Cleveland Grand Prix

Curran beats rain to harvest double

A MIXTURE of good luck, enlightened rider co-operation and superb organisation saved the Cleveland County Grand Prix track meeting from being severely disrupted by Sunday's strong winds and squally showers at Clairville.

The promoters were also disappointed by the non-appearance of pursuit star Tony Doyle but the host of talent assembled capitalised on his absence.

Local boy Paul Curran ran out the major prize winner in the distance races. He started convincingly by winning the Dragonara 30km points race' from Simon Lillistone and professional Phil Thomas.

The crowd warmed to Curran's performance and willed their favourite to a masterful display in the McLean Homes 8km when he finished alone, well ahead of Dinnington's Robert Coull and Dave Rayner (Raleigh).

Doyle's absence in the Sillars 20km Trophy proved be an incentive for several hopefuls. Early attacks by
Dinnington's trio, Robert Coull, Alistair Wood and Paul Wain launched a five-man break away into a winning position after ten kilometres.

Wood and Wain were joined by Manchester Wheelers' pair, Curran and Glen Sword and Merseysider Phil Thomas.
As the five cyclists battled out the finish, Thomas produced a scintillating burst to relegate Sword and Curan to the minor places.

Unfortunately, Dinnington's professional, Kevin Byers, was taken to hospital with head, shoulder and collar bone injuries after he was involved in a crash.

RESULTS

Dragonara 30km Points Race

1. Paul Curran (Manchester Whs)
2. Simon Lillistone
3. Phil Thomas

McLean Homes 8km Scratch

1. Paul Curran
2. Robert Coull (Dinnington RC)
3. Dave Rayner (Raleigh)

Sillars Trophy 20km Scratch

1. Phil Thomas
2. Paul Curran
3. Glen Sword (Manchester Whs)