Conor storms to Bann Valley victory

BANN Valley Road Club's GMC Electrical road race league continued last week on the difficult Tyanee course.

This race was also the first to be sponsored on an individual basis by the newly opened Bicycleshack shop in Portglenone.

The conditions were perfect for racing except for the silage cutting on the course which could have created danger but for the co operation of the tractor drivers and the extra marshals drafted on the night which led to an incident free race, thanks and appreciation are extended from the Club to both.

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The race itself consisted of 40 riders set off in four groups with handicaps of 6, 4 and 1 minutes. By the end of the first of four laps the groups had all made inroads to each others’ times, this trend continued on the second lap.

The fireworks, however, started on the difficult climb at the start of the third lap when Bann Valley’s U16 rider and last years’ U14 all Ireland champion, Conor McAteer broke away with such speed that by the bell he had managed to gain about a minute over the now combined first second and third groups.

Conor had the look of determination about him and it duly paid off as he soloed over the finish line with a clear 40 seconds to spare over the sprinting bunch. This sprint and second place was taken by Gary Jeffers ETCC with William Young also ETCC taking third.

NEW VENTURE

This week Bann Valley members Sean McNicholl and Adrian McPeake took the plunge and opened a new bike shop in Portglenone. The shop, Bicycle Shack, is set in a sunny courtyard off the main street.

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Tommy Lamb, Chairman of Cycling Ulster officially opened the shop by cutting the ribbon and allowing the visitors to enter.

Adrian said: "Bicycle Shack is the new cycling retail outlet in Portglenone supplying all leading brands of road and mountain bikes, clothing, parts and accessories catering for both children and adults from the casual cyclist to the more serious competitive riders.

“We have a fully equipped service and repair workshop as well as a complete range of energy foods. We hope to provide a friendly and reliable service."

The Bicycle Shack has also become one of the main sponsors of Bann Valley Road Club supporting two road races this year with a more visible presence from next season when other opportunities become available.

Bann Valley Road Club wish Adrian and Sean success in the new venture.