Curran puts Herety in happy mood

In a fine display of teamwork the Bilton team, particularly Curran and Joughin, tore the field into two after only three laps. After the split Keith Reynolds, Shane Sutton (PMS- Falcon)) and Simon Cope (Alphaprint) helped to keep the speed up to just under 25mph. on every wet 1.1 mile lap.

Yellow jersey Smith punctured as did Wayne Randle (Chesterfield Coureurs) but both managed to get back in with the leaders.

With three laps to go Curran took a flyer and created an eight second gap with Reynolds pulling the string out
behind. The gap had increased to 13 seconds on the next lap and Tony Doyle (Ever Ready) was the man at the front.

Going through the finish at the bell Russell Williams (Ever Ready) jumped in the left-hand gutter but he was chased down by Joughin and sat up. That gave Curran the pleasure of throwing his two arms up in the air while 11 seconds later Simon Cope pipped Joughin for second.

Although it was only 16.6 miles long there were 48 riders who lost time and for many it wasn't a matter of seconds - some lost as much as eight and nine minutes.

Stage 2

Overall after stage 2 - Karl Smith (Alphaprint-Chafes)

FINAL OVERALL

1. Steve Farrell (Tunstall Whs)
10. Paul Curran (Percy Bilton)