Silver for Connor at ‘The Hedges’ Ulster Road Race Championships

The circuit has been described as one of the best in Ireland, winding through the lush green Co Antrim countryside, racing at neck break speed through “The Park” with its narrow Flemish style lanes, passing through the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland, the “Dark Hedges” and through the sleepy village of Stranocum, where the finish line is located.

Ballymena Road Club – Chain Reaction Cycles – riders were well represented with Connor Young the most successful present. Connor repeated his achievement of last season, on the same circuit, by taking second place and the silver medal in the junior category.

Claire Gillespie finished in an excellent fifth place in the women’s championship; this was a fitting result for Claire at the end of her first racing season. Amy Brice won the ladies championship.

The veterans’ title race was won by Brian Stewart (Phoenix) in 2 hours 39 minutes 28 seconds. Ballymena’s best finisher was Chris Beattie in eleventh place just two seconds behind Stewart. Clifford Grant, Michael Carroll and Ryan Currie all came in with this group at 2 seconds; they finished 21st 22nd and 23rd respectively.

Michael Carroll came in for special mention for his efforts in the veterans’ race, having been away for over a lap along with Kevin Lynch (Newry).

Afterwards Michael explained. “The veterans race ended in a bunch sprint won by Brian Stewart of Phoenix, we were all there, with Chris best in eleventh place and the rest of us about 20th or so, we all had a go at different times in a break.”

“I was away with a Newry rider for more than one lap but we got caught with just over a lap to go; it was a tough race with the wind and type of course making it hard.”

“I thought we might have stayed away but we would have needed 4 or 5 in the break to make it work. BRC all rode very well today and tried hard. Hopefully I can try to improve the sprinting for next year,” added Michael.

‘SUPER SIX’

The final round of the Ernie Magwood Super 6 Time Trial League took place on Saturday morning at a very windy Woodgreen. As forecast, the rain stayed away, that’s six dry rounds this year, and the air temperature was good, but the wind picked up on cue, with a harder return leg and also a solid crosswind at the mid-point of the course.

This slowed everyone’s times considerably but race winner Marcus Christie still managed to record 18 minutes 59 seconds (that’s 31.6 mph)

Second on the day was top road racer Frazer Duncan with 20.29. He beat series winner John Heverin by just one second, Laura Maxwell (Roe Valley) won the women’s league.

Series organiser David Heagney was full of praise for a small army of helpers and included BRC members Martin McKernan, Murray Young and Gordon Parker on his thank you list and also Ballymena Road Club for coordinating to avoid clashes of dates.

FUN TOURS

Ballymena Road Club – Chain Reaction Cycles – are scheduled to commence their Autumn and Winter series of fun cycle tours on Saturday 7th September, from Rex Bonar House at 9.30am.

Once again the tours will receive support from Ballymena Borough Council who will host a presentation at the end of the series.

The normal well tried and tested format will continue for this year’s series.

The participants will be divided into at least two groups with the more experienced riders scheduled to cover about 50 miles on their tour.

Club members will welcome newcomers to the touring section’s group where the average speed will be kept to around 15mph.

The minimum age of the participants is set at 13 years and all those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other nominated adult. Certificates and medals will be awarded to the successful participants with five tours earning bronze, eight for silver while eleven wins gold.

Participants are advised that crash helmets must be worn. They are also advised to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and to bring a rain jacket, spare tube, food and money. It goes without saying that bikes must be fully road worthy. There is a minimum one off entry fee of £5 to cover the fun tour series with the donations going to the Chernobyl children’s appeal NI.

Sunday 8th September. Ballymena Road Club’s touring section will hold their final “away for the day tour” when their, “last resort”, tour of the harbours will leave from the duck pond in Ballymoney, the starting time will be 10am. This end of season tour is very popular and is ridden at a moderate pace. The route will include Balnamore, Mountsandel, Coleraine, Portstewart, Portrush, Portballintrae, Dunseverick, Port Bradddan and Ballintoy, where there is a tea stop at the harbour.

Then it’s on to Ballycastle and the inland route via Mosside and Dervock to Ballymoney.