The final standings in the AWT REFRIGERATION 10 mile time trial league held on the Kilrea Road are as follows
Visitor league.
1st Steven Workman BRC 53 points
2nd Martin Tohill Spires CC 38 points
3rd David Barton ETCC 36 points
4th Gerry Kelly Carn Wh. 16 Points
Club League
1st Dean McElfatrick 56 points
2nd Martin Robb 42 points
3rd John McElderry 40 points
4th Trevor Reid 28 points
5th Gerry McCullagh 20 points
=6th Robbie & David Strang 18 Points
8th Elle Forrest 16 points
=9th Alan Donegan/Aidan Donnelly 13 points
Many thanks to Trevor Reid of AWT REFRIGERATION our sponsor this year for is valued support.
The club would also like to acknowledge the faithful participation of all the riders from the local clubs who supported our time trials this year in record numbrs.
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Bann Valley has new Irish Champion
Bann Valley Road Club’s Conor McAteer is the new Irish under 15 time trial champion after winning the gold medal at the All Ireland Youth Cycling Championships on 28 – 29 August. This year’s championships, which attracted around 150 competitors from across the island, took place in the Coalisland area and were very professionally organised by the Clann Eireann and Island Wheelers cycle clubs. Riders aged 11 – 16 competed against the best in their age group. Over 30 riders competed in the under 15 time trail, with Conor recording a time of 2 minutes 23 seconds over the 1.2 mile course, which was 4 seconds clear of silver medallist, Craig Arrigan from Dublin and 6 seconds faster than bronze medallist, Jason Prendergast from Mayo. Conor had the misfortune of crashing out of the road race, when several riders collided in the final 200 yards as the bunch began to sprint for the line – fortunately only minor injuries were sustained.
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BANN VALLEY ROAD CLUB
NOTICE
WOULD ALL COMMITTEE MEMBERS PLEASE ATTEND A MEETING IN PORTGLENONE COMMUNITY CENTRE ON WEDNESDAY EVENING 8th SEPTEMBER AT 8 PM
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GMC ELECTRICAL ROAD RACE LEAGUE
The GMC ELECTRICAL road race league continued on Tuesday 27th on the Tyanee course. Due to the inter club league event the next evening and a race in Ballymena numbers were reduced on the night, however over 30 signed on to race the four laps of this demanding circuit.
Four groups were set off at short intervals over a six minute period which was ideal as by the bell the race was together with the exception of two riders from group one who had taken the chance and broken away and were obviously intent on maintaining their advantage for as long as possible.
By the finish line the breakaway was down to one rider, Barry Doyle Harps CC, who had dropped his companion on the last lap and had rode superbly to hold off the chasing bunch by over five seconds.
The bunch sprint was an exciting dual between Bann Valley club mates, Conor McAteer and Martin Robb, with Conor just pipping Martin to the line. The fourth place sprint was equally close with Bann Valley's Michael Carroll holding off Martin Tohill Spires CC.
The Inter club race on Wednesday 28th was hosted by Carn Wheelers and saw a good Bann Valley turn out. Although the race was marred by a serious crash as the riders wound up for the sprint, Club riders Mike Carroll and Gerry McCullagh managed to avoid the incident to claim 8th and 10th places respectively.
The Club wish a speedy recovery to all those involved in the crash, especially club members Eugene and Martin.
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GMC ELECTRICAL ROAD RACE LEAGUE
The latest round of the GMC ELECTRICAL road race league took place last Tuesday on the rolling Lisnagrot course, which finishes with a sharp uphill climb into the town. As has been the norm this year 52 riders signed on and were set off in four groups over a six minute period. By the second lap the first two groups had merged while the scratch men were within reach of the third bunch. As the race progressed into the penultimate lap the now two large groups were riding with equal determination, one to stay away while the other chasing hard to catch them. As the finish approached it was obvious that the chase was in vain as the leaders had held off the challenge and rode to the line, with Colm Lynn ETCC making his move early on the last hill, taking the others off guard and opening a significant gapt. Collie managed to cross the finish line three bike lengths clear of Stephen Walsh Carn Wh. with Bann Valley's junior champion of last season Conor McAteer easily taking third place.
Full results are on www.bannvalley.co.uk.
Bann Valley Road Club would like to thank Mary and Seamus from Ballycastle for their hospitality during the Clubs annual run to the town last weekend and to Pauline for the support given to those taking part before during and after the event.
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GMC ELECTRICAL LEAGUE NEWS
The GMC ELECTRICAL road race league saw two great races over the last fortnight. On Tuesday 29th almost 50 signed on for what turned out to be one of the fastest races seen on the Ballynease course. As has become a factor this season as the race progressed the first three groups came together by the last lap with the scratch men struggling to close the gap.
As the final lap unwound several attacks took place which culminated with Martin Tohill making a lone break at about a mile out, this he managed to hold and rode to the line to take a spectacular solo victory. The sprint for second place was won by Bann Valley's Michael Clarke who out paced Carn Wheelers' Hugh Evans.
The Gortmacrane course hosted the race on the 6th July and once again was rode at a fast pace. The first and second groups had merged by the bell and as the line approached Barry Russell of Carn Wheelers made his move and sprinted to a clear victory over a fast finishing Brian Bonnar BVRC with Brian Geddis BRC and Stephen Walsh ETCC in close attendance.
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LOOK WHO'S IN THE 'TELE'
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Bann Valley Road Club
INTERCLUB LEAGUE
The latest round of the inter club league was hosted by Bann Wheelers and took place on their Letterloan Road course. This was a well organised and marshalled race with the host club providing numerous motor cycle, junction marshals and lead cars.
The turnout was fantastic with 58 riders from the four participating signing on. The organisers set them off with close handicaps which in the end proved to be spot on with most of the competitors finishing together.
The race itself was very closely fought both within each group and between groups with the gaps being closed steadily on each lap. By the start of the last lap the race had come together and a major breakaway had been attempted by Bann Valley’s Mike Carroll, however his valiant attempt was pulled back a third of the way round the last lap. Another attack by Martin Robb was also quickly neutralised. The large contingent of Bann Valley supporters waited anxiously as for the group to appear as the Club riders were performing well at the front on the previous lap, however as the bunch appeared it was obvious that professional abilities of Ballymena’s Ryan Connor had prevailed as he was well clear of the chasing bunch. Ryan finished in a total time of 1.19.58, 17 seconds clear of the host clubs Kyle Cromie (Bann Wheelers). Third a further three seconds back was Stephen Walsh (Carn Wh.) with Dean McElfatrick (BVRC), Cathal Doyle (Carn Wh) , Mike Carroll (BVRC), Liam O’Connor (BVRC), Chris McIntyre (Bann Wh) all same time, making up the top ten.
The Ladies race finished with Kay Hack (Bann Wh) taking the victory from Bann Valley’s Christina Clarke.
Congratulations to all the Bann Valley members who took part on the night it was an excellent performance by all. 
Bann valley in action
Team members
Lawrence gives the team talk
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GMC ELECTRICAL ROAD RACE LISNAGROT 15/6/10
The Lisnagrot course was the venue for the most recent round of the GMC ELECTRICAL road race league. The 48 riders were set off in three large groups, all of which worked well together resulting in the handicaps being steadily reduced over the first three laps.
By the start of the final lap the first two groups were together on the road with the scratch men only 30 seconds back and gaining rapidly. As the lead car came into sight at the bottom of the hill into Kilrea it was obvious that almost the entire field was gearing up for a bunch sprint when out of the front of the pack came Ballymena’s Philip Bremner.
Bremner’s sprinting speed was such the only person able to react was Jason Henry (UA), however by this time Philip was well away and was able to take the time to acknowledge the applause of the onlookers as he rolled over line to claim a well deserved first place. Jason easily took second place well clear of the bunch which was led home by East Tyrone’s Gary Jeffers.
The club honours were claimed by Mike Carroll who took fourth place overall.
The full results list can be found at on the RESULTS page.
Philip Bremner waves as he crosses the line.
An evening run has been organised to leave The Bicycle Shack on Portglenone Main Street at 6.30pm each Thursday until further notice. This run will be about 30-35 miles light permitting.
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INTERCLUB RACE
The following information was sent by Bann Wheelers relating to the next interclub race on the Tuesday 22nd June.
The race is on our Letterloan Road circuit. If you click on the link below this will take you to a map of the race circuit.
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/gb/coleraine/513126996489939835.
We will be doing 5 laps of this circuit. Start of race will be on Letterloan Road, opposite the entry of Kennedy’s Quarry. Finish will be about 2 miles further along from the start on the Letterloan Road on the final lap. Registration and Car Parking will be in a field on the Cashel Road. This will be signposted clearly on the evening. If all competitors could be available to register at 1830 in order to ensure we get the groups sorted and race started on time. Sign-on fee is £3.
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Bann Valley to the fore again
For the second week in succession Bann Valley members have been getting noticed in the cycling world. Last week Dean McElfatrick was literally on top of the world, having ridden with other club members and friends to the top of the famous Gavia climb to watch a stage of the Giro d’Italia pass by. This week Dean has also put the Bann Valley colours at the top, of the winners list this time, by taking a win at the club TT on Tuesday and a well deserved second place in the Ronnie Smyth Cup event for A4 riders at Annahilt on Saturday. This race was run at a high average pace and had numerous attacks over the 70km distance but they were all pulled back. At the line Dean, who had the assistance of club mate John McElderry during the race, narrowly missed out on the sprint to easily take second, gaining enough points in the process to take him up into the ranks of the A3’s.
Dean bides his time
John and Dean working hard
Also raising the Bann Valley profile over the past week or so was Elle Forrest who rode the Rás Dhun na nGall as part of the Cycling Uster ladies team. Elle rode extremely well over the time trial and road stages of this very difficult race. The roads were heavy and sapped the energy from the legs but Elle and her team mates rode superbly and even the frightening Glengesh Pass on the final stage didn’t overwhelm them as they completed the 3 days with credit. Congratulations to Elle and Dean on their recent efforts and to others who have been showing good form recently, making this another positive season for Bann Valley Road Club.
Elle wears club colours in Rás Dhun na nGall TT.
Elle gets over Glengesh watched closley by Sean and Trevor
The results of this week’s AWT Refrigeration ten mile time trial were Dean McElfatrick BVRC 24.09, Jim Burns BRC 25.16, Trevor Reid BVRC 25.29, Adrian Kerr BRC 26.04, Joe Boyle TCC 26.33, Mervyn Serffen ETCC 26.40, W.J.Convery TCC 27.45, Robbie McElderry BVRC 27.57, Alan Donegan BVRC BVRC 28.07, Sean Kelly BVRC 28.12, Gerry Scullion BVRC 28.49, Eunan McGoldrick BVRC 29.14, Donal O’Kane TCC 29.58, Damien Convery BVRC 30.30, Charlie O’Neill BVRC 31.45, and finally Bernie McNally BVRC in her first competitive time trial with a very respectable 32.58.
Please note that the next time trial on the 22nd June has been cancelled as it has clashed with the Interclub race hosted by Bann Wheelers on the same date. The club apologises for this.
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BANN VALLEY ON TOP OF THE WORLD
The Bann Valley colours get everywhere now as the photo shows Dean McElfatrick in the snow at the top of the Gavia climb waiting for this famous stage of the Giro d'Italia to arrive.
For the full story follow this link http://www.cycleto.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1445:gaggle&catid=12:travel-stories&Itemid=200005
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PHOTOS FROM DONEGAL WEEKEND
Outside the Hotel
George give advice
The Gap
More pics are on the Gallery page.
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CONOR SPRINTS AWAY IN GMC ELECTRICAL LEAGUE
The GMC ELECTRICAL road race league continue on Tuesday 1st June on the difficult Tyanee course. This race was also the first to be sponsored on an individual basis by the newly opened Bicycleshack shop in Portglenone (see other article). The conditions were perfect for racing except for the silage cutting on the course which could have created danger but for the co operation of the tractor drivers and the extra marshals drafted on the night which led to an incident free race, thanks and appreciation are extended from the Club to both. The race itself consisted of 40 riders set off in four groups with handicaps of 6, 4 and 1 minutes. By the end of the first of four laps the groups had all made inroads to each others’ times, this trend continued on the second lap.
The fireworks however started on the difficult climb at the start of the third lap when Bann Valley’s U16 rider and last years’ U14 all Ireland champion, Conor McAteer broke away with such speed that by the bell he had managed to gain about a minute over the now combined first second and third groups. Conor had the look of determination about him and it duly paid off as he soloed over the finish line with a clear 40 seconds to spare over the sprinting bunch. This sprint and second place was taken by Gary Jeffers ETCC with William Young also ETCC taking third.
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This week Bann Valley members Sean McNicholl and Adrian McPeake took the plunge and opened a new bike shop in Portglenone. The shop, Bicycle Shack, is set in a sunny courtyard off the main street. Tommy Lamb, Chairman of Cycling Ulster officially opened the shop by cutting the ribbon and allowing the visitors to enter.
Adrian said, "Bicycle Shack is the new cycling retail outlet in Portglenone supplying all leading brands of road and mountain bikes, clothing, parts and accessories catering for both children and adults from the casual cyclist to the more serious competitive riders. We have a fully equipped service and repair workshop as well as a complete range of energy foods. We hope to provide a friendly and reliable service."
The Bicycle Shack has also become one of the main sponsors of Bann Valley Road Club supporting two road races this year with a more visible presence from next season when other opportunities become available.
Bann Valley Road Club wish Adrian and Sean success in the new venture.
Contact Details
Bicycle Shack, 61F Bank Square, Portglenone
Co.Antrim,BT44 8HP
email: sean@bicycleshack.eu
Tel: 028 25822070
Mobile: 07770592622
Website: www.bicycleshack.eu
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Bann Valley Interest in 2010 Rás Dhun na nGall
Bann Valley’s Elle Forrest has been selected for the Cycling Ulster Ladies team for the 2010 Rás Dhun na nGall stage race. The 3 day, 4 stage race will take to the roads around Killybegs, Donegal over the June bank holiday weekend. The race kicks off on Friday 4th June with a short 37 mile stage. Saturday morning begins with a short time trial followed by a 54mile afternoon stage.
The 54m final stage on Sunday takes in the famous Glengesh Pass, one of the toughest climbs in Ireland. Rás Dhun na nGall is one of the hardest stage races in Irish cycling and will be a great challenge for riders to even finish.
The Cycling Ulster ladies team along with Elle, are Heather Wilson (Maryland), Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers), Tonya Moran (Phoenix), Mandy Collie (Orchard Wheelers).
We would like all who are watching the race to give Elle and the ladies a big shout when they pass.
The following report was submitted by Dermot Doherty.
Well done to Martin Robb and Gerry McCullagh for their placings in the Carn Wheelers race last Wednesday, on a hard night . Martin was second and Gerry led home the chasing bunch. This provided another good showing for BVRC.
Elle in action earlier this season
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GMC ELECTRICAL ROAD RACE
GORTMACRANE 18/5/10
The Gortmacrane course hosted the second round of Bann Valley Road Club’s GMC ELECTRICAL sponsored road race league. The 45 riders were split into three groups for the handicap with gaps of four and seven minutes. At the end of the first of the four laps the second group had regained almost two minutes of their handicap while the scratch men were having a more difficult time in closing the gap to the intermediate riders. At the bell the first two groups were on the same stretch of road and the inevitable bunch sprint was expected and duly came with the three man sprint being won by Ballymena Road Club’s Brian Geddis from club mate Alan Blair in second with third place taken by Bann Valley’s Sammy Campbell, who is showing good form on his return to competition.
The other top ten placed riders were4th Stephen Walsh Carn Wh., 5th Geoff Allen BRC, 6th David Strang BVRC, 7th Alan Donegan BVRC, 8th Connor McAteer BVRC, 9th Declan McTaggart BVRC, and 10th Gerry MCullagh BVRC.
The remaining club top ten places were, Adrian McPeake, Brian Bonnar, Shane McAteer, Aidan Donnelly
Many thanks to all the marshals who helped at this race, their assistance was very much appreciated.
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Interclub Dates
Below are the dates and locations of the remaining interclub races.
Please check closer to the events for any updates.
BANN WHEELERS
Tuesday 22nd June on Letterloan Road circuit in Coleraine .
The following is a link to the course route provided by Bann Wheelers
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/gb/coleraine/513126996489939835
CARN WHEELERS
Wednesday 28th July Curran/Magherafelt 19:30
BANN VALLEY
Tuesday 10th August Gortmacrane course 19.30
Directions to the route can be found here,
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Time trial and Inter club league news
The latest round of the AWT REFRIGERATION sponsored ten mile time trial league took place on the Kilrea Road on Tuesday 11th May.
The 16 competitors had to face an extremely strong head wind for the long out leg of the event, only getting some relief from the buffeting wind at the turn in Kilrea. It was then a matter of riding as hard possible to regain some of the time lost on the way out. To this end John McElderry of Bann Valley Road Club performed best when he just piped East Tyrone’s Robert Stewart by one second 24 mins 33 seconds to 24.34 to take the win. Third place was secured by the home club’s Martin Robb in a time of 25.12. Congratulations must go to one of Bann Valley’s newest members, Robbie McElderry who is a junior and in his first competitive time trial managed to beat the 30 minute mark and post a time of 29.09 to set down a marker for the rest of the season. The remaining times were, Liam O'Connor BVRC 26.09, Mervyn Seffen ETCC 26.47, Sean Kelly BVRC 28.45, Alan Donegan BVRC 28.53, Joe Boyle TCC 28.58, Robbie McElderry BVRC 29.09, Gerry McCullagh BVRC 29.16, Gerry Scullion BVRC 29.28, Declan Maguire BVRC 29.54, Martin Bradley BVRC 30.15, Damien Convery BVRC 31.01, Eunan McGoldrick BVRC 31.06, and Bernie Gribben Carn Wh 32.49.
The first round of the Inter club league involving Carn Wheelers, Ballymena Road Club, Bann Wheelers and Bann Valley Road Club took place on Wednesday 12th May and was hosted by BRC on the Slaght course. The race involving a field of sixty riders was won by Ballymena’s David Dougan with Bann Wheelers riders R Kennedy and C McIntyre claiming second and third places. Bann Valley’s Elle Forrest was the first club rider home in sixth, a mere 3 seconds back.
Thanks to BRC for providing the marshals and officials for this well run event.
The full results list for the first leg of the inter club league is shown below.
David DOUGAN 01:08:20
R. KENNEDY, B.W. s.t.
C. McINTYRE, B.W. s.t.
S. WALSH, C.W. s.t.
R. YOUNG, C.W. at 0:00;03
Elle FORREST, B.V. s.t.
B. MILLAR s.t.
A. BLAIR s.t.
C. WRIGHT, B.W. s.t.
B. CURRIE s.t.
N. KERNOHAN s.t.
T. DOUDS s.t.
C. MULLAN, B.W. s.t.
Louise FULLERTON s.t.
B. GEDDIS s.t.
G. McCULLOUGH, B.V. s.t.
M. CARRUTHERS s.t.
N. McNEILL, B.W. s.t.
D. KENNEDY s.t.
Derek DOUGAN s.t.
S. KERR s.t.
D. McTAGGART, B.V. s.t.
P. BOYLE, B.W. s.t.
A. DONNELLY, B.V. s.t.
H. THOMPSON s.t.
M. BRADLEY, B.V. at 0:00:11
S. McGRATH, C.W. at 0:00:30
P. BREMNER at 0:01:16
R. CURRIE s.t.
M. RUDDY s.t.
M. ROBB, B.V. s.t.
M. BRENNEN s.t.
M. McMULLAN, C.W. s.t.
S. WORKMAN at 0:01:18
B. RUSSELL, C.W. s.t.
A. KERR s.t.
S. DAVIDSON s.t.
A. GRAHAM, ?? s.t.
E. McGOVERN, B.V. s.t.
T. WILSON s.t.
C. DOYLE, C.W. s.t.
A. DONEGAN, B.V. s.t.
C. GRANT s.t.
Maeve SAVAGE s.t.
C. O'NEILL, B.V. s.t.
S. ELDER, C.W. s.t.
R. HIGGINS, C.W. s.t.
A. CLYDE, C.W. s.t.
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GMC ELECTRICAL ROAD RACE
The first road race of the season took place on Tuesday 4th May, on the Ballynease circuit. A record number of 59 riders signed on and were set off in four groups. All the groups rode well and didnt merge at all, however the handicap brought all to within a few seconds of each other at the finish.
The winner was Alan Blair BRC who took the sprint from Stephen Walsh Carn Wheelers with his club mate R O'Connor in third. The Carn Wheelers club turned out in force for this event and managed to fill five of the top six places and had six riders in the top ten.This puts a marker down for the rest of the clubs taking part in the upcoming inter club league.
The first club rider home was Sean Kelly with Alan Donegan and Damian Convery making up the top three in the club standings.
Due to the numbers and gloomy conditions we were unable to identify some riders. Would anyone who can help fill in the blanks, provide first names or correct any errors please contact the club asap on info@bannvalley.co.uk.
Following the AWT REFRIGERATION 10 mile TT on the Kilrea Road on Tuesday 11th the next round of the GMC ELECTRICAL RR league will be on the Gortmacrane course in Kilrea on Tuesday 18th May.
The Club would like to thank the large number of marshals and those who drove the lead cars on the night, their help was invaluable.
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NEW SPONSOR
Bann Valley Road Club welcomes a new sponsor to the club. BICYCLE SHACK a new cycle shop in Portglenone run by Club member Adrian McPeake has come on board to sponsor the two Tyanee circuit road races and the 'B' race in the Bann Valley Classic. We express our best wishes to Adrian in his new venture.
DONEGAL RUN 2010
The now annual Bann Valley Tour to Donegal has been arranged this year for the 22nd of May. This run takes in the infamous Mamore Gap and is looked forward to with anticipation by all those who have previous experience of this relaxed and fun weekend.
As places are limited Bann Valley members will be considered first and as the available spaces fill up quickly would anyone interested please contact Gerry McCullagh on 07850512777 as soon as possible with your name and deposit.
As can be seen below we are grateful to the Strand Hotel in Ballyliffen which has been kind enough to offer us preferred rates for the weekend..
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AWT REFRIGERATION 10 mile TT league
The third round of Bann Valley’s AWT REFRIGERATION sponsored ten mile time trial league took place on Tuesday 27th April. Conditions were slightly more favourable than the previous round with a brisk tailwind on the longer outleg allowing the testers to get well warmed up before the inevitable return journey back into the wind. Long spells of 25 to 30mph on the way out were replaced by a struggle to maintain speeds in the high teens on the return. David Barton ETCC managed the conditions well to take the win in a time of 23 minutes 16 seconds. Martin Tohill Spires CC had a fine run to take second place in 23.42 with Bann Valley's John McElderry showing good form taking a fine third place with a time of 23.52.
The full results list can be seen on the TT page.
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AWT REFRIGERATION 10 mile TT league
The second round of Bann Valley’s AWT REFRIGERATION sponsored ten mile time trial league took place on Tuesday 20th April. On a cold and windy evening 24 competitors were pushed off at minute intervals into the strong head wind which severely tested the early season legs. Most of the riders returned times up to two minutes slower than the previous week. The winner was Ballymena Road Club’s Stephen Workman, the only rider to get into the 23 minute period with a time of 23.48. East Tyrone’s David Barton a regular winner on the Kilrea Road came second with a time of 24.27, while Carn Wheelers’ Gerry Kelly took a good third place with a time of 25minutes and 2 seconds.
The remaining times can be seen on the results page.
The SIZZLERS Bann Valley Classic road race tool place on the 14th of April and Bann Valley Road Club would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those club members and others who helped make the day run smoothly and safely. George and all the marshals, Neil who provided medical cover and did an amazing job at the scene of the accident on the last lap of the A4 race, Pauline and those who organised the tea and refreshments before and afterwards, the DRD in Magherafelt who kindly filled the potholes on the course and of course all the competitors who took part in the races.
All combined to make a very enjoyable day.
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SIZZLERS Bann Valley Classic
The SIZZLERS WINE BAR sponsored Bann Valley Classic road race took place on Sunday 18th April, with large numbers arriving for the sign on at Clady hall from before noon. As the 1.45pm depart time arrived the was a jovial atmosphere in the bright sunshine making the occasion as colourful as any Pro tour start on the continent.
With the event being run as ‘A’ and ‘B’ races the two groups were started from the Downings Road seperated by a small time gap.
The ‘A’ race over 8 laps of the course developed rapidly with a eleven man group breaking away at about mid distance. This was to be the move of the day as they managed to steadily increase their lead to a maximum of two minutes and twenty seconds and by the final lap it was clear that a bunch sprint would decide the race. At the line it was Niall Shannon (Phoenix CC) who took the sprint with Kyle Cromie (Bann Wheelers) in second and Darren Weir (Dromara CC) in third .The remainder of the top eight were 5th Gerard Heverin (Castlereagh CC) 6th Noel Wilson (East Tyrone) 7th Tony Hare (Apollo) 8th. Aaron Deane (VC Glendale)
Meanwhile the ‘B’ race maintained the bunch all the way through until the last lap when with about 1.5km to go the was a major crash on a straight stretch of road when almost half the bunch were on the ground or at least severely held up, this lead to a small and disintegrated sprint which was won by Stephen McAllister (Ballymoney CC) taking a first win for the reformed club. The home club were delighted with a superb second place for Dean McElfatrick (Bann Valley) with East Tyrone’s Brian McComb in third. The rest of the places were 4th Robert Anderson (Orchard Wheelers),5th Dolan Dunlop (Harps CC), 6th Stephen Beck (East Antrim-Audi).
Club prize winners were, with Dean McElfatrick having been placed in the main results, Martin Robb taking 1st club with John McElderry in second and Adrian McPeake third. Ellie Forrest was presented with a prize for second lady overall.
The Club would like to thank all who helped in any way to make the day the success it was. They are too many to mention but please accept this as as acknowledgement of our gratitude.
The AWT REFRIGERATION sponsored ten mile time trial league got underway last Tuesday with an amazing turnout of 34 riders. The timekeepers rose to the occasion and ensured that the event ran smoothly and finished with all competitors feeling relieved to get their first ten out of the way. The full results can be seen on the results page of the clubs website.
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BANN VALLEY ROAD CLUB (MCLARKE & SONS CONTRACTS)
The new Bann Valley Road Club season will begin on Tuesday evening the 6th April. This will be the usual season opener, a five mile time trial, held on the Kilrea Road, with the start and finish at the lay-by 2.5 miles from Kilrea on the Portglenone side.
The Club would ask that all competitors arrive early, as in the last two years we have had large numbers at this event and because of safety concerns, due to lack of light, we need to start promptly at 7pm. On this point, if any riders have red lights for the rear of their bikes could they please use them at this event, especially if the evening is overcast and wet.
The following Tuesday will see the first round of the ELITE SPORTS sponsored ten mile time trial league on the Kilrea Road course, with the start as usual from the car park of the Hawthorn Bar.
The Bann Valley Classic will be held on Sunday 18th April and will be open to categories A2, A3 and A4 including juniors and women. The race will be run on an ‘A’ and ‘B’ race basis. Sign on will be on the day. Further details will be published closer to the event.
Please note,
At this and all other events run by Bann Valley Road Club this season, the Club officials retain the right to cancel the event at the line in the interests of safety if weather or any other dangerous conditions prevail.
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With the 2010 season approaching fast and the training getting serious it is a good time to draw members’ and others attention to the new calendar a few changes for this year.
Four local clubs, Carn Wheelers, Bann Wheelers, Ballymena Road Club and Bann Valley, have agreed to run an interclub league with each hosting one event on their usual race night. The league event is only for the participating clubs and each can enter up to fifteen members. The host club will be responsible for the handicapping, marshalling and photo finish of each race and the points will be awarded to the first eight finishers. The points will accumulate over the four races with the individual and club winners being announced after the last round.
The Bann Valley Classic will take place this year on Sunday 18thApril on the Ballynease courseand will be for A2, A3, A4 categories. The event will have two races, the ‘A’ race for A2, A3 and the ‘B’ for A4‘s including the women and junior events. More information will follow closer to the event. Sign on will be on the day of the race.
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PHOENIX GP
The report below was submitted by our roving reporter Sean McNicholl.
Special mention to Ellie who was placed 6th in the ladies event.
Great race today up at Nutts Corner.Well represented by BVRC.Gerry Mc Cullagh,Trevor and Ellie,Adrian MCPeake,Liam O Connor and Martin Robb all rode very well and all came home safely.Well done all of you!!
The Club would ask that all competitors arrive early, as in the last two years we have had large numbers at this event and because of safety concerns, due to lack of light, we need to start promptly at 7pm. On this point, if any riders have red lights for the rear of their bikes could they please use them at this event, especially if the evening is overcast and wet.
The following Tuesday will see the first round of the ELITE SPORTS sponsored ten mile time trial league on the Kilrea Road course, with the start as usual from the car park of the Hawthorn Bar.
The Bann Valley Classic will be held on Sunday 18th April and will be open to categories A2, A3 and A4 including juniors and women. The race will be run on an ‘A’ and ‘B’ race basis. Sign on will be on the day. Further details will be published closer to the event.
Special mention to Ellie who was placed 6th in the ladies event.
Great race today up at Nutts Corner.Well represented by BVRC.Gerry Mc Cullagh,Trevor and Ellie,Adrian MCPeake,Liam O Connor and Martin Robb all rode very well and all came home safely.Well done all of you!!