Curran wins by a country mile

CONFIRMING his reputation as the strong man of any race, former Commonwealth champion Paul Curran (Optimum Performance RT) coasted in nine minutes clear at the end of the Gosforth RC event over a tough Northumberland course.

But his margin would have been less had not lone chaser Norman Dunn (Middridge CRT) gone off course just half a mile from the finish.

Former national road champion David Cook (Middridge) claimed second place ahead of Damian Smith (North East RT) and Russell Thompson (GS Metro), with the 17 survivors from a field of 52 spread over 15 minutes.

Dunn had gone clear with Curran, Cook and Mark Addinall (North East RT), the latter rider losing contact as Curran took the Bilsmoor prime.

By the time Dunn took the Gibbett prime, Addinall had lost four minutes and the bunch was at 6-30, and on the second lap of a shorter circuit with 17 miles remaining Curran attacked, dropping first Cook and then Dunn.

Addinall was caught by what remained of the bunch with 12 miles to go, with Dunn and Cook continuing alone.

Many riders were in favour of reinstating Dunn, who would have been unchallenged for second place, but this was ruled out because agreement was not universal.

RESULTS

1. Paul Curran (Optimum Performance RT) 87m in 3-38-54
2. D. Cook (Middridge CRT) at 9-30
3. D. Smith (North East RT) at 12-00
4. R. Thompson (GS Metro) at 14-00
5. J. Lister (Leeds RRC) st
6. T. Greener (Tyne Electric) at 15-00
7. S. O'Neill (Rothwell RC)
8. P. Ambler (Rothwell RC)
9. A. McClure (Newcastle Cheviot RC)
10. G. Murdoch (VC Astar) all st.