Club Weekly News Part 18

<< Previous 1... 16 17 [18] 19 20 ...31 Next >>

The McComb TT League is in FULL Flight after Round 5

Portrush Road 10mile TT (2nd June 2010)

Final Classified Result,

1st. John McIlderry (BVCC) 22'-57"

2nd. Ronnie Kidd (BW) 23'-06"

3rd. Niall O'Hagan (BCC) 24'-09"

4th. Jason Taggart (BCC) 24'-11"

5th. J.Davidson (RVCC) 24'-12"

6th. Colin Brennan (CD) 24'-36"

7th. D. Laverty (U/A) 24'-37"

8th. N. Magee (BCC) 24'-54"

9th. C. Crawford (U14 TSC) 25'-17"

10th. J.Patton (BCC) 25'-53"

11th. Aaron Swan (U14 TSC) 26'-03"

12th. Jerome McKendry (BCC) 26'-26"

13th. N. Elder (BCC) 26'-28"

14th. J. Dillon (BCC) 26'-37"

15th. O. Bateson (BCC) 26'-52"

16th. P. McToal (BCC) 27'-29"

17th. J.McLaughlin (BCC) 27'-38"

18th. A. Dickie (BCC) 28'-25"

19th. J. Owens (BCC) 28'-33"

Jack and Jeff's 1st 10mile TT

Jeff McLaughlin - Personal 1st time best 27'-38"

Ballymoney Schoolboy Jack Owens - EXCELLENT- 28'-33"

Jason Taggart Fastest at the McComb Steel Circuit TT

On a windy and wet Wednesday evening Ballymoney CC promoted their Circuit 16.7km TT, sponsored by McComb Steel in their TT league series,

This race was described on the Ballymoney CC website as “Tour de France” type event. This meant that it was not a flat fast course, but a tough rolling climbing circuit, like the Tour passing through the villages of Stranocum and Dervock, much to the delight of the locals. As many have thanked

Ballymoney CC for laying on this free road show of cycling in the area.

Fastest rider was Ballymoney man Liam O’Connor (BVCC) in a time of 26mins 18secs, closely followed by Toon favourite Jason Taggart in 26-51.

Cloughmills schoolboy sensations, Aaron Swan and Craig Crawford again showed that youth is at the lead in cycling’s progression, both young men

Rode out of their skins and recorded times of 28.24 and 29.56. Craig finished equal 4^th with Niall O’Hagan.

Jerome McKendry BCC was 3^rd in 27.55.

Well worth the mention are the times of Nigel Elder, Oliver Bateson, Neville Patton and Johnny Dillon, these men are making the McComb Steel league a

close run contest, next week we will be publishing the results and positions on the table so far after round 5 of 10 in the series.

Final Result

1^st Liam O’Connor (BVCC) 26.18

2^nd Jason Taggart (BCC) 26.51

3^rd Jerome McKendry (BCC) 27.55

4^th Craig Crawford (U14 Schoolboy) 28.24

4^th Niall O’Hagan (BCC) 28.24

6^th Neville Patton (BCC) 28.37

7^th Nigel Elder (BCC) 28.41

8^th Johnny Dillon (BCC) 28.48

9^th Oliver Bateson (BCC) 28.50

10^th John Patton (BCC) 28.53

11^th Ryan Patton (BCC) 29.44

12^th Aaron Swan (U14 schoolboy) 29.56

13^th Martin Doughert (BCC) 32.23

14^th Aaron Dickie (BCC) 32.54

Jason Taggart’s first Road Race and finishes 8^th at Audi GP

On Saturday Ballymoney CC had 3 riders in the first 15 at the East Antrim CC Audi GP at Ballynure, this race was won by

Aghadowey cyclist Bryan McKinney (BW) Ballymoney CC would like to congratulate Bryan on being upgraded to A3.

Bryan following in the footsteps of his very successful father Eddy McKinney. Eddy was a winner at both disciplines of TT and

Road racing.

In this hectic event Ballymoney strongman Niall O’Hagan was constantly at the front and two team mates in their first ever road race,

Jerome McKendry and Jason Taggart. With Bryan McKinney jumping clear in the final mile, and holding on to the line. The bunch was in

A full gas sprint with Jason getting 8^th and Niall 9^th, Jerome was close behind on the same time in 13^th place.

Ballymoney CC want to congratulate Jason and Jerome on this fantastic achievement, next weeks write up will cover Jerome’s ride at the

Classic Bobby Crilly race on Sunday finishing at the top of Divis mountain.

Coming Events.

An evening with Stephen Gallagher at the Joey Dunlop Centre starting at 7.30pm all Ballymoney CC members are urged to attend and make

the most of this event.

On Wednesday night the club will promote round 5 of the McComb Steel TT league with a 10mile Time Trial on the Portrush line, starting as

Usual north of Ballybogey and turning at the Portrush Rd roundabout in Ballymoney. First rider is off at 7pm.

Ras Donegal (Tour of Donegal), starts in Killybegs on Friday night and Ballymoney CC rider Steven McAllister is in action at this prestigious race.

Full write up and photos in next weeks report.

No.21

Ballymoney Cycling Club riders....2 wins in 3 days

Ballymoney Cycling Club duo of Niall O’Hagan and Stevie McAllister have been

winning races from as far away as Bangor Co. Down to nearer home on the Tullaghans above Dunloy in Co. Antrim in the space of

72 hours.

McAllister romped to victory in Bangor last weekend beating over 50 other racers to the line in what was described as a sensational race.

Niall O’Hagan wins the Tullaghans Road Race.

Then last Wednesday night saw Niall O’Hagan ride off from the rest of his group to win on the old yet

legendary “Tullaghans Road Race” circuit. This course was described by past winner of the race in 1986 David Wallace as a “Course for hard men and talented youth!”

23 riders signed on at the start in Finvoy some with no idea of the challenge that lay ahead, but bravely they set off in groups carefully handicapped to ensure a fair result was obtained for those who choose to ride hard and fast.

Local schoolboy sensations Aaron Swan and Craig Crawford both under 14, set off along with the experinced Sam Greer in the front group.

Craig and Aaron are using these type of races at Ballymoney to prepare for other events on their callendar and the type of courses and level of

competition suits them down to the ground. Ballymoney CC are freely offering their assistance to both young men in their further quest for success

in Irish schoolboy cycling.

Five times up to St Mary’s cross with the last time over the top to meet the chequered flag was what Ryan Patton designed for the field, a total of 24 miles. As the groups set off

it was clear to everyone from the start that Niall O’Hagan and Jerome McKendry (Ballymoney CC) were not here to make up the numbers. Niall was driving hard at the front of

his group at every opportunity in an attempt to escape the somewhat indecisive riding by the scratch group of Jason Henry (U/A) Bobby Kane (BCC) and Stevie McAllister (BCC).

Seasoned campaigners Neville Patton, Oliver Bateson along with new to road racing Jason Taggart showed no mercy as they caught newcomer to the club and cycle racing Jeff McLaughlin.

Jeff a keen sportsman in the Ballymoney area for years has wisely decided that it is time to be successful at bike racing. And along with Martin Doughert, Johnny Dillon, Nigel Elder and John Patton the

race to be first across the line had to be achieved.

At the Long Lane with three mile to go for the final time and the scratch group of three almost on them, Niall and Jerome drove the pace to the limit, at the “Doctors Corner” and on the

bottom of the final ascent to the finish, both men were committed to just one result and on this occasion Niall was the one who rode off on his own with a surge of power that took him

clear giving at the line a very clear and unchallenged victory.

Final Classified Result

1^st Niall O’Hagan (BCC) 58mins 18secs

2^nd Mark Wilkinson (BW) @ 18secs

3^rd Jerome McKendry (BCC) @ 24secs

4^th Craig Crawford (U14 Schoolboy) @ 37secs.

5^th Neville Patton (BCC) @ 47secs

6^th Jason Henry (U/A) @ 54secs

7^th Bobby Kane (BCC)

8^th Steven McAllister (BCC)

9^th Johnny Dillon (BCC)

10^th Aaron Swan (U14 Schoolboy)

11^th Martin Doughert (BCC)

12^th Phil Smith (BCC)

13^th Jason Taggart (BCC)

14^th Nigel Elder (BCC)

15^th John Patton (BCC)

16^th Jeff McLaughlin (BCC)

17^th Aaron Dickie (BCC)

Emyvale Grand Prix, McAllister 10^th for Ballymoney CC

In blistering heat and a field of over 200 riders, divided amongst A1 to schoolboys, Emyvale CC organised a race that is a credit to cycling here in Ireland.

Steven McAllister, (Ballymoney CC) represented his club in the 53 mile race over 5 laps at the village of Tydavnet in Co. Monaghan.

Steven in his usual

style was at the front from the start in his first race from being upgraded to this higher level from last weeks victory in Bangor.

In typical amatuer racing the pace was hectic from the start, and the Ballymoney lad tried to latch onto small breaks that were doomed to

fail due to what can only be described as “Negative racing” What happens is a small group of riders will attempt to escape the main field, then a rider with no aspirations

to win will come from the centre of the bunch and burst himself (do a short hard ride) to secure that the group is caught again. He then drops back into oblivion.. Job done...

On the narrow roads the race saw competitors fom Cork, Limerick, Westport, Galway, Dublin and a sparkling from the north, East Antrim, Phoenix, Belfast, Ballymena and Ballymoney

do battle for the honours on the line, the uphill sprint was just too much and the Ballymoney rider and he had to settle for a very creditable 10^th place.

Final Result was,

1^st Andrew Bradley (ETCC)

2^nd Andrew Hunter (Northern)

3^rd Kevin Nulty (Stamullen)

10^th Steven McAllister (BCC) all same time.

SPECIAL RIDE for Meningitis Research

Ballymoney Cycling Club do not wish to be seen to be claiming unfair media coverage for their committment to supporting Charities and worthy causes that lie

close to all our hearts. This is a one off SPECIAL EXCEPTION!

This week, Friday 28^th May, a member and club run group leader Charlie Dickson is riding from Portrush to the Downings in Donegal a total of 92miles.

Charlie is doing this ride to raise funds for Meningitis Research.

Here is how we all can help this wonderful charity and their efforts,

All we have to do is guess how long it takes Charlie to ride the 92 miles! Each guess is worth £2 and that goes to Meningitis Research.

Please support Charlie in his courageous and cause driven ride on Friday, all donations can be given at the clubs next Club meeting on Tuesday night 1^st June 2010.

XTRA Special Event for BCC Members Tuesday 1^st June 2010.

When Ballymoney Cycling Club reformed again back in November 2009, it was decided that every step of the way would be designed to help our riders and members progression.

By helping we mean getting the correct preparation, nutrition, racing and training information made freely available to ALL our members and friends.

As there are so many so called experts out there today, Race secretary Ryan Patton and old school PRO Maurice McAllister dug deep into their resourches of knowledge, and have

made available on the 1^st of May 2010 a Professional Cyclist who has ridden in Belgium for 5 years, competed at the top in every level, won the “FAMOUS” Ras in 2008 and dozens of other quality

Classic Races. This TOP PROFESSIONAL CYCLIST will be available to advise all Ballymoney CC riders at the Joey Dunlop Centre from 7.30pm next Tuesday night.

We are sorry at this time we cannot invite other cyclists outside Ballymoney CC to attend this event as it is “EXCLUSIVE” to BCC members only.

Club Races

On Wednesday night Ballymoney Cycling Club will hold the 16.7Km TT starting at Moores Uni Drill on the Kirk Road from 7pm.

Hope to see you all there!

No.20

Ballymoney Cycling Club riders just keep on WINNING!

Niall O'Hagan wins "The Tullaghans" road race

"Hard racing for hard men and talented Youth", that is how the "Tullaghans" Road Race was described tonight by a former winner. Davy Wallace (U16 schoolboy 1986)

Final Result - The Tullaghan's Road Race

1st. Niall O'Hagan (BCC) - 24miles in 58mins 18secs

2nd. Mark Wilkinson (BW) @ 18"

3rd Jerome McKendry (BCC) @ 24"

4th *Craig Crawford (U14 schoolboy) @ 37"

5th Neville Patton (BCC)

6th Jason Henry (U/A)

7th Bobby Kane (BCC)

8th Steven McAllister (BCC

9th Johnny Dillon (BCC)

10th *Aaron Swan (U14 schoolboy)

TOP...Irish schoolboys Aaron and Craig

Ryan and Phil at St Mary's cross

11th. Martin Doughert (BCC)

12th. Phil Smith (BCC)

13th. Jason Taggart (BCC)

14th. Nigel Elder (BCC)

15th. John Patton (BCC)

16th. Jeff McLaughlin (BCC)

17th. Aaron Dickie (BCC)

DNF Oliver Bateson (Mechanical problem)

Last gulp Jerome

Well strung out at the Cross

Jason, Bobby and Stevie lookin for someone!

The Future of Irish Cycling

FAST.. but not as fast as Niall

If you're not happy....Blame him..!! Bring a note next week!

Just follow the Jersey!..

Coming soon on the back of a cyclist near you.!!

"Another win!"

Steven McAllister

Ballymoney Cycling Club WINS the North Down GP!

Stevie McAllister enjoys another WIN!

Loyal Team mates, Nigel Elder, Stevie Mac and Niall O'Hagan

No.19

Stevie McAllister wins North Down GP!!

Ballymoney Cycling Club rider Stevie McAllister won the North Down Grand Prix at Bangor at the weekend.

The race was held on the tough Donaghadee, Springwell, Bangor circuit. Seven laps of hard riding in wind and driving rain saw the field of 40 get a lesson in road racing BCC style!

In what has been described by onlookers as one of the most exciting races of 2010, the Ballymoney lad set about tormenting the field,

Lap seven ended like lap one with McAllister at the front, attacking the field at every possible opportunity,

But it was nigh impossible for the aggressive McAllister to escape as every hand was to the pump and he was chased down by the pack. No sooner was he back into the bunch again but

off again he went in an effort to finish in a solo victory.

Ballymoney CC team mate Niall O’Hagan who rode a great race in Hillsborough on the

Saturday, Niall like his team mate took the race to the field and was active at the front trying to escape to victory, in the end Niall was chased

down and had to settle for a top 12 position. Even with the previous days miles in his legs Niall along with Nigel Elder were always close to their winning

team mate, providing shelter and protection at the head of the bunch. With two laps to go the Ballymoney CC two of O’Hagan and McAllister opened

a gap between themselves and the field, to the support crew following it looked that maybe a one two was on the cards, but again the tiring bunch

mustered some strength and reeled the two lads back into their grasp.

Coming round the coast for the final time the bunch was edgy and jumpy anticipating a bunch gallop for the winning line, North Down, Ards CC, Phoenix and

Banbridge were all jostling for position and the uphill finish looked too much for the BCC lads. When out of the weaving pack came

McAllister pounding hard on the pedals and finishing still the strongest of everyone.

Another great victory for Ballymoney Cycling Club and the town of Ballymoney.

At the line it was Steven McAllister from Warren Pauley (North Down) and Simon Welby (Dromara CC). Ballymoney CC’s Niall O’Hagan and

Nigel Elder finished in the bunch after a very successful day for Ballymoney CC.

Dean McIlfatrick wins Orra Mountain Classic TT in the McComb Steel League

On Wednesday past riders from Ballymena, Portglenone, Bellaghy and Tyrone assembled in Magherahoney, for the first ever 17 mile

Orra Mountain Classic TT. Starting at the foot of the famous Altarichird Road the brave souls had a fearsome ascent to the summit followed by

a nosebleed inducing descent down from Altnahinch. Two schoolboys Blayne Watton (BW) and Robbie McIlderry (BVCC) had the honour of

leading off the field. Blayne now has the schoolboys record for the course finishing in a time of 57’ 26”. Robbie was close behind in 60’ 20”.

It was not hard to know who was on the gas as eventual winner Dean McIlfatrick (BVCC) who was flying at all the checkpoints setting a new course

record and winning time of 48’ 59”. Local favourite and Ballymoney CC rider Niall O’Hagan (51’ 57”) was the fastest club member and is now challenging

club mates Jason Taggart and Stevie McAllister for honours in the McComb Steel TT League. Ballymoney rider and BCC event regular Jason Henry had great time of

51’ 50” and 4^th place.

Final result –

1st Dean McIlfatrick (BVCC) and new Course Record 48’ 59”

2^nd Ronnie Kidd (BW) 51’ 37”

3^rd Stephen McNeilly (BRC) 51’ 48”

4^th Jason Henry (U/A) 51’ 50”

5^th Niall O’Hagan (BCC) 51’ 57”

6^th Steven McAllister (BCC) 52’ 23”

7^th Jerome McKendry (BCC) 53’ 10”

8^th Simon Taggart (BRC) 53’ 36”

9^th David Laverty (U/A) 54’06”

10^th David Strang (BVCC) 54’17”

11^th Jason Taggart (BCC) 55’18”

12^th Nigel Elder 55’48”

13^th Oliver Bateson (BCC) 56’52”

14^th Blayne Watton (BW) Schoolboy record 57’26”

15^th Johnny Dillon (BCC) 58’17”

16^th John Patton (BCC) 60’00”

17^th Robbie McIlderry (BVCC) 60’20”

18^th Aaron Dickie (BCC) 62’23”

Martin Doughert (BCC) did not finish due to a broken chain, BCC would like to thank, David Wallace, Philip McAllister

Gemma Montgomery, Jack and Trefor Owens for their support around the course and at the event.

Coming Events,

This Wednesday night 19^th May sees Ballymoney CC promoting their road race on the vaunted “Tullaghans” circuit.

Anyone who has serious plans about racing this year should include this race on their calendar. 24 miles of “REAL” racing

Is what is on offer to the competitors. Sat 22^nd is the Groucho’s GP in Richill and Sunday is the Emyvale Grand Prix.

"ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK" Ballymoney CC tactics, it's that SIMPLE !!!

Another view to a WIN!!!

Caitie O'Hagan and Stevie, Caitie says Stevie is her No.1 Fan...!!

Just follow the Jersey...!!

(On course for despatch from the factory on 20th May)

At the front, Niall and Stevie!!

Stevie - Driving hard in Driving rain!!

Niall O'Hagan riding in the Tommy Given Memorial at Hillsborough

No.18

Ballymoney Cycling Club in

1^st place at the Red Hand Classic

Ballymoney Cycling Club rider Steven McAllister rode into the record books

on Saturday at Broughshane by becoming the best placed rider ever in the Ballymoney

Cycling Club history by winning the A4 category and ending up 19^th overall in this prestigious

Cycling Classic race over 70 miles.

In bright sunshine 62 riders left Broughshane at 11am heading off into the glens of Antrim

with 70miles to cover. The pace to McGregor’s corner was fast and frantic as the main players

in this classic battled for the front places. Attack after attack saw the field stretch on the steep

and deceptively hard climb into Clough but the Ballymoney three, Nigel Elder, Niall O’Hagan and Stevie McAllister fought for their places in the ever shrinking bunch. Rider after rider was blasted out the back and on the run to Armoy glen down the back of Knocklayde to Ballycastle at speeds over 50mph!

Ballymoney CC rider Stevie McAllister had to stop twice with mechanical trouble, but special thanks to

Neutral service mechanic Hugh McCullough who provided fast assistance saw a gutsy ride get the Ballymoney lad

establish his place back in the small select group of riders who would battle it out for the final places.

Local rider John Madden from Ballycastle who week after week shows that he has the heart of a lion, attacking and getting

into the breaks, had formed an alliance with Ryan Connor, both riders forced a gap to the main bunch of 65 seconds, and on the

climb out of Ballycastle to the Vanishing Lake Stevie McAllister got settled into a group of 18 riders behind the group of 9 who would

get the first places at the line. Eventual winner Glen Kinning from the very successful East Antrim Audi team along with

team mate Gary Cranston were seen driving hard at the front and by now caught the brave local rider John Madden and forced on

after Team Usher rider Ryan Connor, who at the bottom of the climb out of Carnlough held a slender lead of 35 seconds.

With the field of over 60 riders now reduced to less than 30, the 9 riders at the front were ahead with 7 miles to go from Carnlough

to the finish outside Broughshane. In a well practiced sprint Glen Kinning won this glorious Classic event from Gary Cranston and Paul

Vaughan.

Ballymoney riders Jason Henry and Chris Beattie were along with BCC rider Steven McAllister in the second group and all finished safely

With Steven McAllister being the first A4 rider at the line. Both Ballymoney CC riders Niall O’Hagan and Nigel Elder, never gave up

in as we now know typical Ballymoney Cycling Club fashion rode on and finished along with others.

Both lads can take great pride in the fact they finished their first cycling Classic, and no doubt will do in many more to come.

Results were-

1^st Glen Kinning (East Antrim Audi CC)

2^nd Gary Cranston (East Antrim Audi CC)

3^rd Paul Vaughan (Sport Active)

1^st A4 Steven McAllister (Ballymoney CC) (19^th

McComb Steel TT League heats up!

On Wednesday night in misty and at times dangerous conditions, Ballymoney CC held their weekly club race from Dervock to Bushmills and back.

A distance of 10 miles. This time trial is on a “sticky” and far from quick, but a testing circuit and not one for fast times.

The McComb Steel league is at present being fought out by 3 riders, Ballymoney strong man Jason Taggart, Mr Motivator Niall O’Hagan and

Stevie McAllister. The league table will be in the local press next week.

Local favourite and son of Classic winner Eddy McKinney, Bryan was the fastest on the night in an excellent time of 24mins 25. Congratulations

and commendation has to go John and Neville Patton, Aaron Dickie, Johnny Dillon and Jerome McKendry for their excellent efforts and commitment.

Results were –

1^st Bryan McKinney (BWCC) 24–25

2^nd Steven McAllister (BCC) 25-20

3^rd Jason Taggart (BCC) 25-37

4^th Neville Patton (BCC) 26-42

5^th John Patton (BCC) 27-13

6^th Nat Magee (BCC) 27-27

7^th Jerome McKendry (BCC) 27-40

8^th Johnny Dillon (BCC) 27-43

9^th Aaron Dickie (BCC) 30-44

Coming Events-

Orra Mountain TT Classic – Wed 12^th May

The entries are open for this “NEW” event promoted by Ballymoney CC, the Mountain time trial starts in Magherahoney at 7pm.

Anyone who has ridden Orra mountain knows what lies ahead of the competitors, it is a tough night’s climbing combined with technical descending.

Back down from Altnahinch to the finish at McAllister’s Pub at Glenbush. With a lot of interest being shown from other clubs, the Record for

this NEW TT is up for grabs. Ballymoney CC invite everyone to come along and get the “ORRA EXPERIENCE”.

On Saturday 28^th and Sunday 29^th the club will be travelling to Hillsborough and Bangor to compete in the Tommy Given Memorial Road Race and

The North Down GP.

On Wednesday night 19^th Ballymoney CC will hold their FAMOUS road race on the Tullaghans circuit, anyone who has serious plans for the 2010

Season has to ride this event. Contact Club Secretary Bobby Kane for details on 07709647330

No17

McComb Steel, to sponsor Ballymoney CC Time Trial League

Successful and long time established local company McComb Steel are getting involved with

Ballymoney Cycling Club. McComb Steel boss David McComb recognised the opportunity to

get involved with the very successful and high profile Cycling Club. David will be supporting the

club’s highly competitive league in 2010. This event is run over 10 separate disciplines, 10 mile TT, 16Km Circuit TT and 25 mile TT.

The members and committee of Ballymoney Cycling Club wish to thank David and the people at McComb Steel for their

Support and faith in giving Ballymoney CC the opportunity to add the club’s brand of sporting success to the already established successful

Company. The league is at the minute being led by local favourite and Ballymoney RFC player coach Jason Taggart, Jason is closely followed

by other locals Niall O’Hagan and Stevie McAllister.

Looks like it will be a hotly contested over the next 9 events, keep following their progress and as usual send your comments and well wishes

for the Ballymoney riders to the club secretary Bobby Kane.

Ballymoney Cycling Club riders at Tour of Glens 130 mile Cycle

In the past week Ballymoney CC riders, Niall O’Hagan, Nigel Elder and Steven McAllister took part in

the McCann Cup at Seskinore and finished in the hectic and dangerous sprint finish for 1^st place. Nigel Elder and Niall O’Hagan

travelled on Sunday to take part in the 130 mile Tour of the Glens organised by Castlereagh CC. This Sportive event made its way through the

Glens of Antrim and saw over 100 riders taking part, the course coming down as far as Loughguille/Magherahoney, giving the local cycling

enthusiasts an opportunity to see this spectacle passing by.

The club wish to congratulate both Niall and Nigel for their superb efforts in completing this “Mighty Challenge”.

Jason Henry wins at “The Stroan” Road Race

On Wednesday 28^th April, Ballymoney Cycling Club held their second road race of the 2010 campaign. In a cold blustery evening with heavy

rainclouds threatening overhead. 19 riders lined up to face Race Secretary Ryan Patton’s stop watch and with the 3 groups set of at staggered intervals.

The experience and understanding of this handicapping system comes into play to secure a fair and competitive race. Ryan has got his down pat

as local Ballycastle rider David Laverty was caught with less than 1 mile to go.

In the first group off was Aaron Dickie, closely followed by Neville and John Patton, Ballycastle’s David Laverty, Phil Smith, Jerome McKendry,

Jonathan Dillon, club chairman Nat Magee and David Park (BWCC).

With this strong group looking set to storm ahead the “Scratch Group” that contained race winning cyclists Jason Henry and Bobby Kane along with

other Ballymoney cyclist John McIlderry (BVCC). First time starting scratch and well up for the experience were Jason Taggart and Niall O’Hagan.

Both lads had to really dig in and hang on to the fast flying heels of the other scratch riders.

The race was started at the end of the Carncullagh Road and had the tough uphill finish at Stranocum PS to see off any freshness in the riders legs.

4 laps saw the riders go through many states of experience and fatigue, with Phoenix Grand Prix winner Bobby Kane suffering a mechanical problem

At the top of the Stroan climb on the first lap. Bobby a pre race favourite was forced to retire from the race.

To everyone who turned out to watch the hero of the evening was Ballycastle cyclist David Laverty, David rode away from his fellow competitors in the

second group. David opened a good gap and for the next three laps it looked as though he was going to snatch victory. This was until the fast moving pair of

Henry and McIlderry forced a high tempo pace shedding all the others in their wake.

On the final climb of the Stroan Jason and John hammered hard to the top and just got the Ballycastle man before he hit the downhill run to Stranocum.

In the three up sprint Jason took first place from John and David.

Ballymoney CC want to congratulate Jerome McKendry in his 4^th place finish and look forward to see him progress in the rest of the seasons club and interclub events.

Results-

1^st Jason Henry

2^nd John McIlderry

3^rd David Laverty

4^th Jerome McKendry

5^th Nat Magee

6^th Phil Smith

7^th Johnny Dillon

8^th Jason Taggart

9^th Niall )’Hagan

Ballymoney Cycling Club Meeting and coming events.

This Tuesday night the club are hold an information and enrolment meeting at the Joey Dunlop Centre from 7.30pm

Everyone is invited to attend as there are some exciting and important announcements to be made that will have a

Fantastic and projecting effect on our club.

Wednesday night sees Round 2 of the McComb Steel Time Trial League event at Dervock, this is a 10mile TT and goes to

Bushmills and back. First rider off at 7pm sharp.

On Saturday Ballymoney CC riders will be At the 69 mile Red Hand Trophy race starting in Broughshane, everyone is invited

To turn out and cheer the riders on.

Belfast City Marathon, Ballymoney Girl does us PROUD!!

Ballymoney Cycling Club recognise the "FANTASTIC" achievement by Karen today at the

BELFAST CITY MARATHON

Ballymoney's

Karen Morrison

completed the 26miles in 4hrs 28mins (without a bike...lol)

No.16

The "STROAN ROAD RACE"

results and photos.

19 riders started the race .

Jason from John and David sprint for the line..

BCC Race secretary Ryan Patton gets the first groups ready to "Race"

Race winner was the tallented Ballymoney Rider Jason Henry, from another local lad John McIlderry, Ballycastle had David Laverty in 3rd, with a fantastic 4th by Jerome McKendry BCC

John McIlderry from Bann Valley CC and winner Jason Henry

Ballymoney CC rider Jason Taggart

Final Overall Result

1st Jason Henry (U/A)

2nd John McIlderry (BVCC)

3rd David Laverty (U/A)

4th Jerome McKendry (BCC)

5th Nat Magee (BCC)

6th Phil Smyth (BCC)

7th Johnny Dillon (BCC)

8th Jason Taggart (BCC)

9th Niall O'Hagan (BCC)