PJ Logan Cup Road Race Report 2011

Sunday 27th March saw the hugely anticipated PJ Logan Cup Road Race hosted by the Island Wheelers CC. A fantastic turn out of riders arrived to the Gortgonis Sports Arena, with the organisers expecting the high numbers as the online entry has sold out its 130 places weeks before. The weather wasn’t the only good thing on the day, so was the quality of bike riding with all the races being fast and furious from the off with only a handful of successful breakaways.

Cycling Ulster were there on the day taking some superb pictures and video of the event and you can find those on their site. Thanks to Tommy and Marion Lamb for those. Plus the report from the event from Cycling Ulster was fantastic and the hard work from all at the Island Wheelers club was recognised once again – right from the committee members, the riders, the marshals, the drivers and of course the marquee and food volunteers – without all of these people the event would not have functioned as well as it did.

The course was testing to all abilities and a quote from Cycling Ulster summed it up “Island Wheelers once again provided an excellent day’s racing for those who braved the unusual figure of eight circuit today at Coalisland. The 6.8 mile circuit is fast and furious with no breaks for tired legs as any descents suddenly sweep up into yet another climb. However for spectators it is a fantastic course with groups coming round quickly from different directions.”

Conor Murphy (Eurocycles) who had the legs to go for the victory took the A race finishing a few seconds clear of team mate Thomas Martin. Phillip Bremner put in a terrific ride to take third place.

In the B race the pace was hard from the word go. The winner was decided on a bunch sprint when six riders took off at the crest of the hill and headed for the line just ahead of the main bunch. Neil McEvoy (Team Vision Racing) just edged out Shane Ferran of North Down and our own Island Wheeler Paul Quinn took a great third even though he was dosed with the flu! Well done Paul!

Amy Brice of Phoenix CC took the prize for the first woman and was delighted with her race whilst in the Masters the first three were John Hunter (North Down),  Shay Giles (North Pole CC) and third place going to Dermot Hughes (Phoenix CC)

A special word of thanks goes to James McLaughlin, who worked many many hours getting this event pulled together. Thanks James from everyone at the club.

Full report can be found here – Cycling Ulster – plus here’s a link to some fantastic pictures of the event taken by Marion Lamb.

Video link to the A Race – once again superb service from Cycling Ulster!