Cycling club seeks new race sponsor

Long term sponsor Blair International Transport have ended their generous financial backing so the way is open, even at this late stage, for a new sponsor to fill the void.

Contact race secretary David Dougan, any committee member or the club website if you can assist.

This year’s event will see the riders assemble at the club’s Rex Bonar House club rooms on Railway Street, from where they will move out at approx. 10.45am.

It’s understood that the starting arrangements will be the same as last year, which will see the neutralised section taking them through the centre of the town along Bridge Street, North Road, Ballymoney Road, Parkway and Cushendall road before the racing starts at the flyover, after negotiating the Cushendall road roundabout.

Then it’s out the main Cushendall road to McGregor’s corner at Rathkenny where a left turn brings the race back on to its traditional route. The first climb of the event takes the riders into Clough before heading on for Loughguille and Armoy.

Then it’s down Glenshesk to Ballycastle before the climb to Ballyvoy and on up the hill to Ballypatrick forest and on past the Vanishing Lakes.

A fast descent then follows which takes the riders over the Glendun viaduct and on to Cushendall.

Then it’s around the coast road to Carnlough before the final climb up Glencloy and on in through the Braid to the finish back at Broughshane, where the leaders are expected at approximately 1.25pm

There will be prizes for the first six as well as the “unplaced” second and third category seniors and a junior award.

In addition to these there are also prizes for the first three Ballymena RC riders who don’t pick up a prize in the main list. As usual a big team of marshals are required to run the race. Please make yourself available to the race organiser, David Dougan, if you are able to assist.

The Red Hand Trophy opened for pre-entry last Friday 15th May and is limited to 80 riders. To register for the race go to RiderHQ

BILLY KERR SPORTIVE

Ballymena Road Club will hold a charity information evening in Montgomery’s restaurant on Monday 8th June at 19:30. “We have representatives from Cancer Fund for Children coming along to tell us about their valuable charity work. This year the Billy Kerr Sportive, on 15th August, will be supporting Cancer Fund for Children.”

See club website for further details. Tea & coffee will be provided.