Donaldson too fast for Swan and Hamilton in Ballymoney

Gary Donaldson shows his delight at winning the sprint from the breakaway to take last night's Ballymoney Town Centre Criterium (Photo by Jim Halferty)

Having shown some really strong form of late, not to mention a very handy turn of speed on the criterium circuit, Gary Donaldson has taken his first victory of the season.

The Omagh Wheelers man was too fast for the rest of the breakaway men at the end of the Ballymoney Town Centre Criterium last night, Thursday.

Donaldson proved strongest in the dash to the line that settled the honours from another emerging young gun in the shape of Aaron Swan, who took 2nd place for promoting club Ballymoney CC.

It placed two riders in the top five on the night, with Ryan Bankhead taking 5th place.

In 3rd place behind Donaldson and Swan was the established elite rider David Hamilton of North Down CC.

The always strong veteran Jason Henry (Unattached) was in 4th, followed by Bankhead and then Gerard McNally (Bann Valley RC).

For former downhill rider Donaldson, the win was a special one as not only was it his first of the season, but it was the first ever open race victory for the 20-year-old.

His winning performance was the latest result in a run of very good form.

He took 4th place in the Derry City criterium on Tuesday night - won by Rás county prize stage victor Darnell Moore of Caldwell Cycles.

Related News

Lara Gillespie attacks Dolomite stage as Giro hits high mountains

Video - Italy's hero Balsamo mobbed mid-stage during Giro TT

Donaldson was also 4th in the Newry criterium last Wednesday, which was won by Glenn Kinning (Kinning Cycles).

Last night the Omagh man proved among the strongest when the field split under pressure.

And once clear he decided to bet on his finishing kick, marking those he was with until the remains of the breakaway arrived at the finish to sprint it out for victory.