Curran goes solo to win Saxton RR

Paul Curran (Manchester Wheelers-Trumanns Steel) added another win to his impressive list at the weekend, then admitted that he had no idea how many races he has won this season, he simply doesn't keep count (its's 28: Editor).

His latest success came in the 75 mile Leeds RRC Saxton road race at Aberford, and in repeating his success of last year he made it look ridiculously easy. Over 15 laps of a five-mile circuit the race never lacked action but for most of it Curran gave the impression that he was not particularly interested.

With six laps to go a group of five went clear, Glen Pickford (Manchester Wheelers), John Ward and Brian Hughes (Dinnington RC). Andy Chapman (Featherstone RC) and Nick Cox (Seacroft Wheelers) who has been in excellent form of late.

They built up a lead of about half a minute before being hotly pursed by Geoff Davison and Gary Speight (Chesterfield Coureurs) and John Charlesworth (South Yorks RC).

With four laps left and Cox out with a puncture, Curran suddenly appeared on the scene just a handful of seconds behind the leading quartet and a lap later only John Ward could stay with him as the Manchester Wheelers man made his bid for victory.

Leading the chase were Chapman and Pickford followed by Charlesworth but it was clearly a losing battle. Having shaken off Ward, Curran settled down to time trial the last two laps and at the bell was 40 seconds clear of Chapman who had been joined by Speight with the rest trailing upwards of a minute in arrears.

It all looked easy as he eased up on the final lap to win 21 seconds from Chapman who outsprinted Speight for second place.

The dash to the line for fourth place provided some excitement. It was won by Wayne Randle (Chesterfield Coureurs) from his team-mate Martin Maltby and Giles Pideock (Bradford Wheelers) who were so busy pulling each other's jerseys that the actual placings seemed a minor concern.

Back in the changing rooms Curran admitted that he was "more interested" in turning professional now than he was a year ago and admitted to having talked to "a couple of teams" but so far had not received a firm offer.

The busiest person on the day was event organiser Pam Clay who also doubled as chief steward, chief judge and tea maker but was well pleased at the end of another successful promotion.

RESULTS

1. Paul Curran (Manchester Wh.Trumanns Steel) 75m in 3-02-00
2. A. Chapman (Featherstone RC) at 2lsec
3. G. Speight (Chesterfield Cour) st
4. W. Randle (Chesterfield Cour)at 5lsec
5. M. Maltby (Chesterfield Cour)
6. C. Pidcock (Bradford Wh.)
7. J. Ward (Dinnington RC)
8. C. Pickford (Manchester Whs)
9. S. Wright (Hull & Fast Riding RC)
10. G. Davison (Chesterfield Cour).

COLIN WILLCOCK