By Paddy Kelly,
Bray Wheelers PRO, March 18th 2004

Mixed Fortunes for Bray in Newbridge This Sunday brought the Bray Wheelers to Kildare to compete in the annual Newbridge Credit Union GP.

The Senior A race set off first in inclement conditions. An experienced team from the Irish road club dictating a pace that Bray's four A riders could not sustain, their efforts were further hampered by a crash on the first lap and a headwind which made attempts to bridge the gap unachievable.

The Bray Senior B team had this information relayed back to them and forged an alliance with a group of riders from north Dublin. The group of ten riders with Declan Kinch and Paddy Kelly's contribution they broke away from the main B bunch in a decisive move on the main climb half way through the second lap. Working together they grew the lead to two minutes by the third lap and maintained the hard earned lead until the finishing straight. The Bray riders tiring after a lot of effort at the front of the break sprinted it out Paddy taking 6th and Declan in 7th place respectable results for a fast race.

Bray managed to take a place on the podium in the Senior C race with John Lynch riding clear in the early stages on the first lap. John now the highest ranked third category rider in the country is soon to be promoted to a Senior B and was chased down on the run into New bridge but managed to secure 3rd Place. Bray are hosting an inter-club event in Roundwood this Saturday the 20th. This event the Chirsty McManus Memorial race will be one of the highest profile second category events of the year with The Irish Cycling film crew and many past cycling greats to be in attendance.

Bray have put a strong team of thirty riders forward including Adam Kelly of Zest Fitness and a support team to follow in the cavalcade. Bray are favourites to take the podium on what is there home training ground.

Mixed Fortunes for Bray in Newbridge