Large entry for round four of league

ROUND Four of Dromara Cycling Club's Thursday night league was held at the Lurgan Road in Dromore County Down and it attracted a large field of 52 riders including 11 guests from other clubs.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Apr 2010, 10:14 BST
Updated 26th Apr 2010, 12:32 BST

It was a perfect night for cycling, dry with little wind and some outbreaks of sun. Trevor and Martin were again kept busy getting all the competitors for this 10 mile time trial signed on and then listed into a start order.

First away just after 7pm was Toni Armstrong (Apollo CT), daughter of Campbell Armstrong who was also competing. Club race secretary Nigel Sudlow was next off but was not expecting a quick time as he was not feeling the best.

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Brian McGrath followed 30 seconds later followed by some of the youth riders, Christopher Weir and Zak Hanna. Massimo Manganaro was next followed by John McGuigan then Mary Hunter who had just completed a time trial the night before as part of the Ulster Women's Assocation Time Trials.

The rest of the riders followed at 30 seconds intervals without a hitch, apart from Stephen Heasley having to get slotted back into the order after missing his 'slot time', until Gary Gibson's turn at 24 minutes into proceedings.

Gary was being held in the saddle by Ross Galway until the time keeper said 'Go' then Gary pressed firmly down on pedals and snap went his chain. He had barely went six feet!

The remaining four riders had no such problems. Last away was the late arrival, Darren Weir, who had just managed to lay a concrete floor before rushing to get to the time trial. This preparation did not help his time as he was well off the pace tonight.

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Fastest on the night was guest Stevie Baines (East Antrim) who finished this tough circuit in a time of 24 minutes and seven seconds which was eight seconds faster than David McKnight with Ronnie Smyth third. Fourth was Gavin Magowan who finished in under 25 minutes, with guests Martin McConville (Clann Eireann), Tony Hare (Apollo CT) fifth and sixth respectively.

Ryan Mallon was the fastest junior finishing just under 29 minutes with fastest women Caroline Patterson finishing in 29 minutes 30 seconds.

Many thanks to timekeepers Trevor Annett and Davy Robb and to all the marshals for keeping the riders safe. The next round is a road race on Thursday April 29 starting at 6:50pm at Flatfield Road, Hillsborough. It will be six laps of a 4.2 mile circuit and a large crowd is expected, so please be available at sign on from 6.45 pm.