Repeat victory for Curran

PROVING yet again that he is one of the strongest men in - or in front of - any road race bunch, Paul Curran (Optimum Performance RT) repeated a win of last year when he coasted to a solo victory in Sunday's race over a 101-mile course at High Wycombe.

The double Commonwealth Games gold medallist crossed the line five minutes clear, leaving Colin Langley (CC Luton) to outsprint Curran's fellow North Easterner Damian Smith for second place.

Matt Rogers (Team Total Fitness) led in the rest, a further 45 seconds down, as almost 14 minutes separated the leading 10 finishers.

Smith was best of a strong contingent from the North East Racing Team, but their challenge was blunted when Jeff Wright was disqualified for accepting a hand-sling from Smith just as Curran had launched his decisive attack.

Smith and Rogers had gone clear together on the first of six laps. Seeing the danger, and under the considerable influence of Curran, a chasing group formed which also included North East RT's Mark Addinall, Langley and Wright.

This made a leading group of six, and Curran put in his race winning bid with 20 miles remaining.

Wright bridged the gap but was pulled out by the commissaire for having accepted Smith's hand-sling and meanwhile Curran, unaware of what was happening behind him, went ahead unchallenged to collect the £300 first prize.

However, Smith's early attack with Rogers saw him collect the King of the Mountains title ahead of Curran.

RESULTS

1. Paul Curran (Optimum Performance RT) 101m in 4-16-30
2. C. Langley (CC Luton) at 5-00
3. D. Smith (North East RT) st
4. M. Rogers (Team Total Fitness) at 5-45
5. D. Axford (VC Vents) at 9-46
6. A. Masson (VC Venta) at 9-50
7. A. Rivett (Team Avon) at 13-03
8. D. Sweeney (Invicta RC) at 13-30
9. N. Tozer (High Wycombe RC) at 13-35
10. S. Tyson (North East RT) at 13-40.

KoM.- Damian Smith.