Tour of the North Cycle Race visits North Down

On Sunday next, 8th April, one of the biggest cycle races in the country will be visiting North Down.  Following the traditional prologue time trial at Stormont on Friday night and the first road stage on Saturday in Co. Antrim, the race will make its way to Bangor for the vitally important time trial on Sunday.  Venue for this stage will be the Bangor to Donaghadee road with the first rider off from the Groomsport roundabout at 10 am.  For those of a sadistic disposition, the best vantage point might be on the drag up Orlock as the riders make their way back to Bangor to complete the seven-mile circuit.
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Aquatech  Supports North Down Cyclists

In 2006 Sam Craig, the owner of local firm Aquatech (which specialises in cleaning driveways, patios, decking, forecourts etc.) offered to support the North Down Cycling Club in its many community initiatives.  We are delighted to be able to report that the philanthropic local businessman will once again be support the sport of cycling through helping the young riders in the club.

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Cyclists Buffeted By Freak Weather

Any thoughts that riders may have had about the arrival of springtime were quickly dispelled last weekend. As North Down's team bus headed through snow showers on the way to Armagh for Sunday's St. Patrick's Classic, some of the riders were beginning to doubt the wisdom of tackling the 55 mile route from Armagh to Downpatrick. The prospect of a stiff, if biting, tail wind was being weighed against the risk of bomdardment from hail and snow and the prospect of slushy roads. However, regular sunny breaks in the weather and the option of climbing into the club bus if things got really bad created enough optimism to persuade everyone to sign on. A bit of hesitancy crept in due to an untimely snow shower twenty minutes before the start but it soon passed and the riders set off, the race being neutralised as far as the outskirts of Armagh.
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Season Opener for Youth Riders

This weekend sees the start of a long season for the club’s youth riders, especially those with aspirations for selection on the National team for the Youth Olympics from 21st –28th July.  Tommy Evans, the National Talent Identification Officer has drawn up a comprehensive and demanding criteria for selection for this event.  For example, not only has he pointed out that there will be four selection road race events but there will also be two time trials in each  region

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All Systems Go for Cycle Touring

This promises to be a very exciting year for all those recreational cyclists belonging to North Down Cycling Club.  With a burgeoning club membership, especially in the touring section, the club touring secretary, Terry Nicoletti, has been busy compiling a programme which will satisfy the varying demands.  For example, in April, in addition to the traditional weekend club tours from the clubrooms Park Drive, he has pencilled in a ramble on the 10th and then there is of course the Mallorca trip leaving on the 21st.  In May there is an organised event virtually every weekend, including the Tour of the Glens, the Tour of Ireland Challenge and the Tour of Mayo.

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