Bann Wheelers to host special event

Pictured at the launch of the Bann Wheelers Criterium race are from left: Robbie Kelly, Halfords; Donal Doherty, JKC Specialist Cars; David Harding, Mayor of Coleraine; Neville Moore, Moores of Coleraine; Charlie Wright, BWCC Chairman; John McCaughan and Jane Millar, Macauley Wray Solicitors.

The event will take place three days before the much anticipated Giro D’Italia passes through the Borough .

The event promises to be quite a spectacle. The race will start on Church Street, making its way around the Diamond onto Queen Street past sponsor JKC Specialist Cars on Milburn Road, turning right onto Union Street, right again progressing down Brook Street and right back onto Church Street past sponsor Moores of Coleraine’s shop which will complete one lap.

Bann Wheelers Chairman Charlie Wright said: “The Club wanted to do something special to mark the build up to the Giro and so we decided to hold a Criterium Race or Crit for local adults as well as a non competitive ‘Mini Crit’ for children of primary school age. As part of the Mini Crit children will be able to ride the race circuit before the main race with the emphasis on taking part and enjoying the experience.”

Eight local clubs will take part in the adults Criterium race. The race will be by invite only as wanted to restrict it to local riders who will hopefully bring along friends and family into town.

Spectators will be treated to an exciting nights racing as each lap will take less than three minutes. The format of the race will be 45 minutes plus five laps with a number of ‘primes’, sprint laps, throughout the race which will keep it fresh and make for exciting viewing. The event is being sponsored by JKC Specialist Cars, Moores of Coleraine, Macauley Wray Solicitors, Halfords and Willis Insurance and Risk Management.

Donal Doherty from JKC Specialist Cars said: “We are thrilled to be associated with such an event which passes right by our front door. JKC are always keen to support community events such as this especially where kids are involved and believe this will be good for the town and add to anticipation of what is to come to the area in the shape of the Giro D’Italia.”

Neville Moore, Managing Director of Moores of Coleraine, joint sponsor of the Coleraine leg of the event, said: I’m delighted to welcome the Giro D’Italia to the North Coast as part of the event’s spectacular opening stages.

“The Giro D’Italia will again throw a spotlight onto the North Coast, and as one of Coleraine’s oldest and most historic businesses I’m pleased to play a part in welcoming the race to the stunning North Coast.

“The local Criterium race will help build excitement at a local level and as an avid cyclist myself I’ll definitely be watching with a keen interest. As an avid cyclist myself I’ll be watching the opening battle for the Pink Jersey with a keen interest.”

Macaulay Wray Solicitors, powering ahead for over 140 years wish all riders in the Bann Wheelers CC Criterium: “Buona Fortuna!”

Robbie Kelly from Halfords added: “Halfords are committed to raising awareness of cycling to young people in the local area and are delighted to be able to support this event.”

The eight clubs racing will be Ballymena RC, Ballymoney Cycling Club, Bann Valley CC from Portglenone, Carn Wheelers CC from Maghera, Causeway CC from Coleraine, Roe Valley CC Limavady, Spires CC Magherafelt and our own Bann Wheelers CC. Each club will enter seven riders.

Coleraine Borough Council are fully behind the event and are working closely with the Bann Wheelers to bring the event to town.

The event is still in the planning stages and more details can be found on the Bann Wheelers website by visiting www.bannwheelers.com which will be regularly updated closer to the event.