Curran wins in Hartlepool

PAUL CURRAN gained his second win of the season in Hartlepool Cycling Clubs road race on Sunday.

The 54 riders set off from Hart Village to the 1.6 mile circuit, in cold rainy conditions, and Curran, together with Jeff Wright (Tyne Velo) launched an attack 11 miles from home.

After last weeks points winner, Ian Norris (Barnesbury C.C.), punctured, it was left to Jonathan Walpole (C.C. Bowland) and Wright's team-mate Mark Temple to give chase three laps later.

Curran's sprinting prowess was evident during the race, winning the points award by one from Thornaby's Dave Thompson and beating Wright in the slightly uphill sprint finish, in a time six minutes faster than last week's race.

Clairville Centre of Excellence members filled six of the first seven places, a pleasing reward for the coaches.

Peter Newsham from Bedale justified his recent addition to the centre's squad by winning the junior race earlier in the day. Hartlepools Andy Chatterton is now finding form again, after illness, winning the points competition and just missing out of the prizes at the finish with seventh place.

RESULTS

1. Paul Curran (Manchester whs) 44 miles in 1hr 42min 30sec
2. Jeff Wright (Tyne Velo) at 1 sec
3. Mark Temp (Tyne Velo) at 40 sec
4. Jonathan Walpole (CC Bowland) same time
5. Lee Wilkinson (Leeds RC at 1min 15sec
6. Andrew Lowe