Cycling News 2008 ...
Read all the Cycling News in the News Letter every Friday & Monday
2 June 2008
McAllister shines in Donegal 3-day
111 riders lined up in Killybegs on Friday evening for the opening stage of the Bayview Hotel Donegal 3-day stage race.
Michael Duffy from the Donanmo Dynamos took the opening 33 mile leg having been part of a 10 rider break that had gained almost a minute over the remainder of the field. He held off Aaron Buggle (South Dublin) and James McMaster (Northern-Dave Kane) for the stage placings, whilst Dane Dunlop riding for the Cycling Ulster-Totalcycling.com Junior squad took fourth, narrowly missing out on a podium place.
Saturday morning saw Ulster Junior newcomer Marcus Christie, riding for Dublin Club Usher IRC, break the course record for the short 3.3 mile time trial course between Bruckless and Killybegs, shaving .1 of a second of the record set in last years event by Martin O`Louglin. Runner up on the stage was Ballymena Under 23 rider Conor McAllister, which saw him take the race leaders yellow jersey for the 53 mile stage 3 which was won by Limerick rider Brian Quinn (Limerick CC) He took the sprint from a large group that had stayed fairly intact, despite several concerted attempts by the main players throughout the demanding 53 mile route that was run off in bright sunshine, with large crowds out to see the spectacle passing through Ardara and Glenties before ending up back in Killybegs.
The final stage yesterday was won by Mayo`s Charles Prendergast, from a group of 5 who had pulled out a 34 second advantage over a chasing group of 8 that included race leader McAllister who had done enough to hold on to his overall lead, with Buggle runner up and Veteran Tom Shanahan climbed to third overall.
In the Junior category Strabanne`s Marcus Christie ended up 3rd in 7th place overall, with Dane Dunlop best of the Cycling Ulster squad slipping back to 10th overall following the final stage.
Stage 1 Killybegs-Killybegs
1 Michael Duffy Donanmo Dynamos Ruby 33.5 miles in 1h27'54"
2 A Buggle South Dublin CC
3 J McMaster Northern- Dave Kane all same time
Stage 2 Time Trial Result
1 Marcus Christie Usher Irish Road Club 7.00.26
2 C McAllister Ballymena RC @06.81 Sec
3 A Buggle South Dublin CC @09.77 sec
Stage 3 result
1 Brian Quinn Limerick CC 53 miles in 2hours 11 min 28 sec
2 M Duffy Donanmo Dynamos
3 C McAllister Ballymena RC all same time
Stage 4 result
1 Charles Prendergast Mayo Wheelers 54 miles in 2hrs 18min 39sec
2 T. Shanahan Limerick CC
3 W. Murphy Dublin Wheelers all same time
Bay View Hotel Ras Donegal Final Overall
1 Conor McAllister Ballymena RC 6h 05' 42
2 A. Buggle South Dublin CC @07 sec
3 T. Shanahan Limerick CC @25"
4 J. McMaster Northern- Dave Kane @33"
5 M. Duffy (j) Donanmo Dynamos @49"
6 C. Clifford Galway Bay CC @51"
7 M. Christie (j) Usher IRC @01'11"
8 L. Ferguson Northern @01'16"
9 M. O'Loughlan Dan Morrissey @01'37"
10 D. Dunlop (j) Ulster Juniors @01'39"
13 L. McAllister Ulster Juniors @02'54"
37 P. Williams Ulster Juniors @08'57"
60 P. Wilson Ulster Juniors @17'49"
76 P. Bremmer Ulster Juniors @32'33"
Martin Kennedy Memorial `10` Old Bleach CC Sunday
1 J Heverin Clann Eireann-Linen Green 20.22
2 J Madden Bann Whs 20.40
3 C Cassidy Usher-IRC 20.50
4 T Martin Clann Eireann 20.56
6 I Robinson Ards CC 21.27
Jun J Cole Team Madigan 21.47
Women R Withers Fintona CC 26.32
30 May 2008
Cyclists head North for Donegal 3-day
With the FBD Insurance Ras having just ended with an Ulster winner, and Letterkenny rider Philip Deignan competing professionally in the Tour of Italy, cycling is again in the news in County Donegal, which this weekend will play host to the Ras Dhun na nGall 3-day stage race to be held in and around Killybegs.
Promoted by the Four Masters club, and sponsored by the Bay View Hotel and various other local businesses, the 2008 event gets underway this evening leaving Killybegs and heading through Carrick and Glencolmcille, and returning to Killybegs via Meenaneary and Carrick again.
Tomorrow sees the riders tackle a short Time Trial between Bruckless and Killybegs, with a longer road stage in the afternoon. The action finishes up on Sunday where the final stage takes in the much feared ascent of the Glengesh Pass.
With the event not catering for first category riders, there will be close competition between the 2nds, Juniors and veterans, with Cycling Ulster having selected a squad of Juniors to compete for overall glory. The five man team will be led by experienced duo Leo McAllister (Ballymena RC) and Peter Wilson (Maryland Whs), and backed by Dane Dunlop (Lakeland CC), Phillip Bremner (Ballymena RC) and Peter Wilson (Juiced-Orchard)
In total 125 riders are due to line up this evening, with top female rider Jenny Fay, riding for the UK based Swift Racing Team, among a handful of girld sure to be in the thick of the action.
Time Triallists are also catered for this weekend, with the Old Bleach CCs Martin kennedy Memorial 10 mile event at Woodgreen on Sunday morning at 9am.
With East Antrim`s Jim McConnell on the crest of a wave following his win in the Ards CCs Champion of Champions event on Tuesday evening, adding his name on the trophy to that of Chris Boardman and Graeme O`Bree, he will start as one of the favourites in an event that should attract a good entry, as `testers` seemingly only want to compete on the super-fast A26 Ballymena Rd.
Also for the Leisure riders, the 160km Sperrin Sportive takes on Sunday, setting off from the Mid Ulster Sports Centre in Cookstown at 8.30am.
With Olympic selection looming, and Irelands High Performance Director Frank Campbell due to announce his team in the next two weeks, local riders must be waiting in tenterhooks for the phone to ring. Richhills Stephen Gallagher must have done his chances no harm at all last week, with overall victory in the 8-day FBD Ras against tough international opposition, and also Belfast`s David McCann who also showed well throughout the week. He will be hoping for consideration for the Time Trial event, where the multi-National Champion excels. They are up against tough opposition, with Nicholas Roche,son of Stephen, Phillip Deignan, and David O`Loughlin among those aiming for the limited places for Beijing in August.
26 May 2008
Irvine tops in Red Hand Classic
The Blair International Transport Red Hand Trophy confirmed its status as a hard mans race, taking in 70 miles of tough racing in and around the Glens of Antrim on Saturday.
The action began in the Ballymena Road Club promotion on the long drag out of Clough, with Simon Williams (Juiced Orchard) and Martyn Irvine (Pezula Racing) making the move. The pair dominated the race as it made its way via Ballycastle, to the long vanishing lakes climb at Ballypatrick Forest and then down the fast descent on to the Antrim Coast Road where their advantage was over three minutes as they hit the flat windswept coastal section.
On the final climb of the day on the `wee Glen` out of Carnlough, Willams’ efforts began to tell as Pezula professional Irvine forged ahead to take a solo win back at Broughshane.
Williams was swept up by Ronan McLaughlin (An Post) and the promoting clubs Ryan Connor on the run in to the finish, but he still managed to finish fourth after a hard say in the saddle.
Irvine, back on form after a serious crash in the Tour of Turkey last month, crossed the line three and a half minutes clear with McLaughlin outsprinting Connor for second place.
Slane series leader Glen Kinning (Castlereagh CC) held on to his series lead, taking 6th place behind former Pezula rider Adam Armstrong.
Meanwhile in yesterdays NICF Northern Ireland 10 mile Time Trial championship, Clann Eireann`s John Heverin took the Gold medal, edging out Pezula professional Martyn Irvine who finished 6 seconds adrift. Bann Wheelers Veteran John Madden took Bronze, with Team Madigan`s Jonny Cole winning the Junior category.
Yesterday also wrapped up the 8 day FBD Insurance Ras which finished in to Skerries following a speedy trip round the country. Richhills Stephen Gallagher, riding for the Irish An Post team took a sensational win, having defended his Yellow Jersey lead that he regained after Saturdays stage in to Roundwood. Gallagher had briefly led the race earlier in the week on day two in what was a Tour de Force for Ulster riders, with Banbridge`s quiet man Roger Aiken, drafted in to the National squad, taking runner up overall. Aiken, one of the few top flight Irish riders to compete `at home`, quietly moved up the overall rankings and was poised should anything happen to Gallagher. Belfast`s David McCann also had a spell in Yellow, the 2004 race winner in fine form on the climbs, and finished just outside the top 10.
Gallaghers win was the first for an Irish man since McCann in `04, and he adds his name to that of McCann, Tommy Evans, Billy Kerr & Ian Chivers as winners from North of the border.
Blair International Red Hand Trophy. Saturday
1 Martyn Irvine Pezula 70 miles in 2.34.55
2 R McLaughlin An Post @ 3.27
3 R Connor Ballymena Scott Rooftiles "
4 S Williams Juiced Orchard CC @ 3.32
5 A Armstrong Northern Dave Kane @ 5.17
6 G Kinning Castlereagh-Mattest @ 7.11
7 G Scullion Ballymena Scott Rooftiles @ 7.50
8 C McAlister Ballymena Scott Rooftiles "
9 D McKnight Dromara CC @ 8.00
10 S Wright Ballymena Scott Rooftiles "
NICF Northern Ireland 10 Mile Time Trial Championship. Sunday
1 John Heverin Clann Eireann-Linen Green 
21.38
21.382 M Irvine Team Pezula 21.44
3 J Madden Bann Whs 22.05
4 T Martin Clann Eireann 22.33
5 A McDermott 4Masters 22.37
6 G Scott East Antrim-Audi 22.40
7 I Robinson Ards CC 22.44
8 J Cole (Junior winner) Team Madigan 22.53
9 G Cranston East Antrim 22.54
10 S Stockton Team Madigan 23.08
Ladies. Gillian Orr. Ards CC
Under 16. David Neill. Team Madigan
Team Ards CC.
23 May 2008
Connor up for home win in Red Hand
Round 5 of the season long Cycling Ulster-NICF Classic series dominates the local scene this weekend when Ballymena Road Club promotes the Classic Red Hand Trophy event at Broughshane.
This will be round five in the Slane series, and will see defending series champion Ryan Connor, now back in the colours of the promoting Ballymena Road Club, on home ground.
This race is one of the oldest events in the Ulster Calendar and deserves its 'Classic' title, with a full field expected tomorrow as the event leaves the Broughshane Community Centre at 11am for a trip round the scenic Glens of Antrim. Main challengers to Connor are likely to be Slane Series leader Glen Kinning (Castlereagh CC-Mattest) and Newtownards man Adam Armstrong.
Meanwhile on Sunday there are a selection of events to choose from, starting with the Northern Ireland 10 mile Time Trial Championship at Woodgreen. Promoted by the NICF, with a 9am start, this is where the short-distance fast men will excel, with Lurgan teenager Thomas Martin tipped for a Senior medal. The Clann Eireann-Linen Green rider, a first year Senior, is the National Junior record holder over this distance and will be hard to beat on Sunday morning, although Ballymena`s Ryan Connor may have different ideas. First rider is off at 9am, with Under 14s upwards being catered for.
On Sunday afternoon Emyvale in County Monaghan is the venue for the popular Emyvale GP, which also includes round 5 of the National Womens League. The Youth events get underway at 11am, with the feature event starting at 1pm.
For the off-roaders, Magheramourne Quarry near Larne is the place to be on Sunday for round 3 of the Irish Mountain Bike Cross Country National Points Series promoted by Team Madigan. The venue at the former Blue Circle Cement Works, was first used for a round of this series in 2007, and proved to be a great success for the club.
Sign on for the race opens at 10am in the Blue Circle Sports and Social Club, with the Youth races commencing at 11.30am.
Also, for the leisure rider, Sunday sees the 100km Tour of South Armagh promoted by Slieve Gullion Wheelers. Sign on will be at the Mountain House Inn, three miles from Newry, with a 10am start.
The 8-day FBD Ras also finishes up on Sunday with the final 130km stage from Newbridge to Skerries. To date Ulster riders have been faring pretty well, with Stephen Gallagher from Richhill, riding for the An Post team enjoying a day in Yellow, and Belfast`s David McCann winning stage 4 on Wednesday in to Tralee, and taking over the Leaders yellow Jersey which he still holds after yesterdays Stage 5 from Tralee to Skibbereen.
McCann, a former winner of the event in 2004, is vastly experienced and despite tieing on time with former winner Chris Newton (GB-Stenna Line), he will continue to wear the Yellow Jersey for todays 6th Stage from Skibbereen to Clonmel. Banbridge man Roger Aiken is also having a fantastic race, holding third overall, just 6 seconds off his Ireland team mate McCann.
Of the remaining Ulster riders, Stephen Gallagher is 9th overall, and Peter Hawkins lies 38th.
19 May 2008
Orchard lads `juiced` too good in title dash.
Lurgan girl Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann-Linen Green) spoiled a Juiced-Orchard CC clean sweep of Gold medals in Saturdays Northern Ireland & Ulster Youth championships in Bangor.
Promoted by North Down CC and supported by North Down Borough Council, the event saw a large turnout of tomorrows stars from across the province.
Ciara was on top form in the Under 12 race, timing her effort to perfection to cross the line with 10 seconds to spare over defending champion Mark Downey (Banbridge) Keeping the medals in the family, Ciara`s brother Declan took the Bronze ahead of Old Bleach`s Ryan Orr.
In the Under 14 race Robert Anderson (Juiced-Orchard) took a fine solo win ahead of Ards newcomer Ian Inglis, with Newry`s Cormac Clarke claiming third spot.
In the feature Under 16 race, all eyes were again on the Orchard lads, with everyone guessing as to which one of their dominant trio would take Gold. Midway through the 30 mile race Mantas Spirgius and last years Under 14 Champion Jack WIlson (East Antrim) broke clear to open up a useful gap over the bunch. With the Orchard men back in the bunch, there was no concerted chase and the duo maintained their 40 second advantage to the finish. With the deceiving climb of Orlock Hill to be tackled for the 7th time in the final kilometre, Wilson had nothing left for the sprint which saw Spirgius take a well deserved win. His team mate Nathan Mehaffey led a chasing quartet to claim the Bronze.
Meanwhile the Tommy Givan Memorial event in Hillsborough was halted in the early stages due to a number of crashes. Following the delayed restart, the pace was high on the rolling Hillsborough - Annahilt triangle circuit, and with three laps remaining, Richhills Simon Williams (Juiced Orchard) attacked and was quickly followed by Glenn Kinning (Castlereagh); the current leader of the Slane Classic League. They were joined by Daniel Kirwan (Lucan Stagg Cycles), Mark Greer (Maryland Wheelers), Ryan Connor (Ballymena RC), Conor McAllister (Ballymena), Ronan McLaughlin (An Post), Adam Armstrong (U/A) and Gary Cranston (East Antrim Audi), with Jim McConnell (East Antrim) and Thomas Martin (Clann Eireann/Linen Green) making valiant attempts to bridge the gap.
In the penultimate lap, Connor left the break to solo home a comfortable win, followed by Dundalks Daniel Kirwan (Lucan Staggs) and Donegal man Ronan McLaughlin (An Post).
Kinnings sixth place sees him hold on to his overall lead in the Slane Cycles Classic League, however defending champion Connor has now closed the gap ten points. The competition continues next week with Ballymena Road Club`s Red Hand Trophy event.
Result Ulster & Northern Ireland Youth Championships. Bangor Saturday
Under 12
1 Ciara Mulholland Clann Eireann-Linen Green
2 Mark Downey Banbridge CC
3 Declan Mulholland Clann Eireann
4 Ryan Orr Old Bleach CC
5 Aaron Swan Ballymena RC-Scotts
6 Craig Crawford Ballymena RC
Under 14
1 Robert Anderson Juiced-Orchard CC
2 Ian Inglis Ards CC
3 Cormac Clarke Newry Whs-Haldane Fisher
4 Ryan Turner Juiced Orchard CC
5 Kyle Cole Roe Valley CC
6 Claire Oakley XMTBCC
Under 16
1 Mantas Spirgius Juiced-Orchard CC
2 Jack Wilson East Antrim-Audi
3 Nathan Mehaffey Juiced-Orchard CC
4 Andrew Turner Juiced-Orchard CC
5 Aaron Baines East Antrim-Audi
6 David Neill Team Madigan
Result Tommy Given Memorial Road Race. Hillsborough. Saturday.
1 Ryan Connor (Ballymena Scott)
2 D Kirwan (Lucan CC - Staggs Cycles)
3 R McLaughlin (An Post)
4 A Armstrong (U/A)
5 G Cranston (East Antrim Audi)
6 G Kinning (Castlereagh CC)
7 S Williams (Juiced Orchard)
8 S McGreevey (Phoenix CC)
9 C McAllister (Ballymena RC)
10 J McConnell (East Antrim Audi)
Californian Ken Hanson, guesting for the Isle of Man, but having an Irish Grandmother! ran out the winner of a mass sprint in yesterdays opening stage of the 8-day FBD Ras in Ballinamore. Most of the Ulster riders were safely in the main bunch ahead of todays 167km stage from Ballinamore to Claremorris.
Satge 1 result.
1 Ken Hanson Isle of Man
44 David McCann Ireland
49 Roger Aiken Ireland
103 Peter Hawkins Dublin-Usher Insulations
110 Stephen Gallagher An Post
132 Paul Vaughan Cork
16 May 2008
Youth Titles up for grabs
The first Championships of the 2008 season are up for grabs this weekend when the North Down club host the Northern Ireland & Ulster Youth road race championships tomorrow.
With support from North Down Borough Council, the races will cater for Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 categories.
Armagh club, Juiced-Orchard CC look like being the favourites on the day with their riders dominating the Under 16 ranks so far this season. It may just be a case of which one from their winning quartet will take the title tomorrow. Lithuanian Mantas Spurgius has looked good all season, with Adam Rayner, Andrew Turner and Nathan Mehaffey all showing well in Youth racing this season, having taken a club 1-2-3 in the recent Seamus McGreevy memorial event in Dromore. Also challenging for medals will be Team Madigans David neill and East Antrims Jack Wilson.
The Under 14 category will see Lurgan girl Ciara Mulholland pushed all the way, again the Orchard clubs Ryan Turner and Richard Anderson providing the competition, while defending Under 12 champion Mark Downey could well retain his title over the County Down coast roads tomorrow, but with strong challenges coming from Ballymena trio Aaron Swan, Craig Crawford and Alan McCullough. Race HQ is Donaghadee Rugby Club, with a Noon start.
In Hillsborough the Cycling Ulster-NICF Slane Cycles series reached the midway point with Maryland Wheelers` Tommy Givan memorial event tomorrow at Noon. After three rounds, Castlereagh`s Glen Kinning is in the series leaders Yellow Jersey, with tomorrows undulating roads suiting the Balfastman who could well extend his lead in the season long competition.
Meanwhile Irelands big stage race, the 8-day FBD Ras gets underway on Sunday, and although not coming North this year, the event nonetheless has much local interest.
Belfasts David McCann will start as one of the pre-race favourites, and heads the Ireland team. The 35-yearold Giant Asia professional has returned to top form, having won the Tour of Ulster a fortnight ago and placing 7th in last weeks UCI ranked Lincoln GP. The 2004 event winner is accompanied by Banbridge rider Roger Aiken on the 5-man national squad that includes Olympic-bound mountain biker Robin Seymour and Kerryman Miceal Concannon, the pair unexpectedly getting the nod over the likes of Ryan Connor and Adam Armstrong, both left out of either the National or team Pezula line-ups. Their places on the Pezula team are under much speculation, with Connor, winner of last Sundays Noel Hammond Memorial event, wearing Ballymena Road Club colours, declaring himself available for any local team needing a rider for event.
Other local riders on the 140 rider start list include usher-Irish Road Club pair Peter Hawkins and Matt Ward, while Richhills Stephen Gallagher lines up for his An Post professional squad.
8-days and 1200km of hard racing are ahead of the riders who come from as far away as Norway, Bulgaria, Poland and Iran, whilst GB are well represented with double winner Chris Newton leading the Stenna Line GB team along with 2006 champion Kristian House.
Sundays opening 142km stage will take the riders from Navan to Ballinamore, before embarking on an anti-clockwise loop of the country, before finishing up next Sunday in Skerries, North of Dublin.
12 May 2008
Crory in charge at Richhill
Newry rider Gary Crory returned to racing with a bang when he took victory in Saturday’s Groucho’s Grand Prix promoted by the `Juiced` Orchard club at Richhill in County Armagh.
The race was held over the Tandragee 100 motorcycle racing circuit and began at a fast and furious pace in torrential lunchtime rain. As the weather improved the speed went up even more and it looked as if no one would escape from the fast moving bunch, which despite not catering for first category riders nonetheless included a top quality field of Veterans, Juniors and 2nd cats all hoping for the race win.
Mid-way through the race a group of four including the promoting clubs Shaun Gray, Mark Greer (Maryland wheelers), Kevin Lynch (Newry Wheelers) and Crory (unattached) managed to slip off the front to gain a one minute advantage over the main field which proved to be the decisive move of the race, however the quartet lost some of their drive and advantage when Gray retired in the closing stages with a mechanical problem. This allowed the chasing group to close down on the leaders on the final circuit, with a slim 12 seconds separating them at the finish line.
In the long uphill sprint to the finish line at the sponsors Groucho’s Bar in Richhill, 26-year-old Crory was the best of the remaining trio, easily taking the win, pulling out a four second advantage over veteran Greer and a further six seconds over third placed man Lynch.
The main bunch, bearing down on the leaders at the finish line was led in by Willie Hamilton (Usher Irish Road Club), the promoting clubs Peter Williams who took the junior prize, while Paul Ferguson (North Down) and juniors Jonny Beers (East Antrim-Audi) and Peter Wilson (Maryland) were just 12 seconds adrift of the winner.
With the longer evenings comes mid-week racing, and tomorrow evening Phoenix CC promote their 40km Team Time Trial on the woodgreen course near Ballymena. Despite its popular format, this time trial is the only event of its type in Ireland, which last year saw David McCann lead a strong Phoenix team to victory. Tomorrows event gets underway at 7pm.
Meanwhile on Thursday evening the season-long Dave Kane Cycles Time Trial League continues with a 10 mile event on the Ballydonaghy course. This will be round five of the season long series, which has thus far seen Paul Brady (Emmyvale CC) and John Heverin (Clann Eireann-Linen Green) take two wins apiece.
RESULTS: Groucho Grand Prix – Richhill, Saturday.
1. Gary Crory unattached 55 Miles 2hrs 14min 45sec
2. M Greer Maryland Whs @ 4 sec
3. K Lynch Newry Wheelers @ 10 sec
4. W Hamilton Usher I.R.C. @ 12 sec
5. P Williams (Jun) Juiced Orchard
6. P Ferguson North Down
7. J Beers (Jun) East Antrim-Audi
8. P Wilson (Jun) Maryland Wheelers
9. R Smyth Dromara CC
10. C Smyth Phoenix CC all same time
9 May 2008
International turnout for Kelloggs Challenge.
This morning sees over 300 cyclists accompanied by 60 support staff set from the official start line for the four-day Kelloggs Tour of Ireland Cycle Challenge at Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn. Over the course of the four days the riders will travel over 500 miles crossing all four provinces of Ireland. All proceeds from the event will go towards the National Council for the Blind of Ireland.
2008 is the second year that Lisburn has hosted this event, with last year’s inaugural challenge being voted the best organised event of its type by the international cycling community.
The event is open to all cyclists and has attracted entrants from all over Europe. It is a non-competitive challenge whereby each participant competes against the elements and their own levels of fitness and endurance, ending up in Lucan, Co. Dublin on Monday.
The Mayor of Lisburn, Cllr James Tinsley said, “The Tour of Ireland challenge is a fantastic celebration of sport, endurance and determination that we can all be a part of. I’m looking forward to what will be an amazing spectacle as 300 cyclists arrive into Lucan village after covering 500 miles from Lisburn to complete the event. I’ve no doubt that the people of Lisburn will give the riders a rousing departure to encourage and wish them well as they take on the challenge.”
Stephen Twaddell, Managing Director of Kellogg’s said: “As the Tour makes its way through Lisburn, we hope it will inspire people to get on their own bikes and discover the pleasure of getting active. We congratulate the organisers for what looks like being another world-class event and we send a big thank you to the people of Lisburn who embrace the event as it passes through their City.”
On the local racing front, tomorrow sees the Juiced-Orchard club promote the Grouchos Grand Prix in Richhill. Sign on for the race will be from 11.30 to 12.30pm in Groucho's Bar, The Square, Richhill, with a 1.00pm start. Riders will cover nine laps of the Tandragee 100 motorcycle racing circuit before returning to Richhill for the finish, having covered a race distance of 55 miles.
On Sunday there are two leisure events to choose from; in Coalisland the Island Wheelers are holding their annual 80 mile '4 County Tour' taking in the many hills of Counties Tyrone, Fermanagh, Monaghan and Armagh. HQ is the Gortgonis Sports complex,with a 10am start.
Over in Co Down, Dromara Cycling Club's "Coastal" is an annual event for many cyclists. Two distances are offered, 85 km (53 miles) and 115 km (70 miles), starting from Dromara Football club located on the Rathfriland Road, Dromara.
5 May 2008
McCann poised for 3rd Tour of Ulster win
Belfast man David McCann is poised to take a third Tour of Ulster win today when the three-day Omagh Sports Forum sponsored event reaches its climax this afternoon.
McCanns previous wins came way back in 1996 and again in 2005, and the big Giant Asia rider looks on top form having recovered from the illness that saw him retire from last months P&O Tour of the North.
The race got underway in wet conditions in on Saturday and by the time the 103 riders reached Enniskillen with 32 miles covered, a group of 26 had gone clear in what was to be the decisive stage winning move. Battling with strong winds on the Enniskillen-Ballygawley stretch, the field blew apart with over five minutes separating the main groups.
With the main A5 Omagh rd taking in two climbs on the run into the finish, the front group split again, leaving 12 riders at the head of affairs. Big losers on the stage were pre-race favourites, defending champion Ryan Connor and Irish wonder kid Sean Downey. Both were back in a chasing group that lost over five minutes to the leaders, effectively ruling them out of the overall hunt.
In the closing 10 kilometres, two riders clipped off the front Giant Asia`s Paul Griffin and Scott McDonald (Winning Solutions) who hovered 20 seconds out in front, however at the final junction with 1 kilometre to go, McDonald overshot the turn to leave Griffin to take a solo stage win, 13 seconds ahead of Ushers Neil Delahaye.
Yesterday mornings 67 mile stage was again a tough one, with the action starting after just three miles when a group of 10 riders moved clear. By the first climb of the day they were joined by McCann and Connor, who had left Yellow Jersey wearer Griffin back in the main bunch, who were now 45 seconds down. By Cookstown the two front groups merged, to leave 15 riders in the decisive move of the day.
It wasn’t until the final climb of the day, at Gotrin Glen when the leaders split, with Connor and McCann first over the top. In the closing miles their lead stretched to just over one minute, with Connor taking the stage win to make up for his disappointment on Saturday.
McCanns team mate, race leader Griffin took third on the stage, but with a 1.18 deficit he slipped to second overall, handing the Yellow Jersey to McCann who takes a 24 second advantage.
Stage 1 Saturday 78 miles
1 Paul Griffin Giant Asia 2.57.56
2 N Delahaye Usher-IRC @ 13 sec
3 S Couhglan Donamon Dynamos s.t.
4 Mark Nestor Eurocycles s.t.
5 Aiden Crowley Myhome.ie s.t.
Stage 2. Sunday 67 miles
1 Ryan Connor Team Pezula 2.42.26
2 D McCann Giant Asia @ 1 sec
3 P Griffin Giant Asia @ 1.18
4 J Fenlon Carrick-Dan Morrissy @ 1.22
5 S O`Sullivan Myhome.ie s.t.
6 K Gater Comeragh CC @ 1.24
Overall after 2 stages.
1 David McCann Giant Asia 5hrs 41min 16sec
2 P Griffin Giant Asia @ 24sec
3 J Fenlon Carrick -Dan Morrisey @ 41 sec
4 S Surdival Orwell whs B @ 49sec
5 N Delahaye Usher IRC @ 54sec
6 S McDonald Winning Solutions @ 1.39
14th R Connor Team Pezula @ 4.21
2 May 2008
Cyclists head West for Ulster Tour
All eyes will be on Omagh this weekend, when the Omagh Sports Forum sponsored Tour of Ulster 3-day rolls in to town.
With a full field of 110 riders, and three days and four stages of racing in and around the Co Fermanagh town, it promises to be a top weekends action.
Heading the start list is defending Tour of Ulster champion, Pezulas Ryan Connor. The Ahoghill man will be backed up by Newtownards team mate Adam Armstrong. This pair have dominated domestic racing so far this season, with Connor taking his third P&O Tour of the North win back in March. The professional duo will be hard to beat, with the most likely challengers including the Irish National Junior squad headed by Banbridge teenager Sean Downey. Downey finished on the podium at Easter in international company, and is well worth watching over the Fermanagh roads over the weekend.
On announcing the final line-up for the race, Omagh Sports Forum Chairman, Bert Wilson, said this week “This will be one of the largest and most spectacular events to take place almost solely within the Omagh District during 2008. What a great opportunity for locals to witness cycling of such high quality. We are pleased to be able to sponsor this event and hope that many spectators will avail of the opportunity to view the stage starts and finishes.”
The event, in its 52nd year, will get underway tomorrow from Omagh Leisure Complex at 12.00 noon with the first stage covering 80 miles and including three major climbs. The route goes via Dromore and Fintona towards the first climb of the day at Garvary just outside Tempo. Continuing through Enniskillen, Fivemiletown, Clogher and Augher before the second climb of the day Ballygawley. The final climb comes with 12 miles remaining at Ballymacilroy, before returning to Omagh at approximately 2.30pm.
Sunday sees the race start at 11am for a 70 mile stage in the morning, followed by a 2.5 mile time trial on the Dromore road in the afternoon.
The event finale on bank holiday Monday takes in a 70 mile loop that includes three climbs in quick succession. Passing through Newtownstewart and Castlederg the first climb of the day comes at 23 miles. This is followed by two climbs within 5 miles of each other, over Scraghey mountain. The race then heads towards Ederney, Ballinmallard, Trillick and Dromore, and once again back to Omagh for the presentation of the winners Yellow Jersey.
This will be the first year this event has been opened to Juniors, with young Downey having a real chance for overall victory. He will be backed on the National squad by Lisburns Peter Wilson along with Southerners Phillip Lavery, Mark Henaghan and Aaron Buggle. The Isle of Man field the experienced Graeme Hatcher, whilst Bangors Fraser Duncan (Northern CC Dave kane) is always one to rely on for a stage win. A strong Southern Ireland contingent are led by the Usher Irish Road Club, Stamullen Road Club and last minute entry, professional rider Paul Griffin (Giant Asia)
For the non-competitive rider, Castlereagh CC are holding their annual Tour of the Glens 200km Sportive event. Starting from Belfast City Hall, the main group will depart at 8am with feed stations at Ballygally at 42km and Cushendall after 84 and 135km. This is one of the biggest, and best supported rides on the leisure calendar, and with good weather forecast for Monday, the Bank Holiday will provide no rest for Ulsters cyclists.
28 April 2008
Connor & Kane clean up in Spring Classics.
Glorious spring weather saw a action packed racing in two major events across the province at the weekend.
Saturday saw defending Slane Cycles Series champion Ryan Connor (Team Pezula) close the gap on the current leader with a superb win in the John Deere Classic event in Donegal, whilst yesterday 37 year-old former Olympian Mark Kane (Northern Dave Kane Cycles) proved he had lost none of his old sparkle when he triumphed in the Tour of the Mournes at Newry.
At mild and sunny Co Donegal greeted the 50 starters in the Four Masters promoted John Deere classic event in Letterkenny. A demanding 56 mile loop took riders through Glenveagh National Park and over several gruelling climbs before returning back to the village of Kilmacrennan outside Letterkenny.
Ryan Connor and local Donegal man Paul Vaughan (Maryland Whs) broke clear after 35 miles and quickly opened a gap of over a minute over a chasing group of 5 including Slane Series leader Glenn Kinning (Castlereagh CC)
The duo out front never looked like getting caught, and in the closing stages Connor rode away from Vaughan to claim another Pezula win.
In the final 10 miles the chasing five splintered with Fraser Duncan, Glenn Kinning and Conor McAllister dropping Thomas Martin and Simon Williams on the run back to Kilmacrennan.
At the line Connor had 17 seconds to spare over Vaughan, with Duncan leading the chasers in 1 minute 40secs behind the winner.
Meanwhile yesterday a full field gathered for the Tour of the Mournes, the Newry Wheelers event excluding first category riders. Again run over a single loop that took in Newry, Warrenpoint, Rostrevor, Kilkeel, Annalong, Newcastle, Bryansford, Hilltown and Rathfriland before finishing back in Newry.
The race stayed fairly intact until Rathfriland where the field split, with the promoting clubs Mark McKinley one of those featuring. Kane, gearing up for next months Tour of Ireland sportive event, later joined the leaders, and in the closing stages the Ballywalter man escaped to turn back the clock to take a solo win. McKinley took second, followed by Marylands Mark Greer and Enniskillens Dane Dunlop, riding for the Cycling Ulster Junior team.
Result John Deere Classic – Donegal, Saturday.
1 Ryan Connor Team Pezula Racing
2 P Vaughan Maryland Wheelers @ 17 sec
3 F Duncan Northern-Dave Kane @ 1.40
4 G Kinning Castlereagh-Mattest s.t.
5 C McAllister Ballymena RC-Northstone s.t.
6 T Martin Clann Eireann-Linen Green
7 S Williams Juiced Orchard
8 M Ward Usher Irish Road Club
9 D McKnight Dromara CC
10 J McConnell East Antrim-Audi
Result Tour of the Mournes - Nerwy, Sunday
1 Mark Kane Northern CC-Dave Kane Cycles
2 M McKinely Newry – Haldane Fisher
3 M Greer Maryland Whs
4 D Dunlop Cycling Ulster Juniors
5 P Kane Northern – Dave Kane
6 P Wilson Maryland Whs
25 April 2008
Ulstermen in Donegal for 4-masters challenge.
Cyclists will be spread the full length of the province this weekend, with the racing action taking place in Donegal in the North West tomorrow, and Newry in the South on Sunday.
Tomorrow sees the Four Masters club in County Donegal kick off this weekend's road racing events with the John Deere Classic. The race is also the third counter in the Slane Cycles Ulster Classic League, which sees the season-long competition get in to its stride.
A change of route is planned from last years inaugural event where Peter Hawkins (Usher) ran out the winner, and with Pezula duo Ryan Connor and Adam Armstrong topping the bill, it has all the makings for an action packed race.
In the season long Slane Cycles Ulster Classic League, Castlereaghs Glen Kinning will wear the series leaders Yellow Jersey, thanks to his 4th place and win in the Wallace Cladwell and Tour of Ards events respectively. Kinning currently tops the points table on 37 points, with last years overall series winner Ryan Connor back in 6th place on 19. Local Donegal man Paul Vaughan (Maryland Wheelers) is well placed in 3rd overall, and on home roads he will be hoping to turn in a good performance. Tomorrows sign-on will be in Letterkenny from 11am, with a Noon start.
On Sunday the First Category riders are excluded from the Newry Wheelers Tour of the Mournes, and whilst not being as mountainous as the title suggests, the race nonetheless provides a serious challenge over the South Down roads. Veteran Shaun Gray (Juiced-Orchard CC) will no doubt be out to defend his win in last year's event but he can expect tough competition, not least from Cycling Ulsters selected Junior squad comprising Dane Dunlop (Lakeland CC), Philip Bremner (Ballymena RC), Peter Wilson (Maryland Whs), Leo McAllister (Ballymena RC) and Stuart Henry (North Down) Sign-on will be from the Newry Gateway Centre from 10.30, with a Noon roll-out. Recent form would suggest Banbridge lad Sean Downey could be the man to beat, however the inclusion of former International Mark Kane, limbering up for the forthcoming Tour of Ireland sportive, is bound to attract attention.
For the leisure riders there are two events in the province to choose from, both on Sunday. Cycling Ulster's newest club, Downpatrick Third World Pedal Pushers are holding a 20km & 100km ride starting from Downpatrick Cricket Club at 10am, while at the other end of the country, Roe Valley promote their annual Gort na Drum Tour in Dungiven. Sign-on at 9 o'clock from Gort na Drum House, with 80 & 56 kilometre routes available.
Meanwhile with just over a week to go, the Omagh Sports Forum Tour of Ulster has closed its entry with a full field of 100 riders.
Twenty Two teams will contest the three-day four-stage race, along with numerous individual entries. Defending champion Ryan Connor (Pezula Racing Team) heads the line-up, with fellow professionals including Paul Griffin (Giant Asia) and Denis Dunworth (An Post) also heading to Omagh for the weekend.
An Ireland Junior squad, led by Banbridge man Sean Downey is also on the start sheet, with the Banbridge teenager on top form having taken 3rd overall in the Tour of the North and winning the Sean McGreevy memorial last weekend.
All stages are within easy reach of Omagh, with stage two on Saturday, at just under 70 miles, likely to provide the major sort out.
21 April 2008
Double tops for Aiken
It was two-in-a-row for the promoting clubs Roger Aiken when he added his name to the John Beggs memorial trophy for the second time in succession on Saturday at Dromore, County Down.
The Banbridge man was again in a class of his own, having broken free on his own over home roads on the demanding Dromore-Hillsborough triangle circuit
The winning break went on lap one of seven, with six riders including Aiken opening a gap. The Banbridge climbing specialist left it until the end of lap 4 to make his move, which saw him comfortably solo to victory in a repeat performance of last years event.
Southern visitors Simon Mulvanny and Craig Sweetman missed the initial move, but made it across to the break in the later stages of the race, for Mulvanny to take second place ahead of Juiced-Orchard rider Simon Williams.
In the supporting Sean McGreevy memorial event, second year Junior rider Sean Downey, who arrived home from Switzerland on Thursday having recently taken his first International race win, dominated the race in a similar fashion to Aiken, taking the flag with a comfortable margin over North Down`s Alan Lavery. Downey, who is home in preparation for his assault on the Tour of Ulster in two weeks time, an event his father won in 1987, almost didn`t make it over the line. His two-handed victory salute on the sharp uphill finish saw him overbalance and part company with the bike, although luckily he had ample time to recover and take a memorable victory.
The Youth races were again dominated by the County Armagh Juiced-Orchard outfit, with Adam Ryner taking his first win in the Under 16 ranks. He was closely followed by club-mates Mantas Spirgius and Adam Turner, giving the orchard county lads a clean sweep.
The Armagh boys had more cause for celebration with Richard Anderson taking the verdict over Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann-Linen Green) and Cormac Clarke (Newry Whs) in the Under 14s, whilst it was back to the promoting Banbridge club for the winner of the Under 12s, where the next Downey champion, Mark, took the honours.
Tandem Road Racing made a return to Ulsters roads on Saturday, with no fewer than 10 pairs making the start. The event was won by seasoned International David Peelo who partnered Anthony Delaney to victory in what was a full days racing for the Banbridge club.
With just over two weeks to go to the 3-day Tour of Ulster over the May Bank Holiday weekend, the entries close today with a limit of 100 riders. Once again based in and around Omagh, and supported by Omagh Sports Forum, the organising UCPC have selected a suitably tough route.
Stage one on Saturday 3rd, takes in 126km tough hilly miles with 3 climbs, the last coming 20 km from the finish in Omagh. Two stages on Sunday include a 108km morning stage followed by a 3.7km Time Trial on the Omagh-Dromore Rd in the afternoon, whilst Mondays final stage is fairly flat, covering 117km, again starting and finishing in Omagh.
2007 winner Ryan Connor is likely to head the start list, with the Ahoghill Team Pezula man going for the double to add to the Tour of the North win last month.
Yesterday saw an influx of UK mainland riders for the biggest 1-day race in Ireland, the Shay Elliott Memorial in Bray. Team Pezula`s national road Champion David O`Loughlin took the win ahead of Englishman Pete Williams (Pinarello racing) with Paul Griffin (Giant Asia) 3rd. Ballymena`s COnor McAllister was second in the Senior 2 category.
Result John Beggs Memorial Dromore Saturday.
1 Roger Aiken Banridge CC
2 S Mulvany Stamullen RC-M Donnelly
3 S Williams Juiced Orchard CC
4 C Sweetman Stamullen RC-M Donnelly
5 R Moore Stamullen RC-M Donnelly
6 P Wilson (Jun) Maryland Wheelers
Seamus McGreevy B Race
1 Sean Downey Banbridge CC
2 A Lavery North Down CC
3 T Wilson Ballymena/Scotts
Youth Races
Under 16
1 Adam Rynar Juiced Orchard
2 M Spirgius Juiced Orchard
3 A Turner Juiced Orchard
Under 14
R Anderson Juiced Orchard
C Mulholland Clann Eireann/Linen Green
C Clarke Newry Wheeler
Under 12
M Downey Banbridge CC
D Mulholland Clann Eireann/Linen Green
R Orr Old Bleach CC
Tandems
1 Peelo/Delaney
2 Fitzgerald/Lynch
3 Hendron/Branigan
Shay Elliott Memorial Bray (Sunday)
1, David O’Loughlin (Pezula) 145 kilometres in 3 hours 33 mins
2, P Williams (Pinarello RT) same time
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