Dowling crowned the 2015 AmberGreen Energy Tour of Ulster champion
By Eleanor McGillie
The sun shone in Cookstown today (Monday) as people gathered to watch 112 elite cyclists compete in the final stage for the coveted pink jersey in this year’s AmberGreen Energy Tour of Ulster.
In a gruelling seven laps of a 10 mile circuit around Cookstown the riders fought the battle hard but it was Mark Dowling, of DID Dunboyne, who won the overall 2015 AmberGreen Energy Tour of Ulster trophy, in partnership with SDS Energy Group and Saltmarine.
Cheers went up as the winner was announced after a tough stage 4, sponsored by Saltmarine, racing around Cookstown from William Street, Orritor Road, Tulnacross Road, Flo Road, Omagh Road, Tullagh Road, Fairhill Road, James Street, William Street and back into Cookstown main street.
Winner Dowling raced from Belfast to Cookstown in 6hrs 17minutes and 32 seconds (excluding Saturday’s abandoned stage 2. Three seconds behind in second place was Eoin Morton who raced the Tour in 6hrs 17 minutes and 35 seconds. In third position was Edward Laverack from Cheshire JLT Condor, whose time was 6hrs 17 minutes 39 seconds.
Edward Laverack also won the SDS Energy points competition, the Planet X Mountains Competition and the Campbell Cairns’ Young Riders’ Competition.
The Ireland Development Team won the Team Prize.
Monday’s stage winner was Banbridge cyclist Roger Aiken of Team Asea and in second place was 18-year-old Mark Downey from Banbridge.
Organiser Garry Nugent, of BGN Management, said the race was particularly tough on the cyclists with Dowling narrowly taking the championship title.
He said: “It was very close today and the riders really battled it out. Weather conditions were good but everyone wanted that pink jersey and they fought hard to get it.
“Dowling won by a three second lead. It was a very close race so well done to everyone. There was a good attack right from the outset but then it was clear that some cyclists were dropping back while others gained momentum.
“The 2015 AmberGreen Energy Tour of Ulster was fantastic and we couldn’t have done it without the sponsors and the team of volunteers who gave up their time to work behind the scenes and get everything ready so a big thank you goes out to everyone.
Michael Salt, partner in Saltmarine, said: “Saltmarine Cars are delighted to have sponsored Stage 4 of the 2015 AmberGreen Energy Tour of Ulster in what was a thrilling finish right to the end. It has also been a privilege to be the official vehicle partner of the tour in supplying all the vehicles to the team. Well done to all the riders and all involved in organising this fantastic cycling event. We hope to be involved again next year.”
Neil O’Brien, chairman of AmberGreen Energy and event partner, said: “The last four days have been phenomenal. The Tour of Ulster is a race which captures the hearts and minds of cyclists from across the globe as well as cyclists on our home turf.
“It has been a privilege to work with the organiser Garry Nugent and we are already looking ahead to next year’s Tour with great excitement and enthusiasm. This race is the biggest race in the annual racing calendar and we are expecting it to grow year on year.
“Thank you to all of the sponsors and the volunteers who have made this event such a success.”
ENDS:
Notes To Editor:
- The ‘AmberGreen Tour of Ulster’ will take place on the Bank Holiday Weekend in May, from Friday, May 1 until Monday, May 4 2015. The Tour of Ulster is one of Ireland’s longest running races and has been in existence since 1957. The race is embedded in the local racing calendar and is a highlight of the racing year.
- For further media information or interview requests please contact Eleanor McGillie of MGMPR Ltd on 028 3756 9569 | 07709805379 | mgmpr.co.uk |
