Tuesday 22nd April was a very interesting evening for the testers in the GORDONS TV sponsored time trial league as every one of the nineteen riders beat their previous times of the season so far with David Barton leading the way with a superb 22.36 wich goes to show that the Kilrea road course,although difficult, can produce good times . Second on the night and with probably the most frustrating time, was Uel Cunningham, Bib Sport, who finished with a 23.01.Congratulations must go to riders who got PB's on the night, Neil Seffon, who finished third with a time of 23.36 and Bann Valley's Alan Donegan, who beat the 30 minute barrier for the first time with a 29.07, and to Dermot Doherty,Tara Lynn and Charlie O'Neill who posted much improved times for the season so far. The rest of the times are available on the results page.

The first road race in the GMC ELECTRICAL league will be held on the Ballynease course on Tuesday 6th May. Riders are asked to sign on early so that the first group can be away by 7.30 pm sharp. A map of the course with the start/finish, sign-on point can be found on the Clubs' website, along with all the upcoming fixtures and events, results etc.

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2008 'SIZZLERS' WINE BAR AND RESTAURANT

BANN VALLEY CLASSIC

Bann Valley Road Club's premier race of the season the SIZZLERS sponsored Bann Valley Classic was held on Sunday 20th April on the Ballymacombes/Ballynease course. This year the event was split into two races to conform with new safety regulations. The 'A' race containing 22 riders set off 5 minutes ahead of the 'B' race and was hotly contested from the start with a break of five riders getting away on the first lap. This break managed to stretch to slightly over a minute before the chase group began to organise and gradually reel them in. This only spurred the fitter men to attack again on the fourth lap but this time eight riders got away in what was to prove to be a defining move. On the final lap the eventual winner Tommy Wilson, Ballymena Road Club, and Brian Mimnagh, Omagh Wheelers, attacked again to open a 40 second gap which they held to the finish, Wilson proving to be the strongest, crossing the line a few seconds ahead of Mimnagh with Gavin Scullion, BRC, escaping from the chase bunch to take a clear third place. Meanwhile, the 'B' race stayed together as a bunch for all of the seven laps with only a few dropping out the back and no-one able to break from the front. Coming to the finish line for a bunch sprint it was Ryan McCudden, Phoenix CC, who timed his move to perfection and took the race by half a second from East Tyrone's Andrew Bradley who in turn did just enough to keep club-mate Collie Lynn in third place by less than a bike length. Bann Valley Road Club would like to acknowledge the help of eveyone who worked to make this a safe and successful event, especially the marshalls under the guidance of George Gallagher, who did their job professionally enabling both the race and normal road traffic to proceed with minimal hinderance. Thanks also to those who provided the refreshments and helped in the hall with tea etc. Our thanks also goes to PSNI in Magherafelt who provided essential traffic cover. This year special mention must go to the Roads Service in Magherafelt who willingly co-operated with the Club's request to patch the dangerous potholes on the course. Finally our thanks is extended to Fr. Oliver Crilly, Greenlough, for the use of the hall.

CHRISTINA CLARKE PRESENTS TOMMY WILSON WITH THE MICK CLARKE MEMORIAL TROPHY FOR HIS WIN IN THE SIZZLERS BANN VALLEY CLASSIC

Club winners Shane McAteer and Liam O'Connor

2008 prize winners

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GORDONS TV 10 MILE TT LEAGUE BEGINS

Tonight Tuesday 8th saw the start of the GORDONS TV sponsored TT league on the Kilrea Road.

Seventeen riders signed on for what was to prove a very difficult night with a head wind for most of the way. This and the fact that for most this was the first really competitive outing of the season, showed in the results with almost everyone up to two minutes slower than their target times.   

The winner was David Barton SDRC in a time of 23.24 followed closely by Ernie Magwood of East Tyrone with 23.33. The top three was rounded out by Uel Cunningham, Bib Sport, in a time of 24.12.

FIVE MILE TT

Tonight Tuesday 1st April saw the first competition in Bann Valley's 20th anniversary year. The traditional season opener a five mile TT was held on the Kilrea Road and produced some excellant times despite a very windy evening. Notable among these was the winning time of 11.25 by David Barton SDRC who was closely followed by old friends and rivals Ernie Magwood ET and last years GORDONS TV league winner Neil Seffon. Other super times were posted by Trevor Reid and Elle Forrest of BRC who seemingly surprised themselves most of all in their first ever time trial.  The full list of results can be found on the Time Trial Results page. A selection of times from the 2007 season are carried elsewhere on the site for comparison purposes.

Next week the Ten mile TT's commence from the Hawthorn Bar. The first rider will be called at  7pm  and all are asked to be there early as we wish to complete the TT before the light fades.

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The familiar figure of Bann Valleys' Sean Kelly, taking part in the P J Logan Cup race promoted by Island Wheelers. Picture courtesy Marian Lamb Cycling Ulster

BANN VALLEYS 20TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON BEGINS

The new season almost upon us with the first event in the Club's calendar, a five mile time trial, onTuesday April 1st takes place as usual onthe Kilrea Road starting at the lay-by on the right side of the road about four miles from the Portglenone end. This traditional opener to the season usually attracts good numbers of club riders anxious to test themselves after a long cold winter. 

Due to the short evenings, especially this early in April anyone intending to compete should be at the start early to allow the first rider to get away by 6.30pm at the latest. 

This year Bann Valley Road Club celebrates its 20th anniversary. The Club was officially recognised in 1988. Three of the founding members, Hon. President Vincent McDonnell, Chairman Lawrence Maguire and main sponsor Michael Clarke are still active within the club and can be found to the fore every Sunday on the club run.

The Club has put on sale, at less than half price, some high quality clothing all of which is manufactured by GIORDANA. This clothing is in the club colours and is available to anyone who wishes to purchase but preferece will be given to club members.

The table below shows the quantity size and price of what is available. To order or enquire please contact info@bannvalley.co.uk.