Cookstown 100 Bikes!

Welcome to Cookstown for the start of the big summer of bikes here on

the BBC. COMMENTATOR: Here goes Johnston. He

is there! The countdown is on to the first

International race of the season, the Northwest and it is a last

chance for riders to fine tune their preparations. The Cookstown 100 is

the oldest and longest running road race in Northern Ireland, and it has

a track of top-class field. Heading the cast list is William Dunlop,

vastly experienced, he flies the flag for Chris Dowd racing.

Everything about the bike Bala chassis is fast, it is brilliant, so

that is just my problem and it is up for me to get it right. I have been

struggling a bit, so it is more mean rather than the bike. I love the

national thing, because whether you come home with a win or not, it is

about fun, so that is why I enjoy it, and then coming to the

north-west TT, I just love it. Dan Kneen from the Isle of Man. You need

to get to know them and they need to get to know you, and it is a

partnership, so, so far, so good. I feel like they know what I am

talking about all the time and what changes I need to make, so it is

coming together. The on assuming Derek Sheils, multiple Irish

champion and hotly fancied. I am looking for a win on the Superbike,

maybe on the Supertwins. His team-mate in the John Burroughs

racing outfit is Malachi Mitchell-Thomas. It is his debut

season, but the former Manx Grand Prix winner has already made a big

impression. I like to work with a cracking team here, I have got a

good suspension guy, and we can talk and develop, and we are making the

bikes better now that John knows I could write, because he had never

seen me ride a bike before I started riding for him, literally never seen

me, so now he knows that we can get some good races, we are hoping to

get the new Suzuki at the end of the year and develop that going into

next year. And James Caton, and in judgment with previous success on

the national scene. It is a matter of getting your head into gear, and

Gelling with the team again, so it is a matter of getting your head

down and keeping a good line, and it is going all right, to be honest.

Look out, too, for the talented Irishman Derek McGee, a former

winner of the Ulster Grand Prix. But perhaps the man to keep an eye on

today is Paul Jordan from Magherafelt. He is a former Irish

champion and is in pole position for the first way is, the Supersport

Invitational. It has been raining, but the roads are drying, albeit is

a little chilly. COMMENTATOR: A mixture of colours

overhead, blue skies and grey clouds, and a mixture of youth and

promise and experience on the court. The two mile in length or at a

circuit. -- Orritor Circuit. It is IS left to watch the lights, the

clutch is about to be released, but not too quickly, Dan Kneen pops a

wheel, and Paul Jordan pops in front as they scream away. A change at the

front already is Derek McGee powers past Paul Jordan, who breaks very

early indeed and is losing a handful of places. Jordan goes from France

to fifth in an instant, perhaps it was put off by the wet patches on

the side of the road. There are some who think this could be a good year

for Derek McGee, his best yet perhaps, and he is off to a demon

starting Cookstown. This is where the circuit narrows at McAdoo Bends.

He took his power at McAdoo, but Dunlop takes the position back.

There are damp patches here where it is sheltered from the sun, and this

could prove to be citing lack for the riders, they may start to really

mix it up lap two. It is Cowton, Kneen, Dunlop, Jordan.

Still damp patches as they come into Craigmount, and the road drops down

towards the right. Here is the Orritor Crossroads, and Dunlop slips

inside and is up to fourth. So, it is game on as they crossed the line

with Derek McGee leading the way to start lap two. McGee

with Derek McGee leading the way to tenths of a second from Mitchell

Thomas, who has a further second over Cowton in third. I fancy that

he will take Cowton, and he does indeed go third. Don't look over

your shoulder, Malachi Mitchell-Thomas, because here comes

Dunlop, and meanwhile, Dan Kneen has pulled up closer.

Riding with James Cowton, and that is Dan Kneen, on the Yamaha, going

into fourth, and Cowton, who was third, is now fifth. And there goes

Dunlop, head down, no-nonsense as he goes into second. They recorded

1.29.5, he is the man to watch now, especially as he has Derek McGee

fixed firmly in his sights. He needs to up his game, and he seems to be

doing just that as he leaves Mac one behind. Dunlop handing me the as

they crack into McAdoo. Back with James Cowton, trying to stay in

touch with Dan Kneen. And Paul Jordan goes through on the sharp run

to Mackney. The run-up to blacks jump at the top

of the track. He will take it with James Cowton, keeps the bike over to

the right, and over the crest they go, a very popular spot for

spectators. Is William Dunlop close enough to take the move? Not this

time. But he may have a pop as they start the next lap.

time. But he may have a pop as they come, and Dunlop Osman the language

indicates he is going for it, but Derek McGee with good drive, keeping

indicates he is going for it, but the power up, but it is now all

about the brakes going into Gortin, you can overshoot or go to soon.

Derek McGee takes the lead, and now he is out in front, can anyone take

him back? Let's have a look at this again. It is a masterclass from

William Dunlop on the brakes. This is the run down into Mackney,

Mitchell-Thomas may This is the run down into Mackney,

complete nonsense of that theory with a move but Mackney, and he has!

I don't think I have ever seen move on that bend. So the young hotshot

is leading his mark. Three bikes are dropping further away as he looks

back. Looking back from Dan Kneen as well, that is Paul Jordan in fifth

place. William Dunlop on well, that is Paul Jordan in fifth

top the leaderboard at the end of lap five, with Malachi

Mitchell-Thomas second. Was that a mistake by McGee? He drops right

back to Paul Jordan. The tricky surface, the lap record is held by

Michael Dunlop, three and a half seconds quicker than anyone has

managed so far today, with Kneen looking keen into Gortin. This is

Matthew Rees, the Welshman. Not a classic passing place. This has been

impressive classic passing place. This has been

Mitchell-Thomas who is on his way to a first-ever podium in Cookstown.

And down goes Mitchell Thomas! Dan Kneen goes straight on, as he

reacted to the stricken rider. William Dunlop looks around and

wonders where everyone has gone. McGee is now second, Jordan third.

Here is a replay, I expect the front just touched. The road kinks to the

left, down he goes, and not too clear as to what caused that.

Mitchell Thomas looks OK as he is attended to by the doctor. Red flags

are out, so the races been halted on final lap. It won't stop Dunlop

being awarded the win, with the results at the end of lap five, but

Mitchell Thomas perhaps excluded for causing the race to be red flagged.

That is in fact what has happened, Kneen get second place, with McGee

in third, while William becomes the most accessible Dunlop in terms of

victories at Cookstown. Congratulations, a great start to

the day. I didn't expect anything, to be honest with you, I struggled

really bad yesterday, and I wasn't interested, but I went out today and

I felt comfortable. One interested spectator here today is Lee Johnson.

You had a crash recently. How are you, first of all? Getting better

every day, the first week is probably the hardest, trying to

rest, just sitting in the house when you are used to being so active, it

is hard. So just bad time of year, working hard to get fit, and

battling back a bit, but it is awesome to be here and watch, so I'm

enjoying it. Ready for the Northwest 200? I am looking forward to being

there, but how fit I'm going to be, I won't know until the day. Getting

a buzz today? I'm excited to watch. You are used to riding, you are

normally not bothered watching, but to see them pushing like mad trying

to win, I'd probably get more nervous than ever be else! Having a

really good day. Enjoy. The next race, the big bikes are on the grid.

Dan Kneen on row three could be the man to watch. The big bikes about to

be unleashed. Way they go. Per start for William Dunlop. That is not what

he wanted. We ride with Mitchell Thomas, no fax from the earlier

crash and looking for a third, but it is Dan Kneen. Derek Shiels into

Gortin first. Dan Kneen in third and Sweeney from the front row back to

fifth. McAdoo for the first time. The Sun helping to dry out the

track. It looks as though William Dunlop

has recovered at least one position. He has been left a bit of work to

do. On-board with Mitchell Thomas as the bikes begin to open up again and

about to get airborne, motocross style as they power the rise. On

board with Dan Kneen at the start as Dunlop gets left behind. Mitchell

Thomas taking it right to the kerb and Dan Kneen is already up to

fourth. Then third. Slows for the turn. Just what Dan Kneen must've

been hoping for from Row three. Perhaps even better than he had

hoped for. Third place on the opening lap of six. Derek Shiels

Stillman then in the gap over McGhee. Mitchell Thomas still

breathing down his neck. That is Dan Kneen who drops the back wheel

breathing down his neck. That is Dan past. A change for third pace.

Mitchell Thomas is third and Dan anime is back to fourth.

You can see this again. This is from Dan Kneen.

He clips it and takes it too wide and loses momentum.

This is from Mitchell Thomas, just watch Dan Kneen there.

He gets it wrong. Derek Shiels really looks

the business and he will take some catching.

I think Derek Magee knows there is nothing he can do

about Shiels but he has to rely on a mistake from

the race leader now. Shiels continues to pull further

away at the front but it should be closer for third

between Mitchell Thomas and Dan Kneen and indeed it is.

It looks as though he will give his boss two bikes on the podium

at the end of this if he can keep this up.

The leading riders in the second wave John Walshe

ahead of James Cowton. Last lap then.

Dan Kneen looks to be closing on Mitchell Thomas.

He certainly looks the part, into Gortin, but is he close

enough to fashion a move? No is the short answer

but he could gain ground. He gets points for style but that

does not count for much apart from giving the spectators plenty

of enjoyment as per usual. If he is going to steal third place

from Mitchell Thomas he is running out of options.

Perhaps on a 600, but I cannot see it on a superbike.

Not close enough to do it. His last throw of the dice

is in place as we switch to Derek Shiels who is counting down

the corners on his way to the chequered flag.

It has been a early perfect performance from Derek Shiels

after having missed out on victory last year,

will he repeat his performance of two years ago by winning

the open race at Cookstown? of two years ago by winning

That has broken Derek McGhee who has eased off to ensure he takes second.

Here he is, celebrates with

Here he is, celebrates like Mitchell Thomas will hold off

Dan Kneen for third. Derek Shiels soaks in the applause

Dan Kneen fourth, Derek McGhee second and Derek Shiels on top.

Great ride. I enjoyed that.

Derek Shiels steps onto the top Just poked away and did the job.

Derek Shiels steps onto the top of the podium and deservedly so.

The Moto3 race was won by Paul Jordan.

All eyes were on a new member of the Dunlop racing dynasty,

Gary Dunlop, son of five-time world champion the late Joey Dunlop,

has this season joined the road racing ranks.

He followed William and Michael Dunlop, sons of Robert

onto the grid on the national scene. This is just his third road race

and he is enjoying every moment between the hedges.

Road racing, has that put a smile on your face.

I didn't enjoy it. I had a bad day yesterday.

I could not get into it, I was not feeling it.

Everything sort of clicked. It was perfect.

Everything sort of clicked. leaders at one stage.

I came from about seven behind, up to second or third.

My visor steamed up and I over shot it.

The fact that I was up there, I felt that was pretty good.

You did a bit of short racing this year for the first time,

why do you decide to take things more seriously?

I am still not taking it as serious. It is a bit of fun, but you get

a bit competitive out there. It is something I always wanted

to do but the time was not right before.

A couple of people talked to me, someone said that I was a bit scared

of doing it and I wanted to prove them wrong.

Gary Dunlop continuing a famous family tradition

and he is being helped along the by his cousin William

who was the winner of the first Supersport race.

They are back on the grid, let us see if he

They are back on the grid, make it two out of two.

Conditions continue to improve at Cookstown and therefore we should

see lap speeds increase on what we saw in the

earlier invitation race. James Cowton makes his way

to his position, which is alongside William Dunlop on the road.

William Dunlop 's machine getting a lot of attention.

But they are clearing the grid now. Bumper crowd as always for this

meeting and they are about to be entertained again by the 600s,

Jordan with McGhee alongside him. Away they go.

Everyone away cleanly, but some barging.

Paul Jordan concedes first to Derek McGhee.

This long blast out to Gortin. Jordan hits the anchors early.

They are all bunched up. This is tight.

But clean. That could be some move by Dan Kneen

as McGhee leaves Jordan and just about keeps his front wheel down.

It is firmly planted on the ground as they fly towards McAdoo.

McGhee from Jordan, from Dunlop with Dan Kneen fourth.

Earlier we saw William Dunlop recover from not the best of starts,

to eventual victory. It is a better start

from him this time. Here they come, breaking away

into a group of five at the front. At the back of that is James Cowton,

that is who we are looking at, pursuing Dan Kneen

who is providing the pictures. Still no change in the order

but Jordan right on the shoulder of McGhee on the way to Black's

Jump. James Cowton is getting airtime.

There he goes. Back with Jordan and the on-board

camera shows how inch perfect these riders are as they take their bikes

from one side of the road to the other and that

speed as Jordan slipped through and into the lead.

Or does he? As McGhee heads back,

Jordan slowed down. McGhee leaves again.

Jordan just could not get the bike turned in time to protect his lead,

short-lived as it was, once again Jordan hits the brakes

early and that allows Dunlop up into second.

It is fair to say that this is the one part of the track that

Paul Jordan has not got quite right yet.

Here we go, we are on board with Paul Jordan, just

in behind William Dunlop. Into McAdoo.

Derek McGhee still ahead. This is Jordan, up alongside Dunlop.

He is getting onto the front wheel, he is getting on the power as well.

Dunlop... Jordan concedes, I should say.

James Cowton and Dan Kneen, perhaps he is pleased with how

he got off the grid. They are right on the back wheels

of the leaders going into Gortin. There is Dunlop, good recovery

from Dan Kneen having been passed by James Cowton,

he retook the position. Craigmount and Jordan out

of his seat and that lets Dan Kneen through.

Yes it does. Moment for Paul Jordan,

that has shaken him up. His rhythm has gone.

James Cowton goes ahead into fourth. Twitch from Dunlop.

Less than a second and a half covering the top five,

but keep an eye on William Dunlop as he goes to the outside

of Derek McGhee. as he goes to the outside

He opts for the long way around at Gortin, but it

He opts for the long way around McGhee is just too good.

This is Paul Jordan 's moment again. Bike goes out of shape and he loses

momentum and Dan Kneen profits. Going much better this time.

Dunlop just tucked in behind McGhee and again.

Little puff of blue smoke, nothing to worry about. William Dunlop is

looking to sneak up the inside at McAdoo and he has gone for it and

got him, are overtake manoeuvre at McAdoo, well done, Dunlop. Has gone

on at Orritor. William Dunlop looks behind him and will be pleased. Paul

Jordan still in fifth, but he looks to have settled for that now. The

black and yellow last lap flag is waiting for William Dunlop. Dan

Kneen on McGhee. Yes it is. He keeps his line and holes on, Dan Kneen is

up to second as they begin the last lap. McGhee wants that place back

and he might just get it. Here he goes, up the inside off Dan Kneen.

They are side-by-side into Gortin. That was almost a case of after you,

no, after you from McGhee and Dan Kneen. Cookstown victory number 13

awaits William Dunlop, two more than Joey or Robert and for more than

brother Michael. Dan Kneen can come and do my lawn if he wants, he is

getting quite good at that. Dunlop getting cheered on by the fans. This

will be there are 115th Irish road race victory in the career of Dunlop

over a period of 11 years. Derek McGhee and Dan Kneen given a plenty.

First goes to Dunlop. It is McGhee second but only just from Dan Kneen.

Another win for William Dunlop from the second row of the grid, only

Robert and Julie and Ryan Farquhar have won warm races on the Irish

roads than this man. Another remarkable feat for this popular

rider. -- Joey. Less than four seconds covering the top for riders

with James Calton trailing, McGhee is second and Dunlop is first.

Congratulations, another very patient ride and an excellent

victory. Yes, we got to go once again. It is thanks to the team, a

brilliant job, and the engine is just, it is just a fun nominal bike.

It is a double day of victory from William Dunlop. Next up is the

Supertwins, a class which always produces plenty of close racing, and

perhaps the rider to look out for on the front row is Malachi

Mitchell-Thomas. In his debut here, but he is making quite an impact.

COMMENTATOR: Paul Jordan is alongside, Malachi Mitchell-Thomas

in the fourth race, and Derek Shiels gets a cracking start. Shiels is

going to take the lead from road to. They go down towards Gortin, and

they must be three abreast as they come down. The second wave gets

away, Steve McKnight hasn't got the best of starts, and meanwhile it is

getting very fraught and hectic Dan Gortin. They squeeze their way

through these tight, twisty Cookstown roads. Shiels leads, Opel

in second. On board with Malachi

Mitchell-Thomas on the Cookstown Burrows engineering Kawasaki.

Malachi Mitchell-Thomas was looking as if he was going to make a move.

So, Mitchell Thomas is in third position ahead of Paul Jordan, James

Cowton just behind, and 55, popping his wheel, is Scott Campbell.

Derek Sheils takes a good look behind him. Michael Guigou ball, the

Czech rider, in second, Malachi Thomas in third. That is how it will

look at the top of the leaderboard in the opening lap. Derek Shiels

keeps it over to the right hand side, anticipating any attack should

it come, but Malachi Mitchell-Thomas is looking to take

it come, but Malachi Mitchell-Thomas go. He left it too late on the

brakes, but thought that pitch just as he got overturned.

brakes, but thought that pitch just better of it now. For a moment I

thought he better of it now. For a moment I

first place. Still five riders in this, Derek Sheils not getting away.

Mackney. So he goes into second, and Michael Dukopil goes back to third.

96 is Andy Farrell. So, here they come to cross the line.

That is Malachi Mitchell-Thomas, goes through an Derek Shiels, who

has the inside line, but I don't think he has the place back, has

set? Oh, he has. He takes the think he has the place back, has

Mitchell-Thomas, and we have a cracker here, folks. Mitchell Thomas

hits back cracker here, folks. Mitchell Thomas

McAdoo. Mitchell Hodges back in -- Mitchell Thomas is back in, he is

hot, but he turns in time. Around the Orritor Crossroads they go,

trying to get speed on the exodus they can out of the slipstream of

Mitchell Thomas. Try to carry it passed down towards Gortin, and it

looks like they could be side-by-side, although they are all

going back into single file again, are they? Mitchell Thomas holds that

line on the inside, defends that position, as long as he turns in

time, and he turns in time, Andy Dales. Oh, and a mistake therefore

Derek Shiels, that has dropped back to fifth place. He

Derek Shiels, that has dropped back power again now. He threw the dice,

and it didn't come off. Mitchell Thomas stayed brave, Derek Shiels

still in the race, and this is that moment again. The road belongs to

Mitchell Thomas, Shiels commits almost and just runs out of road,

tucks it in if anything just a little too tightly.

Derek Shiels just losing the total top four. Now, Dukopil could be

about to lose third place. top four. Now, Dukopil could be

looking at Malachi Mitchell-Thomas as they go around Orritor. He takes

the chequered flag, it is victory for Malachi Mitchell-Thomas, what a

fairy story. James Cowton second, Dukopil in third. Confirmation of

those results: Malachi, congratulations, how do you

feel about that confidence boosting win? It was good, I didn't get a

cracking start, I was down to fifth, so I had to battle all the boys to

get it. Podium time, Malachi Mitchell-Thomas on the top step.

The final race on the day as the Cookstown 100. Through the years,

the winners' roll of honour is like a Who's Who of racing. So who will

be crowned the Cookstown 100 champion this year?

COMMENTATOR: There is only one rider on the grid who has won this race

before, William Dunlop, on route to fit this one. -- on the second row

for this one. There is a gap on the front row where Michael Sweeney's

bike should be, and Malachi Mitchell-Thomas will be hoping to

take that place. He is pushing into fourth place by the looks of things,

and the second wave should be about to get away, here they go. Paul

Jordan on 22, and that is who we to get away, here they go. Paul

hitch a ride with now on the run down to Gortin Corner. Sorting

themselves out, but it is definitely Shiels who leaves, McGee, and

Malachi Mitchell-Thomas in third, unable to take advantage. That is

the case. As usual, it is all very frantic on this opening lap of

eight. The second we visited Gortin, and down goes Paul Jordan. He is

quickly on his feet again. Derek Shiels is employing that X, and that

is, get away from the rest of the field as quickly as possible. McGee

second, Mitchell Thomas third, Dunlop fourth. He brakes hard in

anticipation, Paul Jordan, thinking you might run into the back of the

bike in front of him, and that unfortunately is the end of his

race. Derek Sheils is had some impressive results of Cookstown over

the years. He has had a few podiums, he won this race two years ago. He

lost out to Guy Martin last year. But it looks like it is going to be

a second victory out of three in the Cookstown 100 championship race the

Derek Shiels. This is a really impressive performance. We are

riding with Dan Kneen, who is handing William Dunlop.

So, here they go, then, into Gortin, Mitchell Thomas on the back wheel,

just sliding it in. Dan Kneen still behind William Dunlop, still no

position changes in the top five just yet. Dan Kneen does look very

threatening, though. William Dunlop just squeezes ahead of him.

Dan Kneen taking it to the edgy game to get out of McAdoo. Not far to go

for Derek Shiels, but this battle to second place still goes on, Derek

McGee looks like he has got it. Dan Kneen has made a background again,

having lost out to William Dunlop. S so, Derek Shiels, around, he will

see the black and yellow flag, Mitchell Thomas goes through an

Derek McGee, who Mitchell Thomas goes through an

makes a mistake, picks it back up. Dan Kneen might get back past, he

reacted to Derek McGee. It is all change. So, here we go on the last

lap, Derek Shiels into Gortin, and you cannot take your eyes off this

one. So, then, Mitchell Thomas from Dan Kneen, McGee from Dunlop, Dunlop

looking very close to Derek McGee. What a mistake from Derek McGee, he

had a podium in his hand, and he may have threaded away. -- thrown it

away. Dunlop now trying to get past. Round McAdoo. Shiels is through, and

I think we are looking at second and third there, Malachi Mitchell-Thomas

and Dan Kneen unless Dan Kneen has something very special up his

sleeve. Now, then, Dan Kneen, there is still

an opportunity for him out of Craigmount. That is where we come up

to now, the rear wheel goes right therefore Malachi Mitchell-Thomas.

Derek Shiels crosses the line, he wins the Cookstown 100, the feature

race here, he is victorious. Second place, Malachi Mitchell-Thomas, and

Dan Michael Dukopil in third. -- Dan Kneen in third.

Derek, congratulations, that was a Cookstown masterclass. Yes, it was a

good race, I got into first Cookstown masterclass. Yes, it was a

and just had a controlled race from there, just kept my head down kept

steady and smooth. A bit of drizzle on the visor, that was a bit

unnerving at times. Well-deserved applause for Derek Shiels, winner of

the Cookstown 100. applause for Derek Shiels, winner of

A 1- to -- a one-two, you must be delighted. Yes, we didn't quite get

the win at the last meet, but this more than makes up for it. A

memorable day for the Cookstown, and the John Burrows racing team at

their home event. Next up it is the Northwest 200, and every practice

will be live on the website and an BBC Radio 1 lost. We also have three

television specials for you: You won't miss a single thing on the

BBC. I look forward to seeing you on the grid, until then, from

Cookstown, it is goodbye.