Jim B Posted May 4, 2004 Report Share Posted May 4, 2004 Copy of press release relating to Donald's win at Girvan. There should be a few more over the next few days. Articles will also be in the Gaz group publications and the extra. I'm making a few enquiries about local radio sports news at the moment so keep your ears open! DESPERATE FOR A FEW PHOTOS GUYS / GIRLS. WE GET BETTER COVERAGE WITH A DECENT PHOTO. Scally’s back in the saddle for success May 4 2004 COMEBACK king Donald Scally made a sensational winning return for Johnstone Wheelers at the Girvan Valley Road Race. Scally, who is back in the saddle after a lengthy break from the sport, narrowly captured the victory after a gruelling 40 miles of racing. Johnstone Wheelers president, Kenny McDonald, hailed Scally's win and reckoned there's much more to come. He said: "Things could not have gone better for Donald. He has always been a classy rider and it is good to see him getting a victory so early on his return. I'm sure it won't be his last." Girvan played host to some of the country's top riders for the recent Festival of Cycle Sport event. Supporting the Three Day Stage Race was the Girvan Valley Road Race, which is for third and fourth category riders. The popular event always attracts a quality field and more than 50 riders took part. Johnstone Wheelers were represented by Paul McDonald, Scott Donaldson, Stuart Dunbar and Donald Scally. The race got underway with a series of attacks and breaks beginning almost immediately. Donaldson was well up around the three-mile mark, but two riders competing for position on a slippery corner came off in front of him, causing him to dismount. No one was injured, but Donaldson suffered a mechanical problem and was unable to continue. The pride of the club was left for McDonald, Dunbar and Scally to look after and they gave it their all. McDonald was part of a group who made an early break after five miles and despite the efforts of the chasing bunch, their gap was maintained for a punishing 20 miles before the strength in numbers in the bigger chasing pack brought home the advantage. This did not last long, however, as some of the fresher faces arriving at the head of the group manufactured a break of their own. Once again, McDonald got away, but this time he was joined by Scally and Dunbar who did some sterling work to keep the chasing pack at bay. As the race approached its energy sapping hilltop finish, a group of 10 riders held their positions at the front. But at 500 yards the group quickened the pace and with 200 yards to go it was maximum effort in a heads-down sprint. McDonald, who has been outstanding this year, managed to maintain his position to take a creditable 8th place, but it was Scally who stole the show, emerging from the rear of the group to produce a sprint finish that capped a sensational win. Dunbar, meanwhile, finished his race in the chasing bunch a few seconds later. This weekend sees Johnstone Wheelers riders in action at Ayrshire, Perthshire, Stirlingshire and England. Cheers Jim B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2023 Subscriptions P McDonald Posted May 4, 2004 2023 Subscriptions Report Share Posted May 4, 2004 Like I've said before Jim - your a closet journalist who missed his vocation. Well done again promoting the club and sport. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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