With the cycle season well under way, Lakeland Cycle Club was delighted to have another great turnout of riders from visiting clubs for its sixth road race.

With the much-appreciated help of neighbouring club Ballinamallard Flyers, a tough circuit for the riders was organised, but the conditions on the night were favourable to fast riding and an exciting race unfolded on the night.

The front group, who were down a few riders, had a slender two-minute gap over the middle group, so the inevitable question would be whether they would be able to work together to stay away.

At the end of lap one of the circuit, the front group still had a gap, but due to setting off a fast pace they had lost one rider and Lakeland CC’s Stephen Campbell was unfortunate to have succumbed to a puncture, so the pressure was on them.

The large middle group were working very well together, and it seemed that on this occasion, they were out to break the winning streak that the scratch group had going into the race.

On lap two, the middle group had made the catch of the front riders, but the scratch group – containing the in-form Kyle Fisher, Conor Sprice, Mark McGirr, Seamus McGovern and Joseph Owens – didn’t look like they had closed enough on those ahead, but they were not giving up.

On the long final straight to the finish, the middle and front groups came into sight and lo and behold, Sprice and company were hammering down the road, close on their tails.

With a blanket finish unfolding in front of the supporters that had gathered at the line, the excitement reached fever pitch to see who would take the honours.

Fintan Sherry took it out from the front and both he and the Termon Wheelers rider Stephen Daly opened a six-metre gap on the bunch with 100 metres remaining, at which point the scratch riders made the catch, but it was just too late for them.

Sherry made his throw for the line, unaware that Daly couldn’t close on him, but the real action was happening just behind them as the bunch sprinted for points and places.

Barry McKenna had the power to take the final podium place but had to work hard to hold off Lakeland’s Michael Pickles, who had found a clear run down the outside.

He in turn edged out Sean Mullin (Clogher Valley Wheelers), Michael O’Kane (Termon Wheelers) and Lakeland’s Brian Armstrong, who once again demonstrated his capable strength, having been working hard most of the night in the front group.

The club would again like to offer their sincere gratitude to Ballinamallard Flyers for their continued support, and a huge thanks to the volunteer marshals, time-keepers, support drivers and many helpers who make the races happen.

Lakeland CC have a full schedule of road races, hill climbs and time trials so keep an eye on the club’s Facebook page for more information on those events.

The club recently launched its ‘Sunday Social Cycle’ for leisure and recreation riders so if that sounds like something you would like to try out please check out the Lakeland CC Facebook page and get in touch – the club would love to hear from you.