Gav takes West Down GP
This was a first outing in A3 for Graeme Craft and he was joined by Gavin Magowan, Chris Magowan, Ronnie Smith and Stephen Wallace. As seems to the trend on most races, a quick race strategy was devised before the start, We wanted to get Chris in the breakaway but if that didn’t happen we were going to ride for Gavin for the sprint finish
The A race got off to an unusual start when race commissaire Danny Blondeel took a nasty fall just as the race started, the race was quickly stopped and luckily the ambulance was on hand to assist. Danny didn’t look too great after the fall and was taken quickly to hospital. Dromara CC would like to send our best wishes to Danny and his family and wish him a speedy recovery.
The race was eventually restarted and was off to a very quick start on the rolling country roads. Chris and Ronnie were trying to force a breakaway but it kept getting caught by the relentless peloton. There was about 7 or 8 breakaways that tried to get away throughout the race and all were caught, the lads were keeping a close eye on the breakaways but were quite happy to let the other riders fight it out.
The 6 lap race culminated with a climb up to Rathfriland, it was a tough climb and all the lads done well to get over it. After the climb there were 4 of us left to try and get the lead out train working for Gavin. We worked our way to the front and Graeme was working with the other riders to pull back the breakaway, this took a few choice words and gentle persuasion but they eventually started working. In the last few miles the train started to form. Graeme managed to pull the back the breakaway that had formed, then Ronnie took over and drilled pace followed by Chris who was to lead Gavin out.
The leadout train worked and Gavin took 1st place by 3 bike lengths. it was a great victory for Gavin and has now moved him back up to A1.
All the riders rode really well today, some really strong riding on a very tough course. A big well done to Gavin for the victory!
