10 mile time trial - Killyleagh Road, Downpatrick (map)
1 July 2010
The first day of July and Dromara Cycling Club were out at Downpatrick for the 14th round of their Thursday night club league, this time with a 10 mile time trial out the Killyleagh Road. The start line had been moved by the club's Road Secretary Nigel Sudlow so that the 'turn' would be better placed on the outskirts of Killyleagh. The start then was close to a busy junction with cars passing quite quickly but the signs, hi-viz vests and the number of riders out (37) ensured that the drivers were aware of us. The committee at the Downpatrick Bowling Club gave kind permission for us to park in their grounds thus keeping the main road clear of cars. The weather was cool with light winds.
First away on the night was Ronnie Smyth as he had to get away early with Davy McClurg leaving 30 seconds later before the junior riders Conor Mallon and Zak Hanna set off 30 seconds apart. The other 33 riders left at 30 second intervals among them we had three guests; Stephen McCamley (Castlereagh CC), dressed more for sunnier conditions, Peter Bohill (Maryland Wheelers) who was trying out time trialling for the first time and finally local man Fergus Rooney (Phoenix CC) trying out his new bike. For the first time this year there were no other women taking part as both Caroline and Anne were marshalling.
Fastest on the night was again Ronnie Smyth completing the circuit in a time of 23 minutes and 14 seconds, which is an average of 25.8 mph. Second fastest was Gavin Magowan less than 30 seconds slower and just 9 seconds faster than Simon Welby. Gavin's brother Chris was fourth fastest in 24m 15s, 20 seconds faster than Marcus Magowan (no relation!). Marcus was just 3 seconds faster than Fergus Rooney, who was still getting to grip with the compact frame of the new bike. Fastest junior on the night was Ryan Mallon (27m 22s). Derek Hanna completed the distance in 25m 19s on his single speed. Michael Pyper and Craig McDowell both punctured, Craig within sight of the finish line.
Applying individual time handicaps to the club riders (based on their average times) it was in form Massimo Manganaro who again took maximum 40 points, with Simon Welby second and Robert McDonald third. Ryan Mallon was fourth after time handicaps with Gavin Magowan fifth and Derek Hanna sixth. Many thanks to the timekeeper and the marshals. Round 15 is next Thursday (8 July 2010) and will be a road race in Kinallen starting at 6:50 pm.
Timekeeper: Davy Robb
Marshals: Nigel Sudlow, Caroline Patterson, Anne Maguire, Paul Mawhirt, Mr and Mrs Mallon
Report & photographs: Martin Grimley
* note for next year, get at least 7 marshals.
Ronnie
Davy McC
