Bray show form in Balbriggan

By Paddy Kelly,
Bray Wheelers PRO

This Sundays 78mile Ben Mckenna Memorial race brought the best out in the Bray Squad.

The results began in the Senior C race which set off a fast pace for the first lap breaking up the largest field of the year.John Lynch encountered mechanical difficulties on the first lap causing him to lose three minutes on the main bunch however he went on riding into a head wind and up the climb out the Naul in a lone persuit of the break. John managed to bridge the gap and overtook the break taking second place in a sprint to the finish colured with a three rider collision utilising all Ambulance and civil defence services in the area. John's performances to date have not gone unnoticed leading to his selection on the Leinster team for the prestigous Gorey stage race in Easter. John attributed his success to an intensive winters training undertaken in Spain and over the Wicklows mountains always in small groups reaping greater benefits.

Padraig Mccarthy also in the C's took 5th place by riding well on the climbs keeping him at the front of the bunch for the finish.

Bray had plenty more promise in the Junior race with Andrew Coyle placed and Urban monks securing 4th a placing that will give him great confidence on the build up to the Gorey.The Senior B riders were handed a thirty second headstart on the A's to avoid the dangers of a merged field early in the race.Adam Kelly was Brays main hope due to both Anthony Creen and Paddy Kelly puncturing on a rough surface.Adam was left in the peleton without a team mate for support however Derek Cunnigham who had sacrificed last weeks events busy cordinating the procurement and distribution of new club gear for all members in his role as Club Treasurer rose to the challenge riding away from the trailing A bunch across to the break.Derek a true ambassador to the club went on to ride with dominance leading Adam out in the closing miles into Ballbriggan giving Adam 3rd B and finishing himself the first Bray A rider over the line just outside of the prizes.