Ever considered entering a 200-mile, non-stop cycle race through Donegal, the Sperrin mountains and along the Antrim coast back to Londonderry? Probably not, but North Down Cycling Club’s endurance athlete Louise Togneri took on this new challenge and was the first woman to cross the finish line – a magnificent achievement!
This inaugural race was organised by the legendary cyclist Joe Barr, with riders required to complete the 200-mile route solo, but with a support vehicle and a crew of two. After a rigorous safety check and the installation of GPS tracking technology, Louise set off at 8.00 on Saturday morning (28 April).
Louise said, “the first 70 miles went well, I was making good time and felt strong but I knew the hardest sections were still to come”. After 85 miles Louise had a quick stop for food in Strabane, but there was still 115 miles to go – including some 60 miles of hard climbing in the Sperrins. The scenery was beautiful but with rain, hail and wind, Louise was cold, wet and tired. Digging deep, she made a big push for the finish – still about 50 miles along the scenic Antrim coast. She added, “this was the most difficult time for me, fatigue set in and I had aches and pains all over. My support crew [NDCC members John Hunter and Douglas Ruddock] were brilliant, making sure I ate properly and providing much needed motivation – I couldn’t have done it without them!”
Louise was welcomed across the finish line as the leading female competitor, in darkness, in an impressive time of 15 hours 29 minutes. She was delighted to complete this super tough physical and mental challenge, and huge congratulations from all at NDCC.
Congratulations to the five man NDCC team who braved a brutal, incident packed and weather disrupted, Tour of the North at Easter – Timmy Burns, Andrew Chivers, Stuart Henry, Javan Nulty, and Keith Phillips. The sub-zero conditions took their toll on the whole race and a couple of the NDCC riders were further beset with bad luck and cruel punctures. Nonetheless, the team rode strongly and proudly represented the Club and our sponsors, in this prestigious international 3-day race.
Road Race. In the Masters race, Paul McArthur powered away from the field to record an emphatic victory, with an incredible winning margin of 4 minutes. Paul Kirk and Tom Henry were also both on form, finishing 7th and 9th respectively. In his long awaited comeback, Kieran Beattie showed some attacking spirit, eventually finishing safely in the bunch. In the longer A1 race, Andrew Chivers rode an aggressive race and was part of a winning 10-man breakaway, finishing 7th in the stampede for the line. Keith Phillips was formidable in the chasing group, covering breaks and eventually riding off the front of the group in impressive style!
approximately 15 miles, with Stuart Henry and David Hamilton leading the charge for North Down Cycling Club (NDCC). At the first King of the Mountains checkpoint, this group had established an emphatic one minute eleven second advantage on the main bunch. This delighted the many NDCC supporters gathered there to enjoy the sunshine and cheer on the heros in “pink & black”.
just 25 seconds at one stage, but it widened again in the final quarter as the breakaway sensed victory. The NDCC team all rode superbly with Stuart finishing as first A2 rider, Nathan the leading junior and fast finishing Shaun edging it in the bunch sprint. Team manager Stevie Cardy and mechanic Sam Carson did an excellent support job in the first outing of the Kia team car, generously sponsored by Downeys Newtownards.
and stringing out the group with his own attacks. Paul won this event in the past as an A4, but the chequered flag eluded him this time. Another strong performance nonetheless. Tom Henry also rode extremely well in the A4 race, finishing “comfortably” in the bunch.
joined by another group which included Andrew Chivers and the winning break of 10 was established. Darragh McCarter (Donegal) attacked off the front to take overall victory, with an aggressive Andrew Chivers securing a well deserved 7th place, two positions in front of his teammate Stuart Henry.