10 mile time trial - Hillsborough - Ballynahinch (map)
17 May 2012
The first of the 16 mile time trials took place on Thursday 17 May 2012 this time starting from Hillsborough and turning in Ballynahinch. This was Round 8 of the Dromara Cycling Club's league and this extended time trial attracted 26 riders, including 2 guests from other clubs. The night was pleasant after the rain earlier in the day. There was a headwind on the way out to Ballynahinch which helped for the return journey home.
Administration on the night went quickly and the first rider, Martin Marner was away before 7 pm. The riders set off along the Ballynahinch Road, through Annahilt continuing along the undulating road to Ballynahinch where the turn was at Lord Moira Park. The gaps between riders was set at one minute.
Fastest on the night was Gavin Magowan who set a time of 37 minutes and 12 seconds which seen him beat his closest rival Ronnie Smyth by 24 seconds. Third fastest was Cathal Smyth (Phoenix CC) who finished 37 seconds behind Ronnie with Phil O'Neill setting a great time of 39:14 on his nice new time trial bicycle. Neil Fitzsimons continues to set good time trial times finishing 5th with a time of 39:18. For the battle between the other Magowan's, Marcus and Chris, it was Marcus who was the faster beating Chris by 14 seconds to take 6th and 7th respectively. John Clyde was only one second slower than Chris with Trevor Wright having a very determined ride to finish in 40 minutes and 36 seconds.
The times for tonight's 16 mile time trial were converted into a time for a 10 mile circuit and that time was used to compare against each rider's average time for completing a 10 mile time trial. Those who had agained the most time were given the most points (40 maximum). It was no surprise that Phil O'Neill took the maximum points when he improved his average time by 1 minute 11 seconds. Next best improver was Trevor Wright who was 45 seconds quicker with Tommy Downey 30 seconds quicker and Massimo Manganaro 29 seconds quicker than his average time. The list of handicapped times is shown at the bottom of this page.
Well done to all riders and many thanks to the timekeepers and to the marshals for keeping the riders safe.
Next Thursday night (24 May 2012) will be a 10 mile time trial on the Killyleagh Road in Downpatrick. See website for details (www.dromaracc.co.uk).
Timekeepers: Davy Robb and Barry Kellett
Marshals: David Hawthorne, Anthony Quinn & son, Noel Gibson & son, Barry Kane & Paul Mawhirt.
Photographs & report: Martin Grimley
