Derrymacash resembled the South of France at the beginning of the Apollo promoted Billy Stewart Cup as riders put on the suncream on what was one of the hottest days of the year. In total 58 riders signed on for the 7 lap event with the A4 riders receiving a 7 minute handicap. It was soon evident that this would not be enough as the limit group had clawed back almost 2 minutes after only 10 miles of racing. The 16 hardy souls pushed on regardless and held out until the 4th lap when they were hauled back in and the race all came together, however the status quo was not to remain like this for long with a strong Newry team constantly on the attack, the constant pressure soon paid off.
With 2 laps remaining 7 riders Stephen McAllister (Ballymoney), Darren Weir (Dromara cc), John Paul Connelly (Omagh), Desi Foley, Nathan Morgan (Newry), John Madden (Curran Racing) and Kyle Houston (Phoenix) slipped of the front of the bunch. At the start of the final lap the break had 1 minute and did not look like being caugh and the race stayed like this until the end. Nathan Morgan took up the sprint with about 1km to go and was quickly follwowed by Stephen McAllister, these two drew away from their break companions with McAllister proving strongest at the line, John Madden led the other over the line followed by Darren Weir, John Paul Connelly Desi Foley and Kyle Houston. Kyle houston took the 3rd cat prize with Conor Judge of the promoting club Apollo the best 4th cat rider.
The event was also part of the Cycli sport Weefoot trophy and the results for this were 1st Nathan McAleer 2nd Matthew Brennan 3rd Pauric McCafferty 4th Nathan Myer 5th Darren Finnigan. Apollo would like to thank all those who took part in the race and all the background team who made it possible on the day.
Marty R
