Mark Downey on his way to winning the opening round of the SEAT seven-crit summer series in Newry (Photo: Toby Watson)
By Brian Canty
Mark Downey has won the opening race of the SEAT Super 7 Crit Series in Newry, Co Down, tonight; edging Mark Dowling (DID Electrical Dunboyne) and Darnell Moore (Caldwell Cycles).
The newly-launched series, which will see week-night crits take place across the North over the coming months, saw 55 riders sign on in near perfect conditions.
First-year U23 rider Downey took the honours in a bunch sprint that contained around 20 riders.
The remainder found the going too much on a technical 1km course that featured a number of tight corners.
Among those to push the Banbridge CC winner on the night was runner-up Dowling but he was heavily marked.
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Downey's team mate James Curry spent over 10 laps out front alone before he was reeled in during the frenetic closing stages.
Peter Hawkins competing in his National Criterium Champion's kit, having won the Irish crown in Mondello Park, Co Kildare, at the end of last season (Photo: Toby Watson)
Darnell Moore of Caldwell Cycles was also going really well and he slipped away too for a spell only to be hauled back late on.
He did, however, manage to get up for third in the gallop.
There are six races left in the series, with Derry the next port of call next Tuesday night.
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There’s a very sizeable sum of money for the overall winner, with upwards of £4,000 in total being put up by sponsors SEAT.
Points are awarded to the top 10 in each race which will culminate in the crowning of an overall series champion.
A rider’s best five results from the seven races will count towards the overall. The series is open to A1, A2, A3 and eligible junior riders.
SEAT Super 7, Series Schedule
Wed 3rd June: Newry – Newry Wheelers (Drew – 07976 133 386)
Tues 9th June: Derry – Foyle CC (Gavin – 07802 858 415)
Tues 16th June: Antrim – Old Bleach CC (Kit – 07712 124 209)
Wed 17th June: Ards – Ards CC (Darren – 07900 553 294)
Fri 24th July: Banbridge – Banbridge CC (Aaron – 07713 147 968)
Mon 3rd August: Belfast Titanic – Titanic CC (Phil – 07682 147 337)
Thurs 13th August: Bangor – North Down CC (Ian – 07881 767 074)
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