Watson and Hamilton make it a 1-2 for North Down in Phoenix GP

North Down CC's David Watson takes victory in the main event at the Phoenix GP (Photo with thanks to Marian Lamb - Cycling Ulster)

North Down CC notched a memorable 1-2 in the feature race in the North today, with David Watson taking the win from David Hamilton in the George Rooney Phoenix GP.

Angus Fyffe of Omagh Wheelers rounded out the podium with Mike Millar of the host club Phoenix CC crossing the line just behind him in fourth in Crumlin, Co Antrim.

The 80km race on the Nutt’s Corner-Seven Mile Straight-Long Rig Rd course proved very challenging, with the A2 riders given a generous handicap of a minute and a half.

It took plenty of cohesion from the A1 scratch group to get back on level terms and it was only with two of the five laps remaining that they made the catch.

There followed a period of relentless attacking with six riders going clear; the aforementioned quartet as well as Gary Jeffers (East Tyrone CC) and former Irish U23 international Conor McIlwaine (AAA).

They worked well together, but having strength in numbers it always favoured the North Down duo.

And they made their race-winning bid for glory on the final drag to the line, with Watson taking the win.

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The separate A3 race was won by Christopher McGlinchey (Chain Reaction Cycles) who also took the A4 event at the Annaclone GP yesterday in Banbridge.

Christopher McGlinchey of ChainReactionCycles) makes it two wins in two days in the A3 race (Photo with thanks to Marian Lamb - Cycling Ulster)

Sunday, Feb 22nd: Phoenix GP

Crumlin, Co Antrim

Promoted by Phoenix CC

A1-A2 George Rooney Trophy

1. David Watson (North Down CC)
2. David Hamilton (North Down CC)
3. Gary Jeffers (East Tyrone CC)
4. Angus Fyffe (Omagh Wheelers)
5. Mike Millar (Phoenix CC)
6. Conor McIlwaine (AAA)
7. Peter McBride (AAA)
8. Curtis Gilmore (Team ITAP)

Phoenix GP A3 Race

1. Chris McGlinchey (Chain Reaction Cycles)
2. John McLaughlin (CCT)
3. Melvin Steele (East Tyrone CC)
4. Jordan McGinley (Team ITAP)
5. Glen Howe (Bann Wheelers)
6. Ryan Bankhead (Ballymena CRC)
7. Peter Mc Gee (Tir Chonaill GAP)
8. Philip Hoey (East Antrim CC)

Phoenix GP 50+ Masters Race

1. Michael Tolan (Phoenix CC)
2. Stephen Fletcher (East Antrim Audi)
3. Noel Kirk (North Down CC)

Phoenix GP Women’s Race

1. Eileen Burns (Ballymena CRC)
2. Orlagh Montague (Dublin Wheelers)
3. Lorraine Jeffers (East Tyrone)
4. Louise McAuley (Carrickfergus CC)