Rare first for Curran

THERE aren't many established road races that Paul Curran hasn't won at some time in his career, but he scored a rare first on Sunday when he took the Joe Robinson Memorial event at Sadberghe, Co Durham.

The Optimum Performance RT rider outsprinted local rival and former national amateur road champion David Cook (Middridge CRT) after the pair had opened up a six-minute lead together in the six-lap, 73-mile race.

Confusion reigned when the chasing group went off course and approached the finish in the wrong direction.

Judges awarded equal third place, six minutes behind the leading duo, to new Cleveland road race champion Sid Barras (Middridge CRT), John Charlesworth (CC Giro) and Richard Moore (Cottingham Coureurs).

The first action came when Chris Newton (North Wirral Velo) attacked just before the Hot Spot in Bishopton.

As he took the sprint and eased slightly, Curran launched a scorching attack and only Cook could take his wheel.

The pair quickly opened up a gap together, leaving Newton to chase by himself for three-quarters of a lap he got to within 100 yards before finally 'blowing' and slipping back through the bunch, eventually retiring.

RESULTS

1. Paul Curran (Optimum Performance RT) 78.5m in 2-59-12
2. M. Lovatt (Optimum Performance RT) st
3. P. Coggins (Brough Wh) at 1-59
4. D. Cook (Middridge CRT) at 4-43
5. R. Thompson (GS Metro)
6. R. Moore (Cottingham Coureurs)
7. M. Wallbank (North East RT)
8. C. Ash (Middridge CRT)
9. M. Smith (Cleveland Wh)
10. M. Wright (Middridge CRT) all st.