16 mile time trial, Banbridge Road, Castlewellan (map)
19 July 2012
Round 17 of Dromara Cycling Club's league was the rescheduled 16/25 mile time trial after the heavy rain and winds which caused the cancellation of the original date. However, with roadworks on the way into Banbridge the 25 mile distance was not possible so the club were left with just a 16 mile time trial on the Banbridge Road just outside Castlewellan.
Fortunately the weather was much better for the return visit with full cloud cover but no rain and with little wind near the start/finish area. There was, however, some strong wind out towards Moneyslane which, combined with tough, hilly circuit, made for a challenging evening with little hope of any personal bests being broken.
Twenty-five riders signed on for this round which had the added incentive of the promise of medals based on target times. Gold would be for anyone completing the 16 miles in less than 38 minutes, silver if the riders finished in 42 minutes or less and bronze if the rider finished in 45 minutes or less.
First away were the two eldest competitors, Paul Gick and Raymund Martin, going one minute apart. Next away was Tommy Downey and one minute behind him went Chris Magowan. The rest followed at the same one minute intervals with Marcus Magowan the last man on the road. Chris ran into bad luck with a puncture just 2 miles from the finish. Fastest rider was Gavin Magowan who finished just outside the gold medal time with 38:40 on the watch. John Clyde was just 11 seconds slower than Gavin with Marcus Magowan third fastest in a time of 41:07. Silver medals will be awarded to Gavin Magowan, John Clyde, Marcus Magowan, Trevor Wright and Barry Kellett. Bronze medals to Noel Gibson, Tommy Downey, Martin McAnulty, Conor Rice, Gary Bailie, Bryce Hetherington, David Hawthorne, Peter Bryson and Jonathan McBride.
Taking the 16 mile times and calculating their 10 mile equivalent the rider's times were then compared to their own individual average time for completing a 10 mile distance. Those who had improved on their average time were given higher points towards the club league table than those who were equal or slower than their average 10 mile time. For this round it was Martin McAnulty who took the maximum 40 points with David Hawthorne second and Tommy Downey third. Fourth was Bernie Monaghan, fifth John Clyde and sixth David McClurg.
Well done to all the competitors and many thanks to the timekeepers and marshals.
Next Thursday (26 July 2012) will be the a road race at the Donaghcloney circuit. See website for details (www.dromaracc.co.uk).
Timekeeper: Davy Robb and Ryan Calvert
Marshals: Stephen Younge, Ronnie Smyth, Tom McClean, Ivan Bradford, Ryan Mallon, Stephen Wallace
Photographs and report: Martin Grimley
