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NDCC Weekly Update 16/8/16

North Down CC 16th August 2016 No Comments

CHAIN REACTION NORTH DOWN GRAND PRIX, 21 August 2016

No, not the Formula 1 kind but the flagship event of cycling in the borough, hosted by North Down Cycling Club.

For the second year running, the NDGP, sponsored by Chain Reaction Cycles, has moved to August in a bid to attract riders, A4 – A1 from across the country, to race when the weather has at least a chance of warmth. With great prize money on offer, the best riders will be in attendance in a bid to claim the honours of this prestigious race. The route, which in the past has held the NI Road Race Championships, will be run on the usual course. Rolling out from Race HQ at Donaghadee Community Centre, the race will be neutralised until the Warren Road. An immediate quick sting in the legs will be dealt by the climb up Orlock, before descending towards Groomsport and turning up Springwell Road, where the KOH awaits. Left again onto the High Donaghadee Road, when the riders will be flat out, the peleton either stretched or broken up after the climb before turning left again down New Road, Donaghadee. This course is very deceiving, on paper it appears relatively flat and fast bar the two climbs, but it has the ability to drain the energy from legs, especially once you have climbed Springwell for the ninth time.

The racing will be fast, exciting and unpredictable but also very accessible for spectators, as there a number of great vantage points to watch. The top of Orlock, Springwell Road and Warren Road to name but a few. Commencing with the Over 50s race at 1130am, followed by the A4 race and the main race comprised of A1-A3 riders, the cycling should be over by 3.30pm.

North Down Cycling Club sincerely hopes this sporting spectacular does not inconvenience the day to day business of the public, whose support we greatly appreciate, but we would ask that motorists respect the directions of the marshals on the route and slow or pull over as the riders approach, to ensure the safety of all involved.

Ulster Youth Finals

While all eyes may be on Rio, there were other medals up for grabs at the weekend in Ballymoney. The Ulster Youth Finals were well attended by NDCCs U12 to U16s in time trials and the road races. Emulating Laura Trott, young Rachel White took gold in two events, the U12 time trial and road race. Rachel has been a dominant force in her age group all season and this is her just reward. U13 Maia Simmons, having recently showed what a great talent she is in Donegal, took bronze in the TT and gold in the road race. Katie Armstrong, racing in the U16 category took two silver medals, showing her form just before she heads across to the Schools Games later this month. Whilst the girls brought home the silverware, the two NDCC boys were just outside the medals, with strong man Nathan Keown 4^th in the U15 road race and newcomer Patrick Watson, 5^th in the U16 road race. Nathan’s young brother Matthew, who is new to the sport, showed he is a chip off his brother’s block by riding well and finishing strongly in the U14 race.

North Down were also represented at the John Beggs Memorial Race by Adam Leach finishing as 1^st A3 and Andrew Chivers 1^st A2.

Reid & Black Ardill Patterson Club Road Races

Wednesday night is club night and this week saw the club championship jerseys up for grabs on the Springwell/Orlock/Stockbridge course. The evening’s races are divided into age categories – Ladies, Senior, over 40 and Over 50. You would have been forgiven for thinking the weather was mid April rather than August, with a nip in the air and a howling wind but this did not deter a more diminished field than previous years from turning out. The leg zapping course included two climbs and depending on the category, were raced four or five times. Marshalled by the Peninsula Tri Club and our own members, NDCC would like to extend their gratitude to all who turned out to help ensure the races passed off safely.

Winners of the jerseys are as follows:

Ladies – Katie Armstrong
Senior – Keith Phillips
Over 40 – Shaun Carey
Over 50 – Michael Crowe

The jerseys will be presented at the Awards Night.

NDCC Barbecue

The annual club barbecue is being held at Ballyholme Yacht Club on Saturday 27^th August. Tickets are still available from the club Social Secretary. To reserve them just drop him an email and keep an eye on the club Facebook page.

Michael McMullan – NDCC PRO

NDCC – Ardill Patterson Championship Races 10/8/16

North Down CC 10th August 2016 No Comments

Wednesday Night seen the annual NDCC club road race championships get under way on a typical dull, grey and wet August evening with club members only taking to the Springwell/ Stockbridge Circuit.

The riders were split into a number of category’s with a small handicap between each.

The results are as follows..

Womens
1st – Katie Armstrong
2nd – Alison McMullan
3rd – Angie Perrott

Mens – Senior
1st – Keith Phillips2nd – David Hamilton
3rd – James Ambrose

Mens – 40’s
1st – Shaun Carey2nd – Jonny Webb
3rd – Michael McMullan

Mens – 50’s
1st – Michael Crowe
2nd – Stephen Cardy
3rd – Noel Boyce

North Down CC would like to congratulate all the winners and everyone for turning out on such a dull evening and also give a massive thank you to the Peninsula Triathlon Club for marshalling the event to allow as many NDCC members to ride as possible!

NDCC Weekly Update 8/8/16

North Down CC 8th August 2016 No Comments

RIDE BANGOR – GREAT SUCCESS

The promise of closed roads around Bangor Town Centre attracted hundreds of cyclists of all ages and abilities, giving them the unique opportunity to pedal or in the case of some youngsters, push their balance bikes on traffic free streets. Using the course of the Criterium and with the weather god on our side, it was very encouraging to see families out on their bikes enjoying the great outdoors for an hour, parents hoping it will tire out the young ones, and the kids on a promise of an ice cream at the end.

This is the second time NDCC has run Ride Bangor and judging by the turnout on both years, it is something that may run and run. We would like to extend our thanks to Bangor PSNI and Ards & North Down Borough Council for their assistance in making this event possible. Of course, the unsung heroes are the many club volunteers, who behind the scenes made this event happen and the Club would like to extend its gratitude to them.

After Ride Bangor, many stayed on to enjoy the summer’s evening and watch the fast paced Criterium on the same course many had just, though more sedately, ridden around. Despite poor numbers signing on, this did not stop a display of skill and bike handling for an hour’s racing, with a scratch group having to chase down the riders in front. High paced and highly charged, the racing got off to a flying start. Unfortunately NDCC riders Andy Young and Timmy Burns both took a tumble in the first lap but thankfully were not injured and rejoined the action. National Champion, Mark Dowling made a welcome return to Bangor but with a quality field including David Montgomery (An Post/Chain Reaction), Glenn Kinning and our own James Ambrose, David Hamilton and former Commonwealth Games rider, Lewis Ferguson, this was going to be a war on wheels.

Inevitably, the scratch riders powered through and devastated the field. With three laps to go, a stall in the racing gave Jude Sands from Newry Wheelers an opportunity to attack. He managed to open a sizeable gap but he was not going to have it easy as Dowling bridged across. However, when it came to the sprint for the line, Dowling’s final effort had drained his energy reserves, Sands taking the honours. NDCC’s Ferguson came home in 6^th position.

Results

1^st Jude Sands Newry Wheelers
2^nd Mark Dowling ASEA Wheelworx
3^rd David Montgomery An Post/Chain Reaction

Racing Round Up

The biggest event of the year on the A4 category calendar is the Omagh 3 Day Stage Race. NDCC have had considerable success at this race in the past, most notably by Stephen Watty winning the race outright last year. David Spalding, better known as ‘Dentist Dave’ has proved himself to be a formidable climber in recent months and it would be this skill that would bring him glory, all of which he puts down to his caveman diet. Ably assisted by his team mates, Stevie Cardy, Gareth Boyle, Dan Brown and Declan O’Neill, Spalding was virtual race leader whilst on the road in the last stage, but while he had to forego the Yellow Jersey when caught two miles from the end, he had won all three KOH climbs and with that the Polka Dot Jersey.

The Masters League staged its penultimate round today in Lurgan, and again NDCC had success in the shape of ever on form Tom Henry taking second place. It is all to play for in the league, when the final round is played out on the day of the North Down GP in a couple of weeks.

Off the back of the Errigal International Youth Tour, Katie Armstrong has been selected to once again represent Cycling Ulster at the 2016 School Games. A well deserved achievement.

Bow Bells 10 Mile Time Trial Millisle-Ballywalter-Millisle

The last club 10 Mile TT was held on the usual course, on what was an extremely blustery and windy evening but at least the rain stayed away. Mark Kane (Northern CC) once again was the quickest on the night.

Results – NDCC only:

Men

1^st Keith Phillips           22.45mins
2^nd Michael McMullan    22.41mins
3^rd Mark Hodgins           25.42mins

Female

1^st Alison McMullan 27.52mins

Condolences

In what has been an awful few weeks for NDCC with the passing away of Gary Swenarton and David Catherwood, it is with regret that Billy Kirk jnr, the brother of Brendan Kirk and brother-in-law of Bronagh was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in Newtownards late last week. A family of huge standing in the cycling community, NDCC would like to pass on their heartfelt condolences to the Kirk family.

In a separate incident, the son of Simon Reardon was also tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. Our thoughts and condolences are also expressed to the Reardon Family at this time.

Michael McMullan – NDCC PRO

NDCC launch 2016 North Down GP Sponsored by Chain Reaction Cycles

North Down CC 7th August 2016 No Comments

The Chain Reaction Cycles North Down GP supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council is on Sunday the 21st August. is on Sunday the 21st August this year. Races for all categories. Entries will open on Monday 1st August at 8.00pm on Entry Central.

Revised schedule for this Sundays North Down GP below.

*OVER 50’s AND WOMENS NOW STARTING AT 12.00. NO YOUTH RACES*

Sign on open- 10.30
Riders roll out- 11.50
A1,2,3 race start- 12.00
A4 race start- 12.01
O50 race start- 12.02
Womens race start- 12.03

Could the O50 and women racers try to spread the word of the changes to those they knew had planned to come. Thank you.

Prize fund for Main Race (A*,A1,A2 & A3)

1st £300.00
2nd £160.00
3rd £140.00
4th £110.00
5th £90.00
6th £70.00
7th £50.00
8th £40.00
9th £30.00
10th £20.00
KOH (Laps 2,4,6,8) £30.00
KOH 2nd £20.00
KOH 3rd £10.00
Unplaced A2 1st £25.00
Unplaced A2 2nd £20.00

Online entry is available here – www.entrycentral.com/northdownGP

NDCC Weekly Update 20/6/16

North Down CC 20th June 2016 No Comments

BANGOR COASTAL CHALLENGE IS A GREAT SUCCESS

As luck would have it, sandwiched between two days of glorious sunshine, Sunday’s Chain Reaction Bangor Coastal Challenge proved to be a wet and windy affair. That only made the task more of an effort for the nearly 800 cyclists who braved the elements. With marshals standing out for many hours to either direct riders or hand out water and drinks, and a support team on motorcycles and vans, this event was well planned and executed, a special mention of thanks should be made to the Coastal sub-committee, and all the volunteers that helped make this charity event a success.

People of all shapes, sizes, fitness, ability and from all over Ireland rode their bikes, with at least two tandems being spotted en route, from the start at Bangor Sportsplex through the villages of the Ards Peninsula to the refreshment stop at Portaferry. A strong headwind made the outward leg difficult, with the rain coming in earlier than forecast, some riders finding shelter in groups while others battled alone, but the consolation of a warming bowl of stew and the promise of a tailwind home helped lift the spirits, making it as one competitor said “A real challenge”. The homeward leg through Kircubbin and Greyabbey saw the average speeds lift with most participants making it round, if not cold and wet, relatively incident free back to the Sportsplex.

It was not just the big kids out on their bikes today either, the inaugural Ride to Pickie was another big success. For many, this would be the first time they were able to ride on the road, and with them being closed ensured it was a safe environment to do so. Despite the weather, they were able to fit in a couple of hours fun at Pickie.

Many thanks to PSNI Bangor and Ards & North Down Borough Council for their assistance with both the Coastal Challenge and Ride to Pickie.

North Down CC would like to thank all who made the effort to ride the Chain Reaction Bangor Coastal Challenge and the Ride to Pickie, hope that if this is just the start of your cycling adventure, that we will see you back again next year.

Racing Round Up

There was no club event this week but NDCC had success at other venues. On Tuesday at Warrenpoint, tester Paul Swenarton proved his mettle with a storming 10 mile at the TVR TT time of 22 mins 26 secs. This was good enough for him to take the fastest vet title on the night.

The hard roads of East Antrim saw NDCC riders James Ambrose and Keith Phillips take on the Audi GP. A tough course on hard roads meant nothing to this duo, who were instrumental in

forming the break rode hard all race, with Keith Phillips being rewarded with a great 4^th place.

NDCC had success at the criteriums this week too. Maia Simmons, one of our most talented young riders, showed her strength in Ards against the U14 boys by finishing 1^st girl and 5^th overall. Gavin Moore placed 3^rd in Antrim on Tuesday and 4^th in Ards.

A Bicycle Made for Two

North Down CC has seen a couple of weddings take place between members over the years, the most recent being that of Mark Irvine and Rachel Mitchell. This young couple met a few years back at a club function and love soon blossomed. Cycling is in their blood, as the Irvines and the Mitchells are two of a few pillars on which the club was founded in 1977. NDCC wish this pair all the very best in their married life together.

Words & Report by Michael McMullan – NDCC PRO

NDCC Weekly Update 13/6/16

North Down CC 13th June 2016 No Comments

BANGOR BIKE WEEK

BANGOR COASTAL CHALLENGE

In just a few days, over seven hundred cyclists from all walks of life, all abilities and ages will take to the roads as participants in the 2016 Bangor Coastal Challenge, sponsored by Chain Reaction Cycles. The route for the event follows the coast road from Bangor Sportsplex to Portaferry, via Millisle, Ballywalter and Ballyhalbert. Refreshments will be available at Portaferry and there will be water stops along the way. The way home is via Kircubbin, Greyabbey and Ards, then along the dual carriageway to Bangor Sportsplex, where you can finally rest your weary legs and think of what you have achieved today. Sixty miles on a bike is long but doable by anyone’s standards, so don’t be deterred if you have not already signed up for this charity event, as you can enter on the day! Disruption to the general public will be kept to a minimum but there will be delays on Sunday along the route, which leaves the Sportsplex at approximately 10 o’clock. So if you are needing out and about along the peninsula on Sunday, please be considerate to other road users, cyclist and motorist alike, and think about an alternative route that will avoid the Coastal Challenge.

RIDE TO PICKIE – KIDS EVENT

Not forgetting our youngest members of society, this year sees the first Ride to Pickie for the kids in the borough. A great way to introduce kids to cycling and riding on the road, this mini event will be held on closed roads, thanks to the assistance from PSNI. Leaving the Sportsplex, the route will go through Bangor to Pickie Funpark where each kid will receive a goodie bag and have wear themselves out even more on the swans and playpark. The only stipulations are that helmets must be worn and each kid must be accompanied by an adult. If you fancy having tired kids on Fathers Day so you can enjoy the footie and a beer later on, bring them along to Ride to Pickie as there are places still available.

All we need now is a glorious summers day with a gentle breeze to keep us cool.

NDCC MEMBERSHIP & PROMOTION EVENT

North Down Cycling Club is one of the biggest in the country and will soon be celebrating its 40^th anniversary. Steeped in racing history and distinctive in its pink and black colours, the dynamics of the club have changed considerably to include a thriving membership of people who love cycling without being competitive. NDCC are always happy to welcome new members and strive to provide quality events, whether you want a social ride, a tough race or just to make new friends. In conjunction with the Festival of Cycling NI and Bangor Bike Week, NDCC is offering free membership to every tenth new membership.

On Friday 17^th June, the club will have its gazebo up at the Sunken Gardens, close to the McKee Clock, and as long as the weather permits, will host a fun static bike race, the fastest time winning a prize. Club members will be there to chat with and give a first hand account of the club. So if you see us down there, come over and say hello, give the static bike challenge a go, you never know your luck.

BOKHARA HILL CLIMB – SCRABO

A new addition to the hill climb season, the finish close to Scrabo Tower was a great alternative to the hills used in previous years. This was definitely a climb for the lightweights, probably the only people lighter are jockeys, with its 12% gradient on the final section. The 1.5mile course started at the old Knightsbridge Hotel site and turned right to go up the road to the Tower. Hill climbs are not for everyone, but a good turn out included a couple of our youth members. Although David Spalding was the fastest NDCC rider on the night with 5mins 19secs, he had the very talented Nathan Keown breathing down his neck, finishing in 5mins 32 secs. Tom Charlick was not far behind either with a fast 5mins 38 secs. With two more rounds left, it is all to play for and it would be great to see a young rider win it for a change, as it has been won for the last number of years by riders of more senior years!

Results (NDCC Riders Only)

David Spalding 5mins 19secs
Nathan Keown 5mins 32secs
Willy Larmour 5 mins 36secs

Special mention for Tom Charlick 5mins 38secs

Ladies

Alison McMullan 7mins 20secs

RACING ROUND UP

Insane finishes at towers seemed to be flavour of the week, with Saturday’s Bobby Crilly Classic taking place in the hills around Dundrod. This tough race takes in laps around Antrim, Muckamore and Nutt’s Corner before turning onto the Ulster GP motorcycle course and heading towards Divis Mountain. The grueling ascent from Nutt’s Corner is nothing to what awaits the riders who have managed to stay out in front, as they turn into Divis Mountain Park, past the coffee shop before making a 90degree turn to face the wall they must climb to the summit. This is always a finish for the pure climber, light in stature and with less to drag up the incline, they can make the most of this advantage when the road tops out at a grinding-to-a-halt 20%!! Lucky for NDCC, that we have a plethora of such riders, with Adam Leach winning the A3 race, Philip Bell coming 2^nd in the A4 race and Lewis Ferguson, fresh from the Ras, taking 4^th in the A1/A2 race.

Although not strictly cycling, U16 club member Jake Rushby came first at the Firmus Energy Kids Triathlon.