Cycle star Paul picks up honour

PAUL Curran, one of Cleveland's top cyclists, is to be honoured with an award recognising his achievements.
The 32-year-old former Olympic athlete and double commonwealth medal winner is to receive the Les Johnson Memorial Award.

The Thornaby velo star has a long list of cycling achievements behind him starting in 1977 when he was third in the junior British All Round Championship (Junior BAR).

This was the first in a stream of victories and high placings on the track and road in races all over Europe.

Brilliant

The decision to give the award to Curran was made by a panel of six from four Cleveland cycling clubs.

His career reached a climax in the late eighties with two commonwealth game gold medals and several wins in top international races.

"He's an outstanding athlete, I don't think there's been another Cleveland cyclist you can compare him to," sald Ray Appleby who was on the panel.

"If you look at what he has achieved he really stands out, he's a brilliant athlete and has brought great credit to Cleveland cycling."

The award was set up in memory of veteran Middlesbrough cyclist Les Johnson who died from head injuries after being knocked off his bike by a car in February 1987.

Endurance cyclist Peter Howe from Normanby, who rode coast-to-coast across America last year after beating cancer, will present the award in Stockton next Friday.

Darlington cyclist Dave Cook, formerly of Ferryhill Wheelers and currently riding for Middridge Cycling Club received the award last year.

By MIKE POTTER