Ballymoney CC rider Bobby Kane wins Phoenix GP

On Sunday the Ballymoney CC riders Bobby Kane, Niall O'Hagan, Nigel Elder and Steven McAllister travelled to Nutts Corner to compete in the Phoenix Grand Prix 75km race organised by the Belfast based club.

150 plus riders took part in this prestigious start of the season event. From the start it was clear that the Ballymoney CC rider was intending to get a good result as he was seen at the front driving the other riders on as they attempted to stay ahead of the other group.

At the start the A race was divided into 3 groups of 75 riders, this was over 10 minute handicap. With the winner of the Saturday race

Thomas Martin from Eurocycles RT in the scratch group along with Tour of the North winner Ryan Connor.

These top cyclists rode at a scintillating pace but the failed to catch the flying Ballymoney rider who cleverly won the bunch sprint ahead of Paul Mulligan Eurocycles Dublin and another Ballymoney rider Jason Henry (unatch).

The B race saw debut rides in Northern Ireland by Ballymoney CC Child protection officer Niall O'Hagan, Nigel Elder and Steven McAllister.

This race was won in a bunch sprint be wily international veteran Gary Wilson from East Antrim CC. Best finisher in this race from the Ballymoney club was Niall O'Hagan.

Niall who has never competed in a cycle race ever before was just outside the top 10 at the finish. Nigel Elder and Steven McAllister were using this event in preparation for another event coming up soon on the race calendar.

Other notable local rider was Bryan McKinney who also finished in the bunch with the Ballymoney riders.

Result of the Phoenix GP

1st Bobby Kane - Ballymoney CC

2nd Paul Mulligan – Eurocycles

3rd Jason Henry – (Unatch)

4th Sean Stewart Four Masters Donegal

5th Gordon Scott East Antrim CC

Bobby Kane at Travers Engineering Annaclone GP

On Saturday the Ballymoney CC rider Bobby Kane travelled to Banbridge to compete in the first race of the season. This race was won by Thomas Martin.

Bobby again can be seen in the photos on the Cycling Ulster website dictating the pace in this fast and furious event.

As the Ballymoney CC man attempted to escape from the bunch on 3 occasions. Only to be reeled back as his attempts failed. When the deciding break of 5 riders went away and the winner was 15 seconds clear at the finish.

Liam Curran from Curran Racing was 6th and Ballymoney CC's Bobby Kane was 7th, coming second in the bunch sprint fro sixty other starters.

Results

1st Thomas Martin – Eurocycles

2nd Ryan Connor – Usher

3rd Jonny Cole – Team Madigan

7th Bobby Kane – Ballymoney CC

Club Registration and Event Planner

This Tuesday night Ballymoney CC will be meeting at the Joey Dunlop Centre 7pm for the registration of new members and a club planning session for the new Season, everyone is welcome to attend.

Next Saturday/Sunday the club will be travelling to Navan to compete in the Cycleways Cup and Newry for the Haldane Fisher Race.