Sport

Cassidy in flying form

Philip Cassidy proved too strong for the world junior champion, Mark Scanlon, in the Orwell Wheelers Noel Hammond memorial race…

By JIM MCARDLE
Mon Apr 26 1999 - 01:00

Philip Cassidy proved too strong for the world junior champion, Mark Scanlon, in the Orwell Wheelers Noel Hammond memorial race at Ballyboughal yesterday.

At 37, Cassidy is more than twice the age of Scanlon, who took the world title on his 18th birthday last October, and Scanlon was only able to stay in behind Cassidy on the last 10 of the 82 miles. They were out in front together at the end, but there was no sprint to the line as Scanlon came in a couple of lengths adrift.

Scanlon said he was tired after a very hard six-day race in France last week. Soon after they set out on the last of seven laps of the tough north Co Dublin circuit in the cold and wet, Cassidy waved Scanlon through to do a turn at the front, but Scanlon shook his head and indicated he was unable to do so. They had a quick exchange of words and it was agreed that as Cassidy was too strong Scanlon would just stay in behind and not contest the finish.

The decisive breakaway group formed soon after the start when eight of the field of 88 forged ahead. With Cassidy and Scanlon were Derek Finnegan, Karl Donnelly, Stephen O'Sullivan, David Peelo, Eugene Moriarty and Shane Prendergast.

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Moriarty and Prendergast were first to lose contact, followed by Peelo and a puncture cost O'Sullivan his place. Only Scanlon could counter some aggressive riding at the front by Cassidy, but Scanlon, riding in the Dutch Rabobank colours, was unable to match Cassidy's strength and settled for second place. The Tour of Ulster next weekend is next on Scanlon's agenda.

Noel Hammond Memorial Race (82 miles at Ballyboughal) - 1, P Cassidy (Navan Avonmore) 3:31:50; 2, M Scanlon (Rabobank) same time; 3, D Finnegan (Navan) at 1:46; 4, K Donnelly (Morrissey's); 5, S Bracken (Ushers IRC) 2:45; 6, K MacMahon (O'Mara's); 7, C Bracken (Ushers IRC) 3:19; 8, M Sutcliffe (Swords). Second category awards - 1, Finnegan; 2, J Fenelon (Morrissey's). Juniors and veterans (47 miles) - 1, G Stapleton (Ushers IRC) 2:11:13; 2, A O'Carroll (Bray); 3, T Lavery (Ravens) 1:20; 4, O McQuaid (Emerald); 5, D Foley (Sligo); 6, D Farrell (Hillcrest). Women - L Manning (unattached).