Mc Cann Cup

Sunday 8th March

Following a big turnout for Carn Wheelers at Spires CC the day before; it was encouraging to see so many out again on Sunday 8^th March in Fintona Co. Tyrone for the annual Mc Cann cup hosted by Omagh Wheelers. This event is a firm favourite with many riders as the course allows for a flowing race.
First up on the day was Mairead Mc Gurk in the 3rd round of the 'Shiny bikes' sponsored Ulster women's league. It was Mairead First Women's race of the racing year and it was the biggest turn out for a Women's race in years with 22 lining up... It was a hotly contested race with a number of junior female racers in the mix adding to the tough competition. At the end of the first lap Mairead was able to work her way into a breakaway group of 9 riders who managed to stay away for the remaining 2 laps. In the end Mairead finished 8th, a good result that Mairead can be build upon in coming weeks.

No Carn riders made the sign up for the in the A4 race as competition for places at the popular cycle events are as tough as winning the races!

Next up was the A1/A2 race with Joe in the A2's getting a few mins head start on Johnny in the A1's. The pace was fast from the off with a few riders managing to break away and the rest of the A2's sat up and waited for the A1's to catch. With the break pulling further ahead with each lap the racing was well controlled but just as the riders thought they were going to have an easy last lap Johnny went to the front and put the pressure on. As the front group splintered and the main bunch started to pick off individual riders Joe managed to stay away and finish just ahead of the main bunch.  With a point up for grabs this was a smart move from the Sixtowns man & was good preparation for Tour of The North coming up in a few weeks. Well Done to Joe!

Next up was A3 race with Nikki, Eunan and Marc all lining up for another days racing. Nikki unfortunately had a mechanical and was unable to start but he put in a big enough effort at the Spires GP yesterday to deserve a rest. Marc managed to get in the points today again with another impressive 6^thplace finish with Eunan also managing to make it into the break and finishing in an impressive 10^th place. 

 
The weather was great for the days racing, even with some strong winds it was good to see the sun out and the rain stay away.
 
Omagh wheelers put on a great event as always and the refreshments after the race was much welcomed by the hungry racers.

Huge thanks and congratulations go to Omagh Wheelers on a safe, well marshalled and fun event.