Curran coasts to fourth victory

FORMER double Commonwealth champion Paul Curran (Optimum Performance RT-Power Bar) coasted to a fourth victory in five years in the Mike Binks Memorial road race at Newby, near Middlesbrough, on Sunday.

Curran did not contest the 89-mile Cleveland Wheelers event last year, but he resumed his winning ways when he left his remaining rivals trailing in the final 15 miles and crossed the line alone, 2-48 clear.

He left professional rival Rod Ellingworth (Ambrosia/Dyna-Tech) to salvage second place from Curran's Optimum team-mate Mark Lovatt.

Team Orange all-rounder Jon Clay won a sprint for fourth place, four minutes behind the winner, from Julian Ramsbottom (North Wirral Velo) and Wayne Randle (Optimum Performance).

Lovatt had instigated the winning break when he attacked from a leading group of 22 riders with 25 miles remaining.

He was quickly joined by Ellingworth, and Curran then bridged the gap two miles later, giving the Optimum team two riders at the front.

Curran launched his winning move on a slight climb at Seamer, opening up a gap which he increased all the way to the finish.

Martin Wallbank (North East RT) won the King of the Hills competition, decided on the climb out of Newby on each of the seven laps, with Clay and Curran equal second.

RESULTS

1. Paul Curran (Optimum Performance RT-Power Bar) 89m in 3-09-53
2. R. Ellingworth (Ambrosia/Dyna-Tech) at 2-48
3. M. Lovatt (Optimum Performance RT) st
4. J. Clay (Team Orange) at 4-01
5. J. Ramsbottom (North Wirral Velo)
6. W. Randle (Optimum Performance RT)
7. G. Holmes (Ambrosia/Dyna-Tech)
8. J. Charlesmorth (CC Giro)
9. I. Mountain (Irish Heritage CC)
10. J. Tanner (Tritech) all st.