Curran wins as puncture ends Webster's reign

THE tenth Porthole Grand Prix produced a new winner although he is not a man unused to the top step of the podium. Paul Curran, in his first season as a Percy Bilton professional.

He first rode the testing 25 miles around Lake Windermere in 1981 but 'had never got close to Webster.' On Sunday not only did Curran go close he also became, along with Dave Lloyd and Darryl Webster, only the third rider ever to go under the hour. Curran said that he felt strong from the start and imagined 'he could come a good second if I didn't blow up'.

Webster (Teka) who was the fancied man having won the event four times, punctured just before the tough Devil's Gallop section. He was gracious enough to admit that he wouldn't necessarily have beaten Curran but it would have been a 'close race.' Webster had used six-ounce tubs on every previous ride and never punctured, but it had to happen sooner or later on the gritty roads.

Second-placed Rob Holden (Percy Bilton) was 'pleased and surprised' with his performance since he had had a hectic week, he sold his house, got engaged and had been ill for three days. The 21-year-old Holden was happy with his choice of a rear disc wheel and a low-profile bike.

Every rider excluding Curran had some tale to tell including young Scott O'Brien (Manchester Wheelers) who had a disintegrating brake system to contend with just before the off. He got his bike together but the 20 seconds he had to spare didn't leave much time for a warm up. Considering the almost constant rain which fell throughout the event, a warm-up was vital, although mercifully it wasn't particularly cold or windy.

O'Brien's team mate Chris Boardman's only comment was "I didn't go fast enough". Which was true. The fact that he became a father a week before and was now enjoying the delights of parenthood may have had something to do with him feeling 'a bit drained'.

The third man on the victorious Manchester Wheelers team was Dave Smith who has never complained about a wrong time in his life but on this occasion he was sorely tempted. 'Gob-smacked' was the word he used to describe his reaction on hearing his official time.

Another Manchester Wheeler, Phil Guy, claimed the prize for the fastest veteran Phil Guy. After the previous evening's gentle ribbing from John Woodburn, it was the freshly minted veteran Guy who had the last laugh.

Finally, mention should be made of hyper-active sponsor Gianni Berton whose enthusiasm for this event remains intact. But time increased traffic and business obligations mean that this may have been the final Porthole Grand Prix.

RESULTS

1. Paul Curran (Percy Bilton) 59 30
2. R. Holden (Percy Bilton) 1 0 34
3. S. O'Brien (Manchester Wh) 1 1 5
4. D. Webster (Teka) 1 1 18
5. C. Boardman (Manchester Wh) 1 1 28
6. D. Smith (Manchester Wh) 1 2 49
7. D. Metcalfe (Nelson Wh) 1 3 10
8. R. Chapman (GS Metro) 1 4 2
9. M. Heaton (Harrogate Nova) 1 4 30
10. M. Addinall (Bradford Wh) 1 5 16
11. R. Guy (Manchester Wh) 1 5 56
12. I. Cammish (Manchester Wh) 1 5 57
13. R. High (Leeds St Christophers) 1 6 4
14. J. Temlinsen (Sheffield Ph) 1 6 15
15. J. Hargreaves(Horwich CC) 1 6 15
16. J. North (Horwich CC) 1 6 16
17. S. Butterworth (Manchester Wh) 1 6 21
18. G. Waddingten (Pendle Forest CC) 1 6 23
19. S. Fullerton (Richmond & Darlington CC) 1 6 57
20. L. Kellett (BronteWh) 1 7 9

Junior.-R. Robson (Knaresborough CC) 1-9-19.
Women-Linda Gornall (Horwich CC) 1-9-55.
Trike. - D. Turner (Houghton CC) 1-18-36.
Vet on Std.-J. Tomlinson (Sheffield Ph CC).
Team-Manchester Wh (O'Brien, Boardman, Smith) 3-3-22.

By KENNY PRYDE