Wilson edges Scullion for Clogher Valley GP after late escape

There was a huge turnout in Ballygawley, Co Tyrone for the Clogher Valley Wheelers-promoted event. Upwards of 200 signed on across five races which is a credit to the organisers that they can run an event catering for such numbers (Photos thanks to Edell Nugent and Micky Broderick)

Kenny Wilson of East Antrim Audi took a truly excellent and well-merited victory in the Clogher Valley GP this afternoon, edging erstwhile breakaway companion Michael Scullion (Carn Wheelers) at the end of the feature event, the separate A2 race.

Upwards of 200 riders signed on for the five races promoted by the Clogher Valley Wheelers with an A3, A4, masters’ and women’s race all getting strong fields.

The A2 only event was first off and after an uneventful opening half of the race, Wilson put the hammer down on the beginning of the third (of four) laps.

He was later joined by Scullion and they got down to work straight away.

For most of the final lap, that duo held a slender 20 second advantage with home club rider Philip McCoubrey and John McGlaughlin of CCT leading the chase from the peloton.

But with 10 kilometres to go, the leading two upped the tempo and stretched the lead to 45 seconds and by the time they hit the final kilometre their lead was still holding.

Wilson proved too strong in the gallop and he took first prize as well as the winner’s jersey.

The sprint jersey was won by Gerard McNally (Bann Valley) while Ciaran O’Hagan (Caldwell Cycles) was a clear winner of the KOH jersey.

In the A3 race, a similar break proved victorious as Robert Curry of Foyle CC and Paul Stenson (East Antrim Audi) went clear on the third lap and finished 1:30 clear of the rest of the field.

Curry nicked the keenly-fought sprint to take the point’s prize and winner’s jersey with Nigel Bradley of North West CC emerging from the main group to clinch third.

Dale Walker of Phoenix took the KOH jersey with Stephen Irvine of Dromara CC claiming the sprint jersey.

The A4 race saw lots of riders trying their luck but none succeeded in making a break stick, meaning the day was decided in a bunch sprint.

Having lost out to Armagh CC rider Pete Hughes for the sprint jersey on the second lap, Clogher Valley Wheeler Conall Donnelly got his revenge one lap later when he beat Hughes by a bike length to take the win and the winner’s jersey.

The KOH jersey was won by Martin Connolly of Killylough CC.

In the masters race Benny O’Kane of Square Wheels picked up another win while CVW top lady racer Maeve McKenna won the ladies’ race.