promoted by Newry Wheelers
- Christopher Dawson Dawson Racing
- Paul Kennedy Burren CC
- Gary Donaldson Caldwell Powerhouse
- Eoin Cliford Velo Revolution-Speed Queen
- Bryan McCrystal Bear Cycling
- Riley Smith Banbridge CC
- Conor Dooley Foyle CC
- Brandon Douglas Dromore CC
- Mitchell McLauglin Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli
- James McKenny Velo Revolution-Speed Queen
C3 Race
- Chris Oakley Unattached Ulster
- Jamie Franklin VC Glendale
- Gérard Craig VC Glendale
- Gabrielle Fox. Toyota Valencia
- Joshua Chambers Lucan CRC
- Neil Compton Dromara CC
- Scott Daly Banbridge Cycling Club
- Gareth McFarland Armagh CC
- Paul Kane Dave Kane Cycles
- Elena Wallace Harps CC
- Barry McKenna Fintona CC
- Colin Murtagh Island Wheelers
- David Greene Orwell Wheelers
- Paul Keary Crossgar CC
- Caolan Daly Armagh CC
- David Mcknight TVR
- Peter McGahan Island Wheelers
- Jonathan Harvey Banbridge CC
- Dylan McGarrigle Errigal CC
- Tony O 'Doherty Carn Wheelers
