Watson Shines at Bishopscourt, Gran Fondo comes to town and Armstrong conquers Ras

What a week it has been for Dromara CC with a load of events squeezed over a few days we had members all over the island of Ireland competing in road races, mtb races, stage races and even a sportive come race. Where to get started well that is easy as Dromara CC held its Open Race at Bishopscourt Race Course. In case you ever wonder if a rider has been to the course you just need to ask them a simple question which is – Is it a flat course? If the answer comes back yes then they havent been there. The correct answer is that it is flat for a Dromara CC course.

The first race of the day was the Under 12’s with Matthew Douglas fresh from his 16mile TT the other week showing he can handle the short courses just as well taking third place on the podium. In the Under 14’s Race Ben Wilson took to the start line and I am sure would have preferred a more technical course as he took 5th place on the day. The under 16’s race is becoming fierce and the talent pool is deep so anyone winning these races are surely worth keeping an eye on for the future. The great news is that the winner was Aaron Watson riding for Dromara CC who produced a devastating drive for the line and had time to straighten his top and get his hands in the air.

Dromara CC for the first time put on a Hand Cycling race which certainly tested the participants. Joining the Hand Cycling was the Ladies race and the Masters Race which made for fierce racing. Colin McCready who has been putting in some awesome TT times was having a go at his first race in the Masters. After 10 laps it was altogether and the sprinters started to get itchy feet….. young Colin made a dash from well out but with the strong wind the group swallowed him up with the line all too far away. A great effort from Colin, Gareth W, Trevor B and Trevor W for having a go all through the race…..expecting podiums soon lads ;-). Ted McKibbon took second in the Hand Cycling with Darell Erwin in first place from Ballymena RC – full respect for both guys because if was hard enough to cycle around the course never mind hand cycle it. In the ladies race Katharine Smyth from Team Madigan won the gallop to the line.

The A4 race was won by  Ards riders Chris Lappin   Ards CC from Alistair Robinson (Bike Express) and Matt Ormesher of Ards CC.  Michael Thompson (Bann Wheelers ) was fourth ahead of Ian Weir (West Down Wheelers ) and Brendan McAlister  of Glens CC,  David Heaney (Maryland Wheelers) and Darryl Northrop (Phoenix CC ) made up the top eight.

The final race of the day was the A2/A3 event which was won by Junior rider Harvey Barnes of East Tyrone CC from Emmet Vallely of Square Wheels. North Down’s Timmy Burns was third followed in by Brandon Douglas (West Down Wheelers ) and Kenny Wilson (East Antrim Audi CC). VC Iveagh’s Neil Seffen was sixth with Dromara’s very own Chris Magowan taking 7th and Barry Convery of Newry Wheelers CC completing the top eight.

All in all an great days racing although we will have to try and avoid the Gran Fondo Next time. Results can be found here

Photos can be found here(A2/A3/Jun), here(Masters, Ladies, HC) and here(Under 16’s)

Gran Fondo you say well a few Dromara CC riders were spotted taking part in this event. Roads closed and timing chips on Dromara CC members embarked on either the Shorter Fondo which went via Whiterocks or the longer Fondo that went everywhere that had a hill. Top Dromara CC man was the auld lad Michael Cassidy who finished 22nd according to his chip time although Im not sure his place across the line **covers eyes and hides**. David Dickson was seen chasing the lead group down through Ballygowan after chatting to much and Ruth, Beverley, Linda and Emma spotted heading for Daft Eddy’s. A few photos can be found here and full kudos for everyone that survived the Gran Fondo considering the heat (we are never happy too warm, too wet, too cold never perfect ;-))

Matthew Armstrong was off taking part in theRas Dhun na Gall as part of the Cycling Ulster team and his report below:

150 started, 84 finished. This year, with little wind and lots of sun, Ras Dhun na Gall was fast and demanding. Reports of crashes came in all the time with the worst one only a few miles in on the Friday evening. Matthew was in the lead group and managed to avoid that one but unfortunately a few miles later, having broken away along with one other rider when going for a KoM, the other rider clipped his wheel and Matthew hit the ground hard. Having lost 5 minutes on the first stage his role was to cycle for the team over the next two days. He was one of 14 riders getting KoM points, grafting over the gruelling stages, playing his role to help the team. Whilst he personally finished well down the field, his hard work during the stages was valued, with Cycling Ulster winning the team prize. A great weekend and great experience.

Awesome achievement Matt.

Well done to Davy Broome and Peter Davison who both took 2nd place finishes at the XC NPS at ticknock, hosted by MAD MTB. Just dont talk to Davy about it and his gentlemanly conduct by letting the lead rider through 😉

Also Good luck to Peter this weekend as heads to the next round of the British Championships.