The Pauley Cable road race league number five held on Wednesday 24th June, was well supported by riders from Lakeland, Omagh and Fintona. The riders were placed in three groups of ability, the first group having a ten minute handicap over the scratch group.

The race started in a hot and sweaty climate with high humidity which was an indication to the riders to carry plenty of water on board for the long and hilly circuit.

The race started at Silverhill headed to Derrygonnelly from there it passed into Knockmore-Cashel-Belcoo-Boho and finished before the main road onto Derrygonnelly beside Hi Tec which was a distance of 38 miles.

As the handicaps where big, the scratch were relaying on the tough climbs to gain the most of their time on the groups.

As the race began, the 3 scratch riders which contained Raymond Dunlop, Dane Dunlop and Kenny Boylan started to catch riders down the decent on the first climb.

But it was going to be hard work to catch the leading group of riders which contained William Dunlop, Kenny Donald, Fergus Mc Girr and Raymond Pauley who recently rode the Newry 3 Day.

The rest of the riders were split up along the route and the strongest were able to regain contact of the scratch group.

The scratch group finally caught the leaders on the Belcoo to Garrison road, but once caught, the speed was increase to make it difficult to for any one to attack.

As the race turned on the Boho road before Belcoo heading for the second climb "the Devils S", Raymond Dunlop made an attack to get away but was quickly followed by his cousin Dane Dunlop.

At this stage of the race it was the two Dunlop's in the lead, however, the pressure was put on by Raymond Dunlop, who maintained good form from the Newry three day race and who was able to open up slight advantage on the climb and distanced himself for Dane.

Raymond Dunlop showed his strength and managed to increase his advantage over Dane to take the victory.

However, Raymond Pauley shows great form after the Newry 3 Day to finish 3rd along side Fergus Mc Girr (Fintona CC) in 4th position.

However, bad luck to Eugene Power who broke his chain and had to retire from the race and also to Keith Johnston whose reason is unknown. Well done to those who turned up and finished the toughest club race in the calendar.

RESULTS

1st Raymond Dunlop

2nd Dane Dunlop

3rd Raymond Pauley

4th Fergus Mc Girr (Fintona CC)

5th Alan Magee

6th William Dunlop

7th Michael Holland (Omagh Wheelers)

8th Kenny Donald

9th Kenny Boylan

10th John Quinn (Omagh Wheelers)

11th Marius Leonard

12th Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers)

13th Gerry Murphy

14th Barry Mc Kenna (Unknown)

15th Declan Kairns (Unknown)

16th Paul Minnu (Omagh Wheelers)

17th Philip Caldwell (Omagh Wheelers)