Snow Joke
Last weekend when many sporting events across the country were postponed or cancelled because of the inclement weather, the North Down Cycling Club members proved they were made of sterner stuff. Undaunted by horrendous weather, they ventured out on their normal weekend cycle and, in spite of howling gales and driving snow, managed to complete their customary cycle. All of this will stand them in good stead for their forthcoming cycle tour in warmer climes, Majorca!
Cycling Season Beckons
It’s hard to believe that the 2009 road racing season is only three weeks away. Excitement in the North Down camp is certainly high and gauging by the preparation put in over the winter this optimism should not go unrewarded. What adds to the anticipation this year is the continental styled squad set-up with directeur sportif, soigneur, mechanic and sports scientist, designed to structure the racing team.
Belgian Cycling Link Launched
An exciting initiative for young Northern Ireland cyclists was launched at the weekend in Newtownards, the brainchild of Ards-exiled Flandrian Dany Blondeel. Blondeel, a tireless volunteer for the sport in Ulster has used his roots in Belgium to forge links with some major cycling teams in his native land. Last year he organised the participation of the Decock Capino team in the P&O Irish Sea Tour of the North at Easter, and from that his plans grew in to what is effectively a feeder programme for local cyclists in to professional racing in Belgium and beyond.
North Down Cyclists Honoured
Two of North Down Cycling Club’s up and coming stars, Jessica Laird and Stuart Henry, were honoured last week at Hillsborough Castle when they were presented with SportsAid Awards by none other that the icon of Northern Irish sport, Mary Peters. Jessica, well known for her exploits on mountain bikes, switched to road racing last year and made an immediate impact, gaining selection to compete for Ireland in Holland and Belgium. Stuart, who like Jessica is in upper-sixth form pupil at Regent House School, has a string of accolades and is currently the OCS Young Sports Person of the Year for Northern Ireland. All those involved in North Down Cycling Club hope this will be the spring board for even greater things for both young cyclists in the 2009 season.
Cycling’s Popularity Soars
A few weeks ago it was reported in this column that following the Olympics there was a massive increase in interest in the sport of cycling. This has been demonstrated forcibly in the local context by the number of lycra-clad individuals taking to the roads of North Down. Each Saturday morning, for example, up to three large groups of cyclists leave the North Down clubrooms at 9am for recreational and training cycles. Additional runs on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays are also attracting growing numbers of those who would like to emulate Chris Hoy.
Aquatech Supports North Down Cyclists
In 2006 Sam Craig, the owner of local firm Aquatech (which specialises in cleaning driveways, patios, decking, forecourts etc.) first offered to support the North Down Cycling Club in its many community initiatives and its racing programme. Since that date this philanthropic local businessman has continued to support the vibrant North Down club in a whole myriad of different ways.