Lisburn Cyclo Cross Success
Four North Down riders competed in the Lisburn Cyclo Cross last weekend. New member Andy Rea joined the experienced Michael Hamilton, Keith Millar and Raymond Brownfield in what many consider to be the toughest form of the sport of cycling. Held in the splendid surroundings of the Island Centre in Lisburn, the race attracted an entry of 70 riders, surely a record for an Ulster Cyclo Cross event, with the field having a fine mixture of road, cross country and downhill riders.
Just back from international duty in Turkey with the Irish Squad it was Commonwealth Games competitor Lewis Ferguson, from Holywood, who showed the best form. From the very first lap he held a narrow advantage over Alistair McSorley (Apollo), Peter McConville (Newry Wheelers), Sean Downey (Banbridge CC) and Robbie Lamont (XMTB).
However, having his first outing of the season, it was our own Ray Brownfield who was slowly climbing the leader board. Lap by lap Brownfield and Michael Hamilton increasingly made their presence felt and it was no surprise when he ousted many more established cyclo-cross competitors and eventually finished 6th with Hamilton securing 18th place in a very tight finish
As is so often the case, veteran Millar had been very fast off the blocks at the start only to be dogged by mechanical problems. On this occasion it was a wayward chain. However, he quickly rejoined the race and along with newcomer Rea finished well up the large field.
Club Social Night
The Bokhara Restaurant, King Street, Bangor will be the venue for the club’s big social night on Monday the 20th November. All the social occasions in the Bokhara have been excellent, but this one should prove to be exceptional as the trophies and medals won in the club events throughout the year will be distributed.
As always, Jahirul will provide a complete meal, either European or Indian for the modest sum of £12.50. This is an event when members have the opportunity of inviting friends and relaxing around excellent food. However, places will be limited so if you plan to attend it is important that you book tickets promptly by either Emailing Tom Henry at thomashenry@hotmail.com or phoning 91457472.
Results from the 2006 Club events
The best all rounder (BAR) competition, based on each rider's best time for a circuit TT, 5 mile TT,. 10 mile TT and kilometre are as follows:
1. P Downie 59min. 37sec. BAR gold standard
2. N Boyce 60.05. BAR gold standard
3. O Parkes 60.15. BAR gold standard
4. M Geddis 61.30. BAR silver standard
5. T Johnston 62.19. BAR silver standard.
The results for those competing in the time trial series of kilometre, 5 and 10 miles are:.
1 M Hodgins 44.37 silver standard.
2. G Paul 45.34 silver standard.
3. C Andrews 46.46 silver standard.
4. C Swenarton 47.33 bronze standard.
Special performances were recorded by:
N Boyce 16.30 in the Circuit TT ;
N Boyce, O Parkes, C Swenarton 1.24 in the 1 kilometre;
O Parkes 12.48 in the 5 miles TT ;
P Downie 27.5910 miles TT ;.
With the prize presentation imminent, anyone who won perpetual trophies last year are asked to return them to Harry Adams at the earliest opportunity.
Recreational Cycles
For those who are not interested in the competitive side of cycling, the North Down Cycling Club organise a number of recreational cycles, geared to the needs of all. One of the most popular of these is the 9am cycle which leaves the clubrooms every Saturday morning. The only problem is that this event has become a victim of its own success, with more and more cyclists turning up week upon week. To ensure safety for the cyclists and other road users, it has been suggested that the bunch should be split in future. Those who intend cycling around the Peninsula via Portaferry will leave at 9am. A second group will leave at 9.05 – this group will travel as far as Ballyhalbert and back via Kirkubbin and a third group will leave at 9.10 cycling to Ballywalter and Greyabbey. As always, everyone who is interested in cycling, at whatever level, will be made very welcome on any of these runs.