Curran pipped at post

INSTEAD of riding the Ferryhill race last Tuesday, most of the local riders rode the big criterium at South Shields that supported the professional race.

Paul Curran escaped from the fast moving bunch with Stuart Coles and they stayed away until the end. Coles, who officially signs a professional contract today, was riding his last race as an amateur.

As the two riders came round the last corner, Curran led out and for a long time up the finishing straight, looked the victor. However, Coles managed to dig deep into his reserves and managed to get past Curran just before the line.

RESULTS

1. STUART COLES (Coldra RC)
2. P. Curran (Manchester Wh)
3. B. Burns (Bradford Wh)
4. M. McVits (Barnesbury RC)
5. G. Wright (Tyne Velo)
6. N. Dunn (Ferryhill Wh)
7. G. Pidcock (Bradford Wh)
8. M. Milan (Northern Velo)
9. P. Findley (GS Metro)
10. G. Atkinson (Middridge CRT).