Club Weekly News Part 1

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Proud Sponsors of the Ballymoney C.C. Time Trial League 2010

B.C.C Weekly News write ups

No.33

McAllister is Ballymoney CC Road Race Champion

In his first year in competitive cycling local lad Steven McAllister took his tally to 7 Race wins for 2010 with a victory at his club’s Road Race Championships on the famous and feared by many Tullaghans circuit.

Having won races at Bangor, Lurgan and Bellaghy and a bagfull of top 10 finishes these are along with his club events, have made it a successful year for the former Landhead PS pupil.

It a fantastic two weeks for Ballymoney Cycling Club, that has seen the Toon lads and lasses represented at the Bridges of Hope Community Cycle at Stranocum

Along with 170 other cyclists from all over Ireland turn up to support this inaugural event,

Jerome McKendry and Jason Taggart finishing 7^th and 8^th on the Dundrod circuit race in what was described by those who know about cycling as a display of gutsy and hard riding in this tough race that saw BRC rider Stephen McNeilly get 2nd, Niall Carlin, Charlie Dickson and others from BCC who will be featured next week as they finished the 90 mile Lap the Lough event. Stevie McAllister 4^th at Ballyliffen Donegal in the arduous Tour of the Lakes road race.

Young Aaron Swan and Craig Crawford getting terrific results at the All Ireland Youth Championships at Coalisland, with Aaron winning the Criterium race.

Ballymoney Cycling Club nominated for 2010 “Special Achievement of the Year Award” in the prestigious Times North Antrim Sports Award.

Anyone who is involved with Ballymoney CC can only feel a sense of pride at the positive forward steps taken in the club’s first year back from its 13 year sabbatical.

Road race Championships on the Tullaghans

As the racing season draws to a close on a handful of hardened and determined souls turned out to face the torturous Long Mountain Circuit, Five laps up to

St Mary’s cross and then on the final lap the life sucking effort to the finish out over the top of the Long Mountain.

Three groups set off, with the eventual winner along with fast Ballymoney rider Chris Beattie they set off driving this group to hunt down the others who had set of at a

frenetic pace. With three laps covered a familiar trio appeared at the head of affairs. Local favourite Jason Taggart, Chris Beattie and the unshakable Steven McAllister.

They were just ahead of a group of four that included onetime local Colm McIlfatrick, Colm had ridden round these roads as a boy and had come along to enjoy a few memories.

If it is indeed possible to have good an enjoyable experience on Tullaghans. Dessie Dillon, Johnny Dillon and Ryan Fenton had worked themselves into contention for a bronze medal

As the silver and gold places were fast disappearing up the road.

Last lap and Beattie hammered the legs off the two BCC riders, attacking them continuously up to St Mary’s but each time he was brought back, with 800 metres to go the on form

McAllister launched a savage attack shedding his two accomplices and on the line had time to fix the jersey and raise his arms victorious in the air to take the Club’s Championship 2010 from

Jason Taggart and Dessie Dillon.

Overall for the 2010 season Jason Taggart has won the Time Trial and Road Race League, making a nice trophy collection for his first year in cycling.

Ballymoney Cycling Club Road Race Championship 2010

Gold...1st Stevie McAllister

Silver...2nd Jason Taggart

Bronze...3rd Dessie Dillon

Aaron Swan and Craig Crawford TOP Schoolboys at Coalisland Championships.

Ballymoney CC/TSC Racing schoolboy sensations Aaron Swan and Craig Crawford travelled along with over 100 other top Irish youth riders to Coalisland in County Tyrone on Saturday and Sunday to take part and challenge Ireland’s best in three events, the Time Trial, the Criterium and the Road Race.

On the Saturday “Mighty Wee Man” Aaron Swan from Cloughmills won the Youths U13 Criterium race in a powerful display of aggressive riding and sprint finishing, and then not

to be out done this talented young rider was 5^th in the Time Trial.

His best friend and team mate Craig Crawford had an excellent weekend with an outstanding silver medal win in the Time Trial and 4^th in the fast and furious Criterium in the U14 section.

Many other riders after the testing events of Saturday would have stayed away for the final day of truth on the Sunday. The Road Race, but not these two, Swan and Crawford both fresh from the

previous day were seen mingling and chatting at the start of their U13 and U14 Road Races.

In the U13 race the undaunted Aaron Swan was narrowly beaten by Michael O’Loughlin from Dan Morrissey

CC Carrick on Suir, this was after aggressive riding by Swan saw the group burst and

Only O’Loughlin could stay with Swan as they broke away from the others. With O’Loughlin taking the sprint from Aaron Swan in 2^nd place.

In the U14 race Craig Crawford was 6^th behind Ireland’s top youths from Limerick and Kanturk.

Ballymoney Cycling Club want to congratulate both Craig and Aaron on their fantastic weekend of Racing and also bringing more success to the Ballymoney Club, the future looks really

Bright for these two young men in cycling’s toughest challenges.

Full details of the Lap the Lough 90 mile Leisure Cycle will be covered next week as all the final details are not yet in at the time of going to press.

Ballymoney's Schoolboy Cyclists

Aaron Swann & Craig Crawford

Go Top @

Ireland's National Youth TT and Criterium Championships

Aaron wins Under13 National Criterium, 5th in TT - 2nd Road Race

Craig gets Silver in TT and 4th in Criterium - 6th Road race

TSC Racing/Ballymoney CC wish both lads "Good Luck" at the Road Races tomorrow at Coalisland, Co. Tyrone.

David McCall Foundation Ulster Youth League Final Standings

U14

1.Craig Crawford (TSC Racing) 42pts
2. Harry McComb (East Tyrone CC) 37pts
3. Mark Downey (Banbridge CC) 36pts
4. Alan Kerr (Ballymena RC) 26pts
5. Blaine Cole (Roe Valley CC) 21pts*
6. Aaron Swann (TSC Racing ) 21pts

Coming Events,

Only two Ballymoney CC events to go before the season is over, this Wednesday night is the “Race of the Falling Leaves” 16.75km Circuit TT starting on the Kirk Rd at 7pm sharp

Everyone is invited to attend this super circuit race with the record for it beaten only recently by John Madden.

No.32

173 Cyclists at the Bridges of Hope Community Cycle in Stranocum

When young James Elliott then only 14 years old lost his life in the waters of the River Bush, twelve months after this tragedy the hearts of over 200 people in the world of cycling was stirred and motivated to take very positive action. Young James would have been so proud when the organisers of the event Ballymoney cycling club members were seen in action from early morning putting out signs and getting refreshments ready for 173 cyclists due to descend on Stranocum Village.

Twelve noon arrived and the numbers began to assemble talking quietly amongst themselves in small groups, recognising friends of old and past racing rivals exchanged

friendly banter. Cyclists from Belfast, Donegal, Co. Cavan, Banbridge Ballyclare, Ballymena, Coleraine, Portglenone, Bellaghy it seemed that this worthy cause of support for the Community Rescue Service had pulled hard on the heart strings of so many and representation was being made from every hamlet and town in the country. The response was overwhelming, as the start time of 1pm approached, they kept coming and coming.

Every type of bicycle was there, the young and old alike waited the starters whistle. As the start was held for few minutes on the instructions of Neil Clark, Neil is one of the tandem riders who assists the blind cyclists.

Neil told the starter we were waiting for a large group of riders coming over from Coleraine, Bann Wheelers CC. It was then discovered that one of the girls with them had a crash and was taken to hospital, on behalf of Margaret and Clive Elliott and the members of Ballymoney CC we wish Stephanie Quigley a speedy recovery, and a special Thank you to the other BWCC members who still came on to do the cycle and make their donations to the Community Rescue Service.

With the event divided into 3 distances to suit everyone the 3.5mile circuit saw children as young as 6 years old accompanied by their parents enjoying the challenge, 35 riders felt that the 9.5 mile circuit would be a better suited to them and they set off after the bunch of over 100 riders who blazed the 22 miles crossing 6 Bush bridges on their way back to the village. As some of them crossed Bellisle bridge it was noted that they paused to spared a moment of silent thought before riding on. Touching moments.

At the finish the local Orange Hall threw open its doors and inside Nola McAllister was busying herself as she tried to feed the hungry cyclists with sandwiches and cake, BCC treasurer Colin Thompson was in charge of the donation collections and was clearly overwhelmed with the generosity of everyone. Next week the final amount will be announced and an official presentation will be made to the Community Rescue Service.

On reflection Ballymoney Cycling Club want to expand this event for 2011 and raise the profile so that the Community Rescue Service have an event that is in the cycling calendar and the prospect of 250+ cyclists next year is an opportunity that Charlie Dickson, Davy Wallace, Colin Thompson and Maurice McAllister know is well within their capable grasp and organising abilities.

Ballymoney CC Schoolboy Blayne Watton back in action.

When Ballymoney CC schoolboy Blayne Watton looks back at 2010 he will have mixed emotions, even though he won his clubs 10 mile TT championships, injury has hampered his progression this season.

With the Youth Championships at Dromara, over 60 schoolboys and girls were in action.

As anyone who knows the Dromara area they will realise that flat roads do not exist in this hilly part of the country.

Ballymoney CC under14 rider Blayne Watton and local lads Craig Crawford and Aaron Swan set out to show their metal against the provinces’ best young cyclists.

These three lads have used the testing Ballymoney CC road race programme to help in their preparation for the season.

Craig Crawford finished 6^th in the highly contested Lislagan Road Race prior to going to Dromara.

At the championships Craig Crawford finished in 2^nd place after the time trial and road race with Aaron Swan 6^th and 9^th,

With Blayne getting back into the fight for the ALL IRELAND YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS at Coalisland coming up soon. Blayne was 12^th overall.

FULL RESULTS ROUND UP NEXT WEEK.

With the club holding their 25 road race at Lislagan last week in monsoon conditions and riders at the Ulster Road race Championships at Dundrod,

Ballymoney CC will have a full report next week with photos and a full round up of results

No.31

Stevie McAllister wins the Billy Stewart Cup.

Ballymoney Cycling Club riders finished off the weekend at Derrymacash, with local lad Stevie McAllister winning the Billy Stewart Cup, beating his boyhood hero John Madden into 3^rd place. Steven McAllister, Olly Bateson, Jerome McKendry and Nigel Elder travelled on Saturday to the heart of County Down to take part in the West Down Grand Prix.

Anyone who knows the roads around Katesbridge, will understand that not many of them are flat but lend more to ups and downs and fast descents into small colourful towns and villages. This race saw the Ballymoney rider McAllister mess up his sprint for first place and have to settle for 6^th in the

crazy sprint into Katesbridge. Nigel and Olly both struggled with the pace and rode round saving their powder for another day. Ballymoney CC riders are famous for their tenacity

and determination, none more so than Jerome McKendry. Jerome’s chain came off with two laps to go, and the BCC rider put in a fine display of gutsy riding as he fought to catch the fast riding bunch. Just getting back on with the bell ringing for one to go. It is not always the winners who get noticed but this Ballymoney CC rider is making a lot of one’s sit up and watch. Jerome McKendry is certainly one to watch.

This race was won by North Downs likeable rogue and winner of stage one at the Ras Loughguile Matty Blayney.

So disappointed was McAllister that only encouragement from his team mates persuaded him to travel down to Lurgan on Sunday, getting him his third Open race win of 2010.

Billy Stewart Cup

With temperatures resembling the South of France, 58 riders set of to cover the 7 laps of the Apollo promoted Billy Stewart Cup. As the A2 and A3 riders were started together.

The A4’s got a 7 minute handicap. But with McAllister and Madden in this limit group it was clear that this gap would soon be closed as they had clawed back two minutes in

10 miles. In the fourth lap all had come together and it was clear as the favourites were gathering at the front. When the fireworks started it was the Newry riders of Nathan Morgan and Dessie Foley who launched the first volley of attacks. This relentless pressure paid off and with two laps to go eventual winner McAllister (BCC) John Madden (Team Curran) Darren Weir (Dromara)

JP Connelly (Omagh), Kyle Houston (Phoenix) and the two Newry riders broke clear.

Going into the final lap the group of 7 riders did not look like being caught as they had opened a gap of over a minute, one kilometre to go and top A2 riders Madden and Morgan launched a fearsome

attack for the line on the uphill run to the finish. But the Ballymoney rider responded in classy style to close them down and then overtook them for his third open race victory of the season.

Steven at the end of the race was as usual his unassuming self, taking time to thank his team mates and asking into the well being of loyal team mate Niall O’Hagan, Niall had crashed earlier and has a

lot of road rash to contend with. Get well soon from all of us at Ballymoney CC.

Final Result was

1^st Stevie McAllister (Ballymoney CC)

2^nd Nathan Morgan (Newry Wheelers)

3^rd John Madden (Team Curran)

4^th Darren Weir (Dromara)

5^th JP Connolly (Omagh)

6^th Kyle Houston (Phoenix)

More Succes for Ballymoney Cycling Club,

Stevie McAllister wins the

Billy Stewart Cup

FIRST Open Race win in a Ballymoney CC Jersey!

More photos from the Weekend.

Fab 4 - Olly, Stevie, Nigel and Jerome...

Olly is enjoying this racing thing.

Jerome kicks hard out of the corner

Matty Blayney wins as Stevie goes wide????

Stevie Mac a marked man.

1st prize at the Billy Stewart Cup..but no cup, Need to speak to Martyn Irvine

It has often been said and experienced by many

"The jersey in front of you is probably a Ballymoney CC jersey!"

Madden breaks a 25 year Record.

John Madden from Ballycastle was a guest at the Ballymoney CC weekly club race on Wednesday evening. This event was the 16.75km “Kirk” Circuit TT. The race is held on the

testing Stranocum/Dervock loop and is not a drag strip course by any means. The now folded Team Route from Ballymoney promoted a series of races round this course and 25 years ago

Ballymoney CC rider Trevor Wilson set a time of 24 minutes. On Wednesday past Ireland’s fastest TT rider and one highly admired by everyone at BCC, John Madden danced on the pedals of his

Cervelo TT machine and smashed the record with a time of 23’-25”.

As usual the Ballymoney event was well supported and 19 riders faced the timekeepers watch on a cold and less than balmy August evening. Fastest BCC rider was Steven McAllister, one second

behind regular guest Chris Beattie.

Two of the best schoolboys in Ireland, Aaron Swan and Craig Crawford, who are just back from competing in the Mayo 2 Day, and are popular favourites for the Irish Schoolboy titles. This event is being held

at the end of the month. Ballymoney Cycling Club will be following the two lads and readers can find out in the next few weeks how Aaron and Craig get on at the Championships.

At the Kirk Circuit TT Craig was 7^th and Aaron 12^th, fantastic riding by schoolboys.

Full Result was,

1st. John Madden (Team Curran) 23'-25"(25 year Course Record)

2nd. Chris Beattie (BRC) 25'-36"

3rd. Steven McAllister (BCC) 25'-37"

4th. Jason Taggart (BCC) 26'-00"

5th. Jason Henry (U/A) 26'-07"

6th. Jerome McKendry (BCC) 26'-47"

7th. Craig Crawford (TSR U14 Schoolboy) 27'-48"

8th. Niall O'Hagan (BCC) 28'-05"

9th. Oliver Bateson (BCC) 28'-23"

10th. John Patton (BCC) 28'-46"

11th. Dessie Dillon (BCC) 29'-18"

12th. Aaron Swan (TSR U14 Schoolboy) 29'-45"

13th. Ryan Fenton (BCC) 30'-28"

14th. Aaron Dickie (BCC) 30'-44"

15th. David McConaghie (BCC) 32'-00"

Niall Carlin (BCC) (Mechanical Fault)

Upcoming Events and races.

Leisure cycle rides leave as usual from Out Door Life on Monday and Thursday evenings at 6.30pm and on Saturday mornings at 9.30am, these rides are open

For everyone and are at times accompanied by some of the club’s top racing cyclists who are on hand to give advice to the newcomers. All cyclists are very

Welcome to come along!

This Wednesday evening the club holds it weekly race, the Lislagan/Garryduff 25mile Road Race starting at Garryduff Church from 7pm.

All Readers Remember this Saturday at Stranocum

The James Elliott “Bridges of Hope” Community Cycle

Ballymoney Cycling Club are in conjunction with the Community Rescue Service (Bush Division) are organising three cycle runs to suit everyone on the 21^st of

August (This Saturday) in Stranocum. This is on the anniversary of the tragic death of 14 year old local schoolboy James Elliott. James lost his life in the swollen waters of the

River Bush as he along with another lad tried to rescue a pet Labrador. In the search for James the Community Rescue Service a little known voluntary organisation

along with locals and other organisations searched day and night until they found James’s body.

Ballymoney CC representatives Charlie Dickson, Colin Thompson and Maurice McAllister visited Clive and Margaret Elliott at their home and offered to arrange

this event to raise funds for the CRS. Mr and Mrs Elliott along with CRS fundraising co-ordinator Debbie McCrellis came along to the BCC meeting last Tuesday night and gave a talk to the members.

At times this meeting was in heavy silence as Margaret Elliott explained to the stunned audience exactly what they were trying to achieve. The magnitude of the commitment of these people is

at times hard to fathom as they cover the waterways and forests in our local community.

Reluctant to disclose a great detail of their efforts it is easy to grasp that each volunteer may at sometime have experienced a tragedy in their own lives and is attempting to put something back into

the voluntary organisation. The commitment is astonishing and each of the members present vowed that whatever they could do would be done to help raise funds at this event.

At 1pm on Saturday 21^st August there will be 3 cycle runs, 3.5 mile, 9.5mile and 22 mile, crossing the “Bridges of Hope” over the River Bush at certain memorable points.

Everyone is invited to attend and lend their support.

For more details contact Charlie Dickson on 07841560526 or Maurice McAllister on 07707088396 or visit www.ballymoneycyclingclub.com

All cyclist, owners of bicycles and cycling clubs are invited to help at this memorable event that next year is planned to be an annual event with a “Challenge” distance added.

No.30

1^st and 3^rd for Ballymoney CC riders, McAllister and Taggart!

Jason Taggart and Steven McAllister bring more glory to Ballymoney Cycling Club with a 1^st placed A3 at the Tour of Armagh by McAllister and a 3^rd place by Taggart at the tough Madigan GP this past weekend.

This follows a 1^st place in the club’s 25 mile Championship on Wednesday past. Jason Taggart in his first year in competition cycling broke the hour for 25 miles. Completing the distance in 59m-57secs. To anyone with a knowledge about cycling will recognise that Jason Taggart the player coach and former captain of the successful Ballymoney Rugby Club 1^st XV has a bright future as a racing cyclist. Not only can he time trial but has shown he can road race as well. Jason has made the transition from one sport to the other with surprising ease.

In the silver position in the club’s 25TT championships was Olly Bateson (65-13) and 3^rd Dessie Dillon in bronze place with (69-21)

Ballymoney CC thank the support of Jason Henry (U/A) 59-44 and Dean McIlfatrick (BVCC) 59-14.

As the Ballymoney Club has now appointed a Leisure secretary in Chris Frew, it sends a very positive statement to everyone interested in cycling as Chris will be handling

all aspects of the leisure and fitness side of cycling. Opening the door to all abilities and ages being able to join groups on a Monday, Thursday evenings and on a Saturday morning

for a pleasant cycle on quiet roads around the borough in a group of other like minded enthusiasts’. Leisure cycling is becoming more and more popular and interest grows weekly

with new faces showing up to join the Ballymoney groups.

For details visit the club’s website on www.ballymoneycyclingclub.com.

On Saturday Jason Taggart was accompanied by his club mates, Jerome McKendry, Niall O’Hagan, Nigel Elder and Olly Bateson, and as team manager in attendance was Bryan McKinney.

The 5 lads were entered for the Madigan GP starting at Kilroot near Carrickfergus. These roads do not lend favour to the weak as it is hard to find many that are flat, and the bit that was

slightly flat saw the riders face a torrid head wind. After 11 miles Cushendall lad Stephen McNeilly broke clear with a Madigan rider, Steven Harkins. As they had two laps of a tough 18 mile circuit

to cover both lads built up a 1 minute advantage, going out to 90 seconds on the line with Stephen McNeilly getting a well deserved victory. Leading in the bunch was Ballymoney CC hard man

Jason Taggart showing that he can sprint with the best. The other 4 Ballymoney men had mixed fortunes with Nigel Elder showing up in Lurgan on Sunday morning to ride the arduous Tour of Armagh.

The two battle hardened first year racers Stevie McAllister and Nigel Elder lined up in Lurgan alongside FBD Ras, Tour of the North and Ulster winners. This field had assembled Ireland’s best cyclists as the annual 50^th Tour of Armagh prepared to set the stage once again. Over 70 miles of the toughest roads the organisers could find and a field of sparkling quality athletes to boot. Setting off through Craigavon, Portadown, Loughgall and into Armagh.

The first 20 miles were covered in 40 minutes averaging 30mph. Both Ballymoney riders were comfortable in the bunch and as a split of 6 riders got away in the early miles the bunch faced the daunting climb of

Keady mountain and the spectacular run into Newry. Professional cyclist and Ballymoney CC favourite Stephen Gallagher could be seen in conversation with Ballymoney lad Steven McAllister prior to launching a vicious attack, asked about it afterwards as to what the conversation was about? McAllister said that Stephen had told him that he was about to launch an attack and to get onto his wheel. But such was the ferocity of the pro riders thrust that only two other pros Adam Armstrong and Conor Murphy (Eurocycles Dublin) were able to hang onto the Richhill flyer.

On the run into Lurgan, the fast travelling bunch were swallowing up any riders that were dropped or had escaped earlier. A rider who is always on the attack and also a classy athlete is Ballycastle man

John Madden, John had escaped the bunch and was only caught with a couple of miles to go, along with John was Portaferry and Suir 3 Day winner, Thomas Martin and Madigan GP winner Peter Hawkins who rides for the Belgium outfit De Cock Capino. Into the final miles and in typical style the bunch of 50 plus swept and snaked its way into Lurgan’s Market street. Out of the bunch came Ballymoney riders Steven McAllister and Jason Henry both sprinting for 12^th place and were unable to be separated on the line. As the season goes into the final run down, top quality racing is on every weekend for the next 4 weeks with the Ulster Road Race Championships at Nutts Corner on the 22^nd of August. Ballymoney CC will again be sending riders to this event in an attempt to win a championship jersey. Out at the minute are Bryan McKinney and Bobby Kane, but both lads will be welcomed back, giving the club 8 racing representatives at the end of season races.

Upcoming Events and races.

Leisure cycle rides leave as usual from Out Door Life on Monday and Thursday evenings at 6.30pm and on Saturday mornings at 9.30am, these rides are open

For everyone and are at times accompanied by some of the club’s top racing cyclists who are on hand to give advice to the newcomers. All cyclists are very

Welcome to come along!

This Wednesday evening the club holds it weekly race, the “Kirk” 16.75km circuit TT starting on the Kirk Rd opposite Moore Unidrill at 7pm.

The James Elliott “Bridges of Hope” Community Cycle

Ballymoney Cycling Club are in conjunction with the Community Rescue Service (Bush Division) are organising three cycle runs to suit everyone on the 21^st of August in Stranocum. This is on the anniversary of the tragic death of 14 year old local schoolboy James Elliott. James lost his life in the swollen waters of the River Bush as he along with another lad tried to rescue a pet Labrador. In the search for James the Community Rescue Service a little known voluntary organisation along with locals and other organisations searched day and night until they found James’s body.

Ballymoney CC representatives Charlie Dickson, Colin Thompson and Maurice McAllister visited Clive and Margaret Elliott at their home and offered to arrange this event to raise funds for the CRS. Mr and Mrs Elliott along with CRS fundraising co-ordinator Debbie McCrellis came along to the BCC meeting last Tuesday night and gave a talk to the members.

At times this meeting was in heavy silence as Margaret Elliott explained to the stunned audience exactly what they were trying to achieve. The magnitude of the commitment of these people is

at times hard to fathom as they cover the waterways and forests in our local community.

the voluntary organisation. The commitment is astonishing and each of the members present vowed that whatever they could do would be done to help raise funds at this event.

At 1pm on Saturday 21^st August there will be 3 cycle runs, 3.5 mile, 9.5mile and 22 mile, crossing the “Bridges of Hope” over the River Bush at certain memorable points.

Everyone is invited to attend and lend their support.

For more details contact Charlie Dickson on 07841560526 or Maurice McAllister on 07707088396 or visit www.ballymoneycyclingclub.com

All cyclist, owners of bicycles and cycling clubs are invited to help at this memorable event that next year is planned to be an annual event with a “Challenge” distance added.

No.29

Ballymoney Cycling Club’s Flying Four Personal Best Times

As usual Ballymoney CC riders both racing and leisure, were representing the club in Magherafelt, Ballymena and locally at Stranocum last week.

Four first year riders Jason Taggart, who is a rugby player/coach at Ballymoney Rugby Club and only joined the cycling club last November, Bryan McKinney, a motor sport enthusiast and rugby player, Nigel Elder a downhill mtb rider and Niall O’Hagan a leisure cyclist. All four never were involved in competition cycling until 2010.

At Woodgreen on the Ballymena, Antrim line the four lined up with 83 others to compete in the Dave Kane TT League event.

Like in all the Time trial events even in the Tour de France the riders go at one minute intervals, there is no one to sit behind and take shelter from. You are on your own, “A race of truth!”

All four Ballymoney CC riders recorded personal best times riding the 10 mile in an average of 27-28mph. Fastest with what for all four times can only be described as breathtaking was Bryan McKinney in 21-39. Jason Taggart 22-47, Niall O’Hagan 23-20 and Nigel Elder 23-52. Older members of Ballymoney CC commented that 20 years ago these times especially Bryan’s were rarely heard of. A 23 minute 10TT would have won any local event.

These times show the dedication and commitment to training and camaraderie that these lads have with one another, coaxing and encouraging each other to improve and go for greater and greater achievements.

These four riders sent out a very clear message to others in the sport that Ballymoney CC riders are out to make a lasting impression on the sport of cycling and that no one can sit back if they want to be competitive!

Personal Best Times – 10 mile TT (Woodgreen)

Bryan McKinney 21-39

Jason Taggart 22-47

Niall O’Hagan 23-20

Nigel Elder 23-52

Woodgreen 10mile TT - Dave Kane Cycling Ulster TT League

Ballymoney Cycling Club Riders Personal BEST TIMES...!!

Bryan McKinney - 21'.39"

Jason Taggart - 22'.47"

Niall O'Hagan - 23'.20"

Nigel Elder - 23'.52"

Jason Henry wins Final Stroan Road Race 2010.

Twenty one riders arrived in Stranocum last Wednesday night to face the daunting task of scaling the Stroan Rd wall five times,

Set off in three groups with Aaron Dickie, David McConaghie and Jack Owens riding hard to make good their advantage, It was not until

Lap three that everything came together. The scratch group being driven along by Chris Beattie, Jason Taggart and Stephen McNeilly, Ballymoney

CC rider and eventual 2^nd place overall Stevie McAllister was struggling to maintain a grip on this fast travelling group and at one stage was well out the back on the

third time up the Stroan. The quality of the racing that attracts these riders is seen in the final overall time of 30mile in 78minutes.(23mph average) round the Stroan!

Special mention to Ballymoney newcomer and business man Ricky Henry on his first introduction to road racing.

With the field well split up and coming into the final mile the race looked to be lining up for a sprint finish between, Jerome McKendry, Jason Henry, Jason Taggart, Simon Taggart (BRC)

Colin Brennan, Chris Beattie, climbing specialist Stephen McNeilly and Stevie McAllister.

Two hundred metres to go and Henry pounced and put light between himself and the others winning easily on the line from McAllister and Taggart.

Overall Result

1^st Jason Henry

2^nd Stevie McAllister

3^rd Simon Taggart

4^th Chris Beattie

5^th Jason Taggart

6^th Jerome McKendry

7^th Stephen McNeilly

8^th Colin Brennan (All same time)

9^th Aaron Dickie

10^th Johnny Dillon

11^th Dessie Dillon

12^th Ryan Fenton

13^th Olly Bateson

14^th David McConaghie

Saturdays Leisure Run

Again on Saturday the leisure run was well supported, as word get around that this very well organised and monitored to suit everyone outing suits all.

The group just gets bigger. With the slowest and least experienced cyclists in mind the group has regular stops and with cycle touring and sportives getting more popular

The runs will get more location orientated. As groups go out through the week on a Monday and Thursday leaving from Outdoor life on Market St, Ballymoney at

6.30pm and on Saturdays from 9.30am. Everyone is invited to come along. NOTICE...you do not need a racing type bike as any bike will get you round.

The important thing is to get out on your bike.. See you all on Saturday.

Coming Events

On Saturday 21^st August Ballymoney Cycling Club are planning “Fund Raising Bike runs” in memory of young James Elliott who last year sadly lost his life in the swollen waters

of the River Bush attempting bravely to rescue a friends Labrador pet. Proceeds of these runs will be donated to Bush Community Rescue Service.

James’s Mum and Dad Clive and Margaret are involved with the CRC and this worthwhile organisation that volunteers its service to the community deserves all the support it can get.

Both Mr and Mrs Elliott are attending Ballymoney CC’s monthly meeting at the Joey Dunlop Leisure centre on Tuesday evening at 7.30pm to give a talk on what they do for the community.

Full details of the event will be in the local newspapers next week including routes for the 15mile, 30 and 50 mile runs.

All members of BCC and anyone else interested in helping are invited to come along on Tuesday evening to the Joey Dunlop Centre at 7.30pm

No. 28

Ballymoney CC’s Aaron Dickie wins the Kane Cup!

With Ballymoney Cycling Club riders in action at 4 venues, Bryan McKinney and Stevie McAllister at the Portaferry 3 Day stage race, Niall O’Hagan at the Lakeland 2 Day in Co. Fermanagh.

Causeway Coast Challenge

Charlie, Jack, Joan, Bobby, Ryan, Niall and Sophie took part in the local 60 mile Causeway Coast Challenge for the R.N.I.B and Macmillan Cancer Support Charities.

This is a local event and started from the Coleraine Rugby Club taking in the sights of North Antrim and the coast.

At the Dervock civic week events club chairman Nat Magee, John Patton and Aaron Dickie represented the club there and in this 20 mile event around the village Nat was second overall behind another Ballymoney cyclist Mark Wilkinson. Aaron Dickie brought more success to the Ballymoney

Club when he won the Kane Cup for the best Local rider.

This is Aarons first win for 2010 and the club would like to congratulate him and hope he has more

wins before the end of the season.

Lakeland 2 Day Stage Race

Niall O’Hagan travelled to Enniskillen and rode in the newly promoted Lake land Wheelers 2 day 3 stage event, Niall was really fired up for this one,

But a puncture in the first mile saw him ride the rest of the day at 23mph average for 43 miles and did not see the bunch again, in the TT, Niall as usual for this

“Never say die rider” pushed to the limit and finished only 40 seconds behind the leader. On Sunday the field of 62 riders set off for the final road stage and again the

very popular Ballymoney CC rider was seen driving at the front, getting into two different breaks and just missing out in a top three position at the end.

Thanks Niall for your efforts and the raising further of the Ballymoney CC profile in the field of cycling here in Ireland.

Portaferry 3 day 4 Stage Race

Ballymoney Cycling Club duo Stevie McAllister and Bryan McKinney were mixing it in this 10 year old highly prestigious stage race against the top A1 and A2 riders.

The first stage was around the Kirkistown race track for 20 laps saw the mad dash for the opening 30miles at a 27mph average. Tour of Ulster winner Adam Armstrong, along with team mates from EuroCycles Conor Murphy and eventual overall winner Thomas Martin attacked viciously on the first lap dragging with them Simon Williams, James McMaster and Ballymena lad Ryan Connor, they open a gap from the rest of the fast disintegrating field of two minutes and at the line Thomas Martin beat Ryan Connor in the sprint.

Both Ballymoney riders were ready for action the second day around the County Down roads and in the sprint up the famous Windmill hill that overlooks Portaferry, Ballymoney CC’s Stevie McAllister finished 7^th in the mad gallop to the top of this hard summit, with only feet separating the Ballymoney rider from 1^st place.

Bryan, like Niall suffered mechanical problems and punctures but rode well to finish.

In the next two stages both Ballymoney riders showed just how far they have come in 5 months of racing in their first year. Many forget that this time last year Bryan and

Steven were just thinking about starting racing. As many comments were made over the weekend about the promising future these two lads can have, it is a case of “Watch this space!” Some comments made recently by local cyclists may come back to bite them as it usually does. Bryan and Stevie come from successful cycling families.

And everyone is excited for these two close friends and team mates. Ballymoney Cycling Club supports the efforts of all its riders no matter of the type of event they take part in.

And we as a club realise that promoting cycling to everyone is the way ahead for this enjoyable hobby/sport.

Coming Events

This week Ballymoney CC are holding their weekly club race at Stranocum on the testing Stroan Circuit, starting at 7pm (Wednesday 28^th July)

Then on Thursday evening at Woodgreen Ballymena Road Club are holding a 10 mile TT starting at 7pm.

The following weekend 7^th/8^th of August, Ballymoney CC riders are travelling to Carrickfergus and Armagh to take part in the Madigan GP and the Tour of Armagh.

Photos from the Weekend...!