Cyclists prepare for annual Nine Glens Challenge

This event will start from Glenarm at 10 am sharp and follow a tough course which will take in all nine of Co Antrim’s famous Glens.

The riders start with the ascent of Glenarm to Ballyvaddy and then the descent of Glencloy to Carnlough. Next it’s around the Coast road to Waterfoot before the near 6 miles climb up Glenariff Glen to Parkmore. The descent of Glenballyemon takes the group to Cushendall. Then it’s on to Glencorp before turning left on to the toughest of the climbs up Glenann to Orra Lodge.

After regrouping the bunch have a fast technical descent of Glendun to Cushendun and the well-earned lunch stop. Tea and light refreshments will be provided.

Approximately 40 miles will have been covered by this point with the final 30 miles taking the group back out on to Glencorp and over the viaduct and the climb to Ballypatrick forest.

Once into Ballycastle the group then tackles Glenshesk towards Armoy before turning right on to the notoriously steep Stroan Road which leads to the top of Glentaisie and then the final downhill swoop back to Ballycastle.

The tour will finish at the Silvercliffs holiday complex at the top of North Street. Entry fee donation is at least £5 and this will be donated to the Chernobyl Children’s appeal.

The club’s events vehicle will leave from Rex Bonar house at 8.30am; there are limited places so please book your space with Pius McKernan 07849 929197 if you wish to travel.

The next touring event follows one week later on Sunday 3rd August when “Martin’s tour to Carnfunnock” takes place from the BRC club rooms at 9.30am.

INTER-CLUB LEAGUE

It was Ballymena Road Club’s turn to host a round of the inter-club road racing league series last Wednesday evening at Slaght.

Riders from Ballymoney, Bann Wheelers, Carn Wheelers, Spires and Roe Valley joined the host club on a perfect evening for racing.

They were set off in four groups with an overall handicap of six minutes, for the three laps – 26 miles race.

The gentle weather conditions, combined with the relatively flat Caddy circuit and a very big front group, meant that the scratch group found it impossible to overcome their starting handicap and they were still nearly three minutes in arrears at the finish.

Bann Wheelers pair Connor Bradley and Mark Johnston along with Gerard Scullion (Carn Wheelers) escaped the clutches of the front group on the last lap and they contested the finish in a three-up sprint which Bradley won by a bike’s length from Johnston.

Shane McDonald led in the bunch at 13 seconds for fourth place with Ballymena’s Alan Blair close behind in fifth. (6) John Craig (Roe Valley) Eileen Burns in ninth place was first of the ladies.

Claire Gillespie was second lady. (3) Jane Millar (Bann Wheelers) (4) Mairaid McGurk (Carn) (5) Laura Maxwell (Roe Valley) (6) Emma Smyth (7) Laura Blair.

Claire Gillespie now shares the lead in the ladies league with Jane Millar on 40 points. Eileen Burns is in third place with 35 points. (5) Emma Smyth 21 (7) Laura Blair 19.

Roe Valley promotes round five on Thursday 24th July and the series is concluded at Carn Wheelers on 14th August.

YOUTH SECTION

Result of the BRC youth section 4.8 miles time trial from Broughshane to Ecos roundabout and back.

(1) Breandan McCavana 11 minutes 37 seconds (2) Fergus Byrne 13.55 (3) Joel McCavana 14.58

Breandan McCavana was fastest, from a field of 24 riders; in the Bann Valley “youth academy” 10 miles time trial last Wednesday evening. This was Breandan’s first ever 10 miles time trial and he recorded an excellent time of 24 minutes 50 seconds.

This was 1 minute 15 seconds faster than second placed Thomas McDonnell (Bann Valley) (3) Shea McTaggart (Bann Valley) 26.35.

Breandan’s younger brother Joel recorded 32.45.

Breandan McCavana followed up his good recent results by taking a fourth, fifth and sixth placing in various events at the Irish National track championships in Dublin last Saturday – congratulations.