16 mile time trial - Ballynahinch - Hillsborough - Ballynahinch (map)
9 May 2013
The first of the 16 mile time trials took place on Thursday 9 May 2013. This was the first of two 16 mile TTs with the second one in August. This round started in Ballynahinch, turned in Hillsborough and then finished in Ballynahinch. The next 16 mile TT will go the opposite way. The fastest time across both will win the Fine Food Distributors trophy.
It had been a damp and windy day. Thankfully it stayed dry for the event but the head wind heading towards Hillsborough was tough but that did at least mean a strong tail wind back home. Just 18 riders attempting this challenge with the first off, Rodney McCuster (Lakeland CC), one of two guest riders. Jonathan McBride set off second, one minute behind Rodney with Gary Bailie going one minute behind Jonathan. The remaining riders all set off at one minute intervals. The distance and head wind were too much for Marcus Magowan who pulled out. The fastest rider on the night was Ronnie Smyth in a time of 38 minutes and 55 seconds. Anthony Quinn on his bike with no time trial equipment was second just 28 seconds behind Ronnie. Barry Kellett was third, also on an unmodified road bike ahead of Conor Rice who did have the TT equipment. Gary Bailie was the only other rider to finish under 42 minutes.
Many thanks to the timekeepers and to marshals.
Timekeepers: Chris Magowan and Gareth Kirkwood
Timekeeper's assistants: Neill Currie, Colin Roy, Davy Young
Marshals: Brendan Doyle, Massimo Manganaro, Gavin Magowan, Ivan Bradford, Raymund Martin, Stephen Wallace, Trevor Wright, John Clyde.
Photographs: Gavin Magowan and Martin Grimley
Report: Martin Grimley
