Banbridge CC’s Mick Martin kicked off a successful weekend of results for the club with a well timed and calculated win at the Killinchy GP on Saturday, 13/04.
It was combination of a calculated move into the fast final corner to surprise the A4 bunch followed by a powerful display on the final ascent in Killinchy village that would perhaps be expected from a seasoned professional that clinched Mick his first open race win. Given his display we can expect to see much more from the BCC rider.
At the same event JP Rice was competing in the A3 race but was forced to retire early due to a mechanical. Aaron Parks and Paul Smith were competing in the combined A1/A2 handicap race. A flurry of attacks from the A1 bunch on the 2nd lap of the ‘rollercoaster’ circuit seen a selection of the A1 riders bridge to the A2’s. Unfortunately, Aaron missed the decisive move leaving him stranded from the action. Paul continued a great run of form and was active in the final combined A1/A2 main bunch, finishing strongly on the final climb to cross the line on 14th place and just missing out on the points.
Sunday would see the team travel to Coalisland for the popular PJ Logan Cup. For 2024 Island the hosts of the vent, Island Wheelers were offering up a bumper prize fund, attracting a high level field. In the A4 race Banbridge CC once again had a great showing, with no less than 3 riders in the top 10. The highest placed was William McBride who stepped onto the podium in 3rd place. This follows on from a strong performance last week at the Carn Classic in Maghera where he was scoring points so his upgrade to the A3 category is unlikely to be too far away. Gavin Clarke was close behind in 5th place with Mick Martin rounding out a successful weekend in 7th place.
In the A1/A2 race Mark Downey had moved back up to the A1 ranks following his upgrade last weekend. The Olympian clearly once again enjoying his racing in the Banbridge colours. Joining him were John Buller and Paul-Antoine Hagan in the A1 bunch an Richard McBride in the A3 bunch. John showed that his form is building nicely and claimed a strong 3rd place finish ahead of several of the countries strongest riders.
Cover photo and above courtesy of Sharon McFarland.
