Cover photo courtesy of Caroline Kerley
Irish Junior International rider Seth Dunwoody has once again taken an impressive victory at a Banbridge CC promoted open road race. His latest victory means that he now has all of Banbridge CC’s senior open road race promotions on his palmares of victories; the Travers Engineering Annaclone GP (’23 & ’24), Noel Teggart Memorial (’23) and today the ’24 Alan Towel Memorial. More impressive is that he has completed the milestone while still a Junior rider, and against some of the very best riders in the country.
The Alan Towell Memorial was promoted by Banbridge CC in memory of the lifelong member of the, who as a volunteer who contributed immensely to the club from a young age and in various roles. Alan was also a decorated cyclist in his younger years, and an event of this standing has been welcomed and supported by the riders and cycling enthusiasts alike.
Dunwoody’s victory came late on in the race as he chased down lone leader Ronan Killeen of Lucan CRC who had attacked deep into the final lap and given himself a strong 1 minute advantage over his two breakaway companions who had attacked on the final lap; Dunwoody and Ruairí Byrne (UCD Cycling Club). In the final steep ramp to finish in Kinallen however it was Dunwoody who had the kick to reach the line with enough of a gap to savour the win. Byrne crossed the line as runner up and Kileen completed the podium. Paralympian Ronan Grimes led the rest of the bunch home, showing some impressive form ahead of the Paris Paralympics.
In the Women’s race Team Dan Morrissey’s Marine Lenehan also continued a run of successful visits to Co Down, adding the Alan Towel Memorial win to her National Criterium Championship win which was hosted by Banbridge in May this year. Lenehan led home a much reduced field of women of only 7 riders, with many struggling with the unexpected heat on a very testing circuit. Abi Conway of Westport Covey Wheelers was 2nd with another Paris bound athlete, Linda Kelly, completing the podium.
It was a successful day for hist club Banbridge CC, who had a significant presence throughout the entirety of the 30km circuit with an army of static marshals, moto marshals, lead cars and experienced officials managing the event. Assistance was also kindly provided by neighbouring clubs Dromara CC and Dromore CC to ensure the solitary Ulster round of the Road National Series was a triumph for all involved.
Full results of all races can be found here.
