Curran takes his revenge

With the disappointment of the Olympic Games still fresh in his mind, Paul Curran (Manchester Wheelers - Trumanns) wrought terrible vengance on a high-class field in Sunday's Houghton Feast road race as he finished alone, a convincing winner.

The weather conditions were bright and dry but very windy as the 60 riders set off on the first of the 13 laps around Houghton-Le-Spring. Curran put the hammer down almost immediately and he quickly built up a 20 second advantage over the main field, in company with gutsy Bill Hart (Ferryhill Wheelers).

At the start of the third lap Dave Cook (Ferryhill Wheelers) trailed the duo by 20 seconds with the bunch a further 10 in arrears, but as he was caught another group driven by Brian Johnson (Wembley RC) got within 15 seconds before giving best.

The two leaders continued to relay each other smoothly and built up a gap of 45 seconds around the hallway point with the bunch seeming to lack purpose in the chase attempt.

Just as it appeared that the pair would stay clear a five-man group containing Pete Longbottom (Manchester Wheelers), Andrew Ferry (Scotia CC), Andy Chatterton (Hartlepool CC), Cook and Chris Ridings (Clayton Velo) broke away and dramatically narrowed the gap to 10 seconds in one lap.

Ridings lost contact as the front two were finally reeled in, leaving six riders 50 seconds up with five laps to go.

Curran, mindful of several strong finishers in the break, decided to go it alone with a lap and a half remaining, attacking hard on the back of the circuit and building up a lead of 20 seconds before he crossed the line arms aloft.

Ferry led in Longbottom and Cook before Chatterton and Hart filled fifth and sixth, a further 15 seconds down.

Manchester Wheelers also claimed the team prize when late season starter Hugh Cameron won the sprint for seventh spot to prove his advancing years have not dented his finishing ability. Curran also gobbled up the points prize to complete a Wheelers benefit.

RESULTS

1. PAUL CURRAN (Manchester Wh-Trumanns Steel) 40m in 1-38-12
2. A. Ferry (Scotia CC) at 20 sec
3. P. Longbottom (Manchester Wh.)
4. D. Cook (Ferryhill Wh) both st
5. A. Chatterton (Hartlepool CC) at 35 sec
6. W. Hart (Ferryhill Wh) st
7. H. Cameron (Manchester Wh) at 1-5.

Team - Manchester Wh.