St Patrick’s day saw the return of for Banbridge CC’s Matthew Adair when we won the Clannn Eireann CC promoted St Patrick’s day race in Derrymacash. Returning to the club after a quiet season last year, Adair was widely known as an off road specialist with a big engine that had potential on the road.
Other Banbridge CC riders in the race were Nathan Sturrock, John Buller and another returning Banbridge CC star, ex-international Tommy Evans. Buller, who has only moved up to the junior category this year, was the first to make an impression with a solo attack. He remained out front for the almost an entire lap of the 5 mile circuit but would be absorbed again by the main bunch. Approximately half way through the 45 mile race a group of 8 riders moved clear, containing both Adair and Evans. The group worked well together and quickly gained an advantage of approximately 1 minute over the remainder of the field. On the final lap Adair made his move and went on a solo bid for victory. As he rounded the final bend he had a 15 second advantage over those chasing and had time to enjoy his first road race victory. Evans followed closely behind in 5th place.
Also on St Patrick’s Day, David Lavery travelled to the North Pole CC promoted potato race in Donegal. Following a solid winter David’s been carrying some strong form and narrowly missed out on a podium with a fine 4th place in the bumper A4 race.
Photo courtesy of Bronagh Kirk
