Rain’s a pain for Bann Valley cyclists

INCLEMENT weather and events run by neighbouring clubs resulted in reduced numbers at Bann Valley over the past couple of weeks.

On Tuesday last just over 20 riders signed on for the latest round of the GMC Electrical road race league held on the Lisnagrot course in Kilrea.

The race was reduced to 3 laps of the course and as usual the handicap brought the groups together on the last lap. The bets on the line were that Lakelands Philip Bremner would take the win as he was by far the most aggressive and comfortable looking rider at the bell. This was proved correct 18 minutes later, as the bunch appeared at the bottom of the final sharp climb into Kilrea it was indeed the Lakeland CC man who rode clear to claim victory. Philip was followed over the line by Bobby Kane (Bann Wheelers) and Bann Valley’s John McElderry. This pair were so close that it took a close examination of the video playback to confirm Bobby Kane in second place with John McElderry less that a tyre width behind.

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A crash at the start of the sprint left Jason Henry on the road although thankfully not seriously hurt, Bann Valley wish him and Club member Gerard McNally speedy recovery. Gerard was more seriously injured while sprinting for the finish in a Carn Wheelers race on Thursday, the crash left Gerard with serious road rash and a fractured elbow.

The previous Tuesday saw only 6 sign on for the AWT Racing time trial league. Once again Conor McAteer battled through the rain to take another victory in this fantastic season for the Irish Development Team member. Conor won in a time of 22.28 just over a minute ahead of Jason Henry UA 23.29 and John McElderry also Bann Valley Road Club who posted a 24.07.

STOLEN BIKE

Would all cyclists be aware that one of our club members has had a Giant TCR bike with Synergy wheels stolen recently. This bike is distinctive in that it had tri bars fitted and was painted in the pink and black colours of the former Telecom racing team. If anyone has knowledge of the whereabouts of this bike please contact the club on [email protected] or Magherafelt PSNI.

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