10 mile time trial, Crossgar Road (map)
28 July 2011
There was no trouble getting marshals for Round 18 as the 10 mile time trial on the Crossgar Road just outside Ballynahinch is considered to be one of the toughest in the calendar with its twisting, undulating route. Thirty-one riders did sign on thought, 27 from Dromara Cycling Club and 4 guests from other clubs. It was a warm evening, no rain but a strong wind which made the already challenging course more difficult.
The event got underway around 7 pm with our oldest competitor, Paul Gick, lining up at the line beside the newly purchased bright orange cones to help warn the drivers of our presence. Riders were set off at 30 second gaps with all away after 16 minutes. Chris Magowan was the sixth rider away but the first one back. Fastest on the night was veteran rider Ronnie Smyth in a time of 25 minutes and 22 seconds. Phoenix rider Cathal Smyth was second fastest just 10 seconds slower than Ronnie with Rodney Stewart third, the only other rider to finish inside 26 minutes. Chris was fourth with under 16 rider David Montgomery fifth fastest despite having to ride on junior gearing. Another Phoenix rider, Fergus Rooney was 6th with John Clyde 7th, Neill Currie 8th, Damian McDonald (TVR) 9th and David Chambers 10th.
Comparing tonights times with each rider's average over the same distance we can work out who made the biggest individual improvement. Colin Roy was 39 seconds faster than his average and gained 40 points towards the club league. Derek Hanna was second with Rodney Stewart third, Stephen Younge fourth and Conor Rice fifth.
Well done to all riders and many thanks to the timekeepers and marshals. Many thanks to Gavin Magowan for some great photographs. Round 19 will be a 4 mile hill climb at Clonveraghan next Thursday (4 August 2011).
Timekeepers: Philip Boyle and Ivan Bradford
Timekeeper's assistant: Philip Wilson
Marshals: Mary Hunter, Stephen Wallace, Gavin Magowan, Noel Gibson, John McGuigan and Gary Gray
Report: Martin Grimley
Photographs: Gavin Magowan and Martin Grimley
