4 mile hilly time trial, Clonvaraghan Road (map)
4 August 2011
As a warm up for Dromara Cycling Club's 'Hilly' leisure tours, round 19 of the club league saw 30 riders gather to take on the 4 mile hill climb up the Clonvaraghan Road from Englishes pub to the top of the Rib.
First away was local lad Zak Hanna who set a fast pace for the others to follow. Next away was Paul Gick, followed one minute later by Tommy Downey with the rest following at one minute intervals. Waiting on the crest of the hill was Nigel and Stephen who had a clear view of the riders as they suffered up the final part of the climb. To make the challenge even harder there was a head wind all the way up but thankfully it stayed dry. To spur the riders on there was great support from the top of the hill as those who had made it up earlier were shouting their encouragement to those still struggling up the last few metres.
Fastest on the night was Cathal Smyth (Phoenix CC) who completed the distance in a time of 16 minutes and 50 seconds. Ronnie Smyth was second with 17m 26s with Fergus Rooney (Phoenix CC) just 3 seconds slower. Gavin Magowan was fourth with Anthony Quinn (Shimna Wheelers) the only riders to complete the distance in under 18 minutes. Scott Daly (Banbridge CC) was 6th, Chris Magowan 7th, Rodney Stewart 8th, Paul Mawhirt 9th and Jeffrey Torrens-Spence (Phoenix CC) 10th.
Using the league handicaps it was Ronnie Smyth who takes the maximum points with Paul Mawhirt second and Gavin Magowan third.
Well done to all riders and many thanks to the timekeepers and marshals. Round 20 will be the popular Harry Ferguson Road Race on the Magheraconluce circuit next Thursday (11 August 2011).
Timekeepers: Phillip Boyle, Stephen Wallace and Nigel Sudlow
Timekeeper's assistant: Tom McClean
Marshals: Phil O'Neill
Report: Martin Grimley
Photographs: Martin Grimley and Phillip Boyle
