Hugo Loughran GP 2012 Race Report

 

 

Friday evening saw the Island Wheelers Cycling Club host the hotly anticipated Hugo Loughran GP with eighty A3 and A4 riders taking to the start line near Derrytresk GAA Grounds.  The A4’s got the action under way and were given a two and a half minute handicap over the A3’s behind, however by the end of the third of six laps, the race all came together thanks to the fast pace set by the A3’s.

The merging of the two groups saw the pace settle momentarily until a wave of attacks from the bunch commenced.  Gary Jeffers (East Tyrone CC) was first to try and break free until being reeled in again, Cathal Doyle (Carn Wheelers) and Alan McKeown (Island Wheelers) were next to make an attack but were soon brought back by the bunch, as were Jay Gault and Jonny Bogues (Phoenix CC), and Conor Grimes (Clann Éireann) who also tried their luck.  There was a constant stream of attacks, however, with the main protagonists being closely marked by the peloton it became inevitable that the race would be decided in a bunch sprint.

In the final kilometre, the speed rapidly increased with riders all fighting for the best position coming up to finish line.  It was Peter Kennedy (East Antrim Audi) who powered through to the finish line first, winning by a bike length.  Second place had to be confirmed with a photo finish with both Gary Jeffers and Andrew Stewart (Shelbourne Orchard CC) crossing the line at the exact same time.  The photo finish confirmed that there wasn’t a hair’s breadth separating the two riders and was decided that they would share second place.  In fourth place came Devon McIlwaine (Duffin Transport), followed by his team mate, Niall O’Hagan in fifth.  Taking the final points was local talent, Paul Quinn (Island Wheelers) who came home sixth.  The Island Wheelers were well represented in the race with Sean McCann and Richard Davidson also finishing in the top 10.

The Island Wheelers would like to thank a number of people who helped make the Hugo Loughran GP possible.  Firstly, all the marshals out on the circuit who gave up their Friday evening to help make sure that everyone was safe.  The Order of Malta who were on hand and thankfully their services were not needed.  To everyone who helped with the refreshments provided after the race and to Derrytresk GAA club for the use of their grounds.  Cycling Ulster, who were there on the day taking some superb pictures of the event which can be found on their site.  The commissaries’; Aidan Higgins, and Mickey Murray.  Thanks also goes to Paula and the rest of the Hugo Loughran family for supporting the race. Finally, the club would like to thank all the riders who took part on the day; we hope to see you back next year!

Hugo Loughran GP 2012 Results

1st	Peter Kennedy	East Antrim Audi
2nd=	Gary Jeffers	East Tyrone CC
2nd=	Andrew Stewart	Shelbourne Orchard CC
4th	Devon McIlwaine	Duffin Transport
5th	Niall O’Hagan	Duffin Transport
6th	Paul Quinn	Island Wheelers CC

 

Photos from the race can be found here.