Bann Valley host Ulster 25 Mile TT

Jake Gray claimed the final round of the GMC Electrical Road Race league. Pic: Alan Donnelly.

This race was won by Jake Gray (CCT) with Jason Henry (UA) and Philip Bremner (Lakeland) making up the top three.

The first Bann Valley rider home was Gerard McNally in 9th overall. One of the most impressive rides of the night was by young Shaun Byrne who finished as second club and 11th overall.

The second event of the week was the Youth Academy 10 mile TT run on the usual TT course. This is the second of a four event series and had a great turn out of 24 competitors.

The TT was won easily by Ballymena’s Brendan McCavana (U16) in a time of 24.50. Second was Bann Valley’s Thomas McDonnell (U16) 26.05 with Shea McTaggart (U16) also BVRC third in a time of 26.35.

The U14 section was won by Bann Valley’s Niall Lawrence 27.35 while the U12 section was taken by Ciaran Dixon Phoenix 32.24.

To end the busy week, we held the Ulster 25 Mile TT championships. This prestigious event attracted 60 testers from all over Ulster.

The Club pulled out all the stops to ensure a smooth and safe running of the TT which coincided with the Club’s 25th anniversary.

The start was set up with a covered ramp and the finish line and timing was left in the very experienced hands of Oliver, Carmel and Carmelanne Hunter while the results were relayed by radio to the assembly point at Clady hall.

This enabled the riders to see their times when they returned rather than have to wait until the TT had completely finished.

The results were: Elite men Sean McIntyre (Orchard CC) 54.09, Stephen Colbert (Colbert Cycles 54.14), Daniel Stewart (East Antrim CC) 54.16.

First Vet was Des Woods (Newry Wheelers) 56.11, first Junior was Diarmuid Logan (Spires CC) 59.47.

The first Lady was Ballymena’s Eileen Burns and finally the first Bann Valley rider was Gerard McNally in a time of 1.00.41.

In the Team Competition Bann Valley took bronze behind Phoenix CC and Orchard CC in Gold and Silver positions.

Bann Valley would like to thank all the Club members who gave up their Saturday to help marshal this event, as usual without their help these occasions cannot take place.

We also thank the PSNI for their attendance and assistance in Kilrea and to commissaire Brendan Kirk and all who helped at the hall and with the refreshments.

Last but not least those who travelled to compete it is you who make the event a success.