Chris Dawson was delighted with his win at Tour of the Mournes after going long and leading solo into the brutal finish (Photo: Jerome Rafferty)
Christopher Dawson (Dawson Racing) has made a winning return to road racing, having been racing off-road at home and abroad in recent months, after claiming a really strong victory in the main event at Tour of the Mournes.
He was among a small group of riders to get across to the C2 group first in the Newry Wheelers C1-C2 main handicapped promotion in Co Down.
When the attacks started from that group, Dawson got clear with two laps remaining of the 12-mile Ratfriland-Katesbridge circuit.
And though there was something of a regrouping behind him, with more C1s catching the group he had attacked from, nobody could get across to Dawson.
He hit the final climb of the race, the tough kicker to the line, ahead of a large chasing group. Bryan McCrystal (Bear Cycling) was next on the road, dangling out in front of the chasers.
As the climb to the line continued, Dawson had the power to stay well clear and take the win, with McCrystal fading a little behind him, just before the line, though the veteran Co Louth man still secured a result.
One of the form men of the season, Paul Kennedy (Burren CC), came through from the chasing group to pass McCrystal and take 2nd place, with Gary Donaldson (Caldwell Powerhouses) in 3rd.
Then came McCrystal, who managed to keep his shape all the way to the line, in 4th. Eoin Clifford (Velo Revolution-Speed Queen) finished very strongly, almost catching McCrystal, taking 5th.
And just behind Clifford came junior rider Riley Smith (Banbridge CC), who is enjoying a very strong season, taking 6th place today, and with a line on riders on his wheel.
More to come.
Sun, May 31st | Tour of the Mournes
Sponsored by Leprino
Rathfriland Co Down
Promoted by Newry Wheelers
Christopher Dawson Dawson Racing
Paul Kennedy Burren CC
Gary Donaldson Caldwell Powerhouse
Eoin Cliford Velo Revolution-Speed Queen
Bryan McCrystal Bear Cycling
Riley Smith Banbridge CC
Conor Dooley Foyle CC
Brandon Douglas Dromore CC
Mitchell McLauglin Wheelbase Cabtech Castelli
James McKenny Velo Revolution-Speed Queen
C3 Race
Chris Oakley Unattached Ulster
Jamie Franklin VC Glendale
Gérard Craig VC Glendale
Gabrielle Fox. Toyota Valencia
Joshua Chambers Lucan CRC
Neil Compton Dromara CC
Scott Daly Banbridge Cycling Club
Gareth McFarland Armagh CC
Paul Kane Dave Kane Cycles
Elena Wallace Harps CC
Barry McKenna Fintona CC
Colin Murtagh Island Wheelers
David Greene Orwell Wheelers
Paul Keary Crossgar CC
Caolan Daly Armagh CC
David Mcknight TVR
Peter McGahan Island Wheelers
Jonathan Harvey Banbridge CC
Dylan McGarrigle Errigal CC
Tony O ‘Doherty Carn Wheelers