Watson and junior Armstrong ride away at Ulster Crit Champs

Lindsay Watson of Caldwell Powerhouse leads junior rider James Armstrong of U19 Academy Région Sud powered by Giant in the closing stages of the Ulster Criterium Championships (Photo: David McVeigh-Belgian Progect)

Lindsay Watson (Caldwell Powerhouse) and then first-year junior James Armstrong were the men of the race at last year's Ulster Criterium Championships, though while Watson won, Armstrong finished out of the medals.

But last night when they got away in a two-man move during the title race in Newtownards, Co Down, they made it a stick, surviving out front to take the medals.

The name on the top step was the same; Watson retaining the title. But Armstrong (U19 Academy Région Sud powered by Giant) at least got to cross the line in 2nd place and lift the junior title.

Armstrong had made the break in the closing stages of the contest, going solo and pulling out an advantage on his own, before being joined by Watson, who just beat him in a close sprint.]

However, because Armstrong is still a junior, he did not get the senior category silver medal. That instead went to Travis Harkness (Unattached).

Harkness was 3rd over the line after winning the bunch sprint from Gary Donaldson, the latter making it a 1-3 for Caldwell Powerhouse.

The women's title was won by Gabrielle Fox (Toyota Valencia SAV) from Elena Wallace (Harps CC) and Jemma Speers) North Down Cycling Club).

Wed, June 17th | Ards Criterium & Ulster Champs

Newtownards, Co Down

Promoted by Ards Cycling Club

Senior Men's Podium