PHOENIX GRAND PRIX, BELFAST

Tommy Evans (Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars), on a flying visit hom from France, rode the weekend events and although he didn't manage to successfully defend his Tour of Ards title on Saturday, he rode away from the field in yesterday's Phoenix Grand Prix at Nutts Corner.

The biggest Ulster field of the year took part in the Phoenix 85 kms. handicap and went off in four groups, each separated by 2 minutes but, after only one of the six laps, the first two groups and the second two groups had merged with 2.31 between the two big bunches.

A lap later this was down to 1.16 and next time past the finish line they were all together. On the next lap a 17-strong group went clear and with 2 to go they led by 17 seconds. At the bell they were down to 11 riders with a 28 second advantage. On the final circuit Evans went away on his own and although Paul Kane (Northern/Dave Kane Cycles) also get clear he was 28 seconds behind Evans at the line. Gary Cranston (East Antrim) also got away just holding off the remainder of the break at the line.

Phoenix Grand Prix, 85kms.: 1, Tommy Evans (Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars) 2.02.07; 2, P. Kane (Northern Dave Kane) at 28 secs; 3, G. Cranston (East Antrim) at 1.08; 4, P. Slane (Slane Cycles) at 1.08; 5, B. Stewart (Northern Dave Kane); 6, B. Doherty (Total Cycling/Lindsay Cars); 7, J. McConnell (East Antrim); 8, W. Hamilton (East Antrim); 9, O. Jeffries (Northern Dave Kane); 10, J. Dempsey (Classic Walls) all same time.