Old boys continue to shine for Banbridge CC

These guys are all over 50 years young and continue to show their class and ability.

During the last year’s season Banbridge Cycling Club fielded five competitors in the category in the form of Paul McGukin, Ian Cochrane, Philip Beattie, Willie Weir and Chris McCann. The guys fought strongly throughout the series to outperform other rival teams such as Phoenix CC and North Down who fielded strong teams to pick up the overall team prise.

The men also did well in the individual series with Paul and Ian collecting the second and third placing

Two weekends ago some of these guys where back in action in the Phoenix promoted Nutts Corner Race. It was a fast and furious race over the laps of the undulating course but are guys where mixing it up in usual form

Phil contested a long final lap sprint to take a well-deserved fourth place in a field of 38 with many new faces appearing for the first time. Ian was 10th and Paul came in with the bunch having blown up 200 metres from line!

On Sunday past Ian Cochrane was on his own to race it out in the Newry Wheelers promoted John Haldane memorial race on the Warrenpoint Duel Carriageway where he bagged a fine third place in the Masters race after a hard fought sprint finish on the extremely flat and fast circuit.

Good luck for the rest of the season lads.

Dan Purdy and Paul Carlisle also competed in the day’s racing in the Senior A4 category. Dan managed to get himself into a decisive break that worked well together to stay away Dan had an impressive sprint to take sixth place out of the large field. Paul managed to finish safely in the main bunch as all placing where taken up by the break away.

- Circuit Training is still on for anyone who wishes to get a great cardio work out and strengthen your core, so come to Banbridge Academy at 19:00 on Monday nights you will not be disappointed.

Banbridge Cycling Club would like to extend their deepest sympathy to local club Dromara CC member Ted McKibbin who suffered a tragic accident at the weekend - the club’s thoughts are with Ted and his family.

This only serves to be a stark reminder at how vulnerable cyclists are when out on the road so please all keep safe.

- Banbridge Cycle Club would like to congratulate last year club members Matthew Adair and David Montgomery on gaining a well deserved place on the new elite mountain bike development squad run by XMTB McConvey cycles. This is one of the first squads of this type to be set up in Northern Ireland.

With the selection to the elite development squad comes with specific training coaches and invaluable sponsorship witch will help them towards the cost of new bikes and equipment, it will also give the two young men the opportunity to compete in a number of rounds of the British Championships coming face to face with the top riders in the UK.

These two talented young men have the ability to compete at the highest level and Banbridge Cycling Club will be looking forward to following their progress with great interest and send their best wishes.