Cameron Henry (17) strikes on uphill finish for another senior win

Cameron Henry (Inspired Cycling) may have hit the 2024 season running, winning the first race of the campaign, but the first-year junior is showing impressive staying power.

Having finished 4th overall at the Junior Tour of Ireland – best Irish rider and winner of the young rider classification – he took another win yesterday; scalping the seniors just weeks after his 17th birthday.

On the uphill finished of the Bob Crilly Classic, promoted by Phoenix Cycling Club in Co Antrim, Henry overpowered his breakaway companions. He demonstrated an impressive turn of power when the road kicked up, again underlining his ability to finish the job when in a position to win.

He had already won the PJ Logan, Carn Classic and Annaclone GP and proven impressive since that first win on the opening weekend of March. Yesterday, he prevailed in the handicapped A1-A2 race; some 102km over five undulating laps before a 6km final run to the uphill finish on Hightown Road.

The race came together after about two laps, with the action proper then getting underway. While eventual winner Henry followed a few moves, they didn’t stick, though a group of four soon gained an advantage.

Henry made his move after that group with team mate Conor McCann; the Inspired Cycling duo bridging a gap to the leaders of about 30-40 seconds.

In that group were: Henry, McCann, Jody Wright (all Inspired Cycling), Curtis Neill (Lyon Sprint Evolution), Padraig Moran (Lakeside Wheelers Mullingar CC), Aaron Rafferty (Bohermeen CC) and Neil McKenna (AHC Racing).

With a long drag, before the 1.5km climb to the finish, it looked like a final that might suit Henry. And having team mates in the move helped, as they pulled back some attacks from the front group.

Henry attacked in the final with Curtis Neil, who went for the line early at the finish and paid the price; Henry coming off his wheel for a very strong win.