The Lakeland Cycle Club Championship took place on the Florencecourt circuit on Wednesday last, with a great turnout for this members only event in fairly inclement conditions.

The Championship was a four lap event over the nine mile ‘lumpy’ course for the third year in a row, and the pre-events favourites were all present.

Last year’s winner, Mark McGirr, was the man to watch as the clubs only A1 rider but Conor Sprice and Kyle Fisher were both highly ranked A2 riders and there were other several contenders who had come into form recently, namely Seamus McGovern and Rory Gamble.

As the event progressed there were numerous attacks, the most notable being those from Nigel Foster and Seamus McGovern, the latter getting a good gap on lap three, only to be closed down. Whilst there were many other small attacks, no-one managed to stay clear and so it came down to a bunch sprint finish.

Rory Gamble went early and opened up a good bike length or two, but Mark McGirr showed great timing once again and came through to win by half a wheel. Gamble was pushed into third by a fast finishing Conor Sprice. A great night’s racing on a bad evening, and congratulations to Mark McGirr for retaining the trophy for 2021.

The nationals were also on this weekend in Maghera, with Conor Sprice, Kenny Boylan and Philip Bremner all taking part in their various age categories and events. All of the riders represented the club admirably but were unlucky to miss out on any podium placings.

We are nearing the end of the season and next week’s event rounds off the TT league with a 25 mile event on the Belcoo to Garrison road. After that there are only two more road races left.

This doesn’t leave many events for anyone to catch Conor Sprice who currently tops the league on 195 points, with Seamus McGovern second on 159. Kyle Fisher lies third just two points behind on 157.

The visitors league looks quite predictable with William McFarland (3 peaks) leading on 178, with his nearest rival Darnel Moore (team Caldwell) on 125.

With the best eight out of ten events only counting however, some of these points tallies may be slightly inflated. All to play for over the final two events.