10 mile time trial, Spa - Seaforde (map)
5 August 2010
Spa lake outside of Ballynahinch was the venue for Round 19 of Dromara Cycling Club's Thursday night league which involved a 10 mile time trial along the undulating road from the lake to Seaforde and back.
Thirty one riders gathered on a great evening with light winds and the sun making an occasional appearance.
First away were the juniors Zak Hanna and Christopher Weir, separated by a 30 second gap. Following these two were two newcomers to time trials Michael Savage and Kyle Irvine who were then followed by the first of our female riders Mary Hunter with Caroline Patterson leaving just after Peter Swann. The rest of the riders followed at 30 second intervals among them 3 guests from other clubs including Derek Dougan from the Ballymena Road Club. Arriving late, but eager to take part was local rider Anne Wilson who was trying only her second time trial.
Fastest rider on the night was Gavin Magowan who completed the distance in 24 minutes and 4 seconds just 15 seconds ahead of Simon Welby who was fastest the previous week at Annahilt. Tony Hare (Apollo CT) was third fastest with Damien McDonald fourth and Derek Dougan fifth. Fastest women was Caroline Patterson with fastest junior Ryan Mallon. Junior rider Zak Hanna had a great run tonight to finish on a personal best of 29 minutes 6 seconds. Another notable ride was from canadian born Brendan Duff who was 10th fastest on the night in just his second time trial with the club. It was not such a good night for Paul Mawhirt who had a puncture less from the start.
When the times were compared to each individual rider's average times an adjusted "handicapped" table of times was produced. Getting maximum points for this round was junior rider Zak Hanna who was 2 minutes 12 seconds faster than his average time with close rival Christopher Weir finishing second as he was 2 minutes 10 seconds faster than his average time. Paul Jess was third in this table with Damien McDonald fourth, Trevor Wright fifth and Simon Welby sixth. Well done to all riders.
Many thanks to the timekeepers and all the marshals. Round 20 is next Thursday (5 August 2010) and will be the Harry Ferguson Road Race starting from the Memorial Garden on the Magheraconluce Road. Sign on from 6:30 pm.
Timekeeper: Davy Robb & Chris Magowan
Marshals: Ian Proctor, Jonathan McBride, Ronnie Smyth and Michael Cassidy.
Report & photographs: Martin Grimley
Owen McManus
