24-Aug-84

Stan Robson Trophy Road Race

Curran's class tells

THORNABY'S Olympic cyclist Paul Curran (Manchester Wheelers) dominated the action throughout the Northern Machine Tools/Stan Robson Trophy Road Race before taking a convincing victory in the 84 miles event.

The measure of his success in the Cleveland Coureurs-organised race was clearly illustrated by the massive three-and-a-half minutes winning margin he had over his clubmate Deno Davie and third placed Dave Mann (Bradford Wheelers).

After only seven miles, Curran was joined by Dave Watson (Houghton CC), Mark Pratt (Leeds) and Phil Leigh (Kent Valley) in the first sustained move and it took the bunch until almost the halfway point to rejoin them.

Five miles later, with 45 miles left, the Thornaby man was back on the attack again, joining forces with Leigh, but this time backed by Graham Watson (Cherry Valley) and Gary Payne (Paragon) as they opened up a one-and-a-half minute lead.

When, with 26 miles left, Curran applied the pressure, only Lee managed to stay with him and even he briefly lost contact and was forced to follow Curran, contributing very little to the break, as they extended their advantage to two-and-a-half minutes.

Curran's final attack at the start of the last lap left Lee unable to respond as another minute of daylight was forced between the Manchester Wheeler and a group of seven chasers.

Chris Walker (Paragon) led the way out of the last bend in the battle for second place, falling as he missed a gear and leaving Davie to outsprint Mann and Simon Bailey (VC Preston).

RESULTS

1. Paul Curran (Manchester Wh) 84 miles in 3hr 31min 23sec
2. Deno Davie (Manchester Wh) at 3min 30sec
3. Dave Mann (Bradford Wh) at one wheel
4. Simon Bailey (VC Preston)
5. Chris Walker (Paragon)

STAN HILTON.