17 All Ireland Medals For Cycling Ulster

Cycling Ulster cyclists made a major impact on the All-Ireland championships in Waterford, bringing back no fewer than 17 medals. This was a tremendous achievement and bears testimony to the strength of cycling in the Province.

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Irish Medals for North Down Club
 
North Down Cycling Club picked up its first All-Ireland medals of the year when Rachel Mitchell won gold and silver medals in Under 14 Track Championships in Dublin.  In the first event, the 250 Metre Time Trial, Rachel was off first and set the fastest time of the day. Ailbhe Ivory (Bray Whs) won the silver and Enda Ryan (Sorrento) had to settle for bronze.   In the sprint Rachel won her heat and again met Enda Ryan and Ailbhe Ivory in the final. This was the closest fought event of the day, with half a wheel separating the medallists. Ryan took the win, with Rachel and Ailbhe silver and bronze.
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Bitter- Sweet Coastal Challenge

The North Down Cycling Club’s mammoth 100k Coastal Challenge had a real bitter-sweet feel to it last weekend.  On the one hand there was a record entry: in fact the entry list had to be closed at 700!  However, the management of the numbers involved had been a cause for concern. 
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Brian Marshall

The members of North Down Cycling Club were deeply saddened this week by the tragic death of one of its hardest working, inspirational and pivotal members, Brian Marshall.  This active fifty-one year old was enjoying a cycle on Monday evening when he was involved in an accident with a vehicle on the Killaughy Road near Donaghadee.

Brian was a consummate gentleman, known to most in Bangor as the proprietor of G. P. Marshall’s in Abbey Street.  Along with his wife, Vera,  he ran not only a bike shop but a drop-in centre for local cyclists.  Here day and daily Brian could be found, immaculately dressed in a pristine white shirt and tie, working on bikes, giving advice and generally working as an unpaid ambassador for cycling.

Brian’s philanthropic nature was evident for all to see.  For example, he provided many of the prizes at last Thursday night’s School’s Skills Challenge in Valentine’s.  However, not content with providing this necessary service, Brian came straight from work to the event and spent the rest of the evening barbequing so that everyone, not least the kids, could have a thoroughly enjoyable time.

Similarly Brian has spent countless hours organising this weekend’s 100k Coastal Challenge.  This is now the biggest event of its kind in the country and it has been Vera’s wish that the event should continue on Saturday in honour of Brian and in recognition of the sport that he loved.

For years Brian has been not only an active cyclist himself, winning many club and open events, but an effective, diligent and hard working committee member of North Down Cycling Club.  He had a vast experience of the local game and was always very willing to pass on his expertise to those less accomplished.

The officers and member of North Down Cycling Club wish to pass on to Vera, Philip and Gemma their heart-felt condolences.  It is expected that there will be a large turn out of members at the funeral in Conlig on Friday morning.

Busy Time for Local Cyclists

This week sees the start of an exceptionally busy period for local cyclists.  Tonight (Thursday) sees the ever popular cycling skills event for local school children.  North Down Cycling Club prides itself on being a community based club serving the local community and nowhere is this better demonstrated than in the Schools Cycle Skills event. 
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