Dromara CC take on Tour of the North
A Happy Crew ready to cheer
It has been quite an Easter Weekend and I hope some got a few miles done but for a select few the weekend started with windy race around a race track. Dromara CC took up a late option to register a team for the Tour of the North with Ronnie Smyth, Gavin Magowan & Stephen Irvine answering the call – to bolster the team Gavin Oakes and Adam Pyper were added as special guests…..Anyone picked up their filled in membership forms yet??
Anyway to keep this short and sweet a run down on the race went like this:
Stage 1: Kirkistown Race Track
Goal – for the team get to the start line hide in the group until the sprint finish and save the legs
Actual – Adam didnt make the start line due to work commitments(probably too busy reading the small print of the DCC Membership form) – I quote Stephen Irvine who said “she was a tad windy” Race got blown apart with riders in different groups but the team made it around.
Stage 2: 90 mile stage
Goal – watch the moves and try to get in the winning one otherwise hide in the group there is plenty still to do
Actual – It was windy, cold and wet with Gavin & Stephen losing touch with the fast moving group (26+mph avg – thats right avg) left with little choice but to abandon like every other A3 rider that day (unconfirmed that statement). Ronnie is in great form but in a race like this you need a bit of luck which he didnt get first a crash and finally the cold and wet forcing him to pull out. Gavin “Im not in great shape put me down to A3” Magowan survived another day.
Stage 3: Time Trial 5 miles
Goal – Get around in one piece and save the legs
Actual – Goal achieved (woo hoo)
Stage 4: 66 mile stage
Goal – Make it around in one piece and stay out of the wind
Actual – Another Goal achieved – that was a quick avg speed(26+mph)
Stage 5: 78 miles
Goal – Wave 4 times at the Dcc Supporters who are watching at the climb out of Whiterock. Hang in there.
Actual – Goal surpassed – shouted abuse at DCC supporter while waving. Finished well up the group and overall. Dromara CC Hero status Achieved.
Gavin Magowan fought right to the end but the whole team did the colours of Dromara CC proud in one of the most prestigious races in Ireland.
Kids these days are never off their phones
