2-up 10 mile time trial, Downpatrick Road, Ballynahinch (map)
13 June 2013
In stark contrast to the previous round, Thursday 13 June saw heavy rain clouds over looming over the horizon while the riders gathered on the Downpatrick Road just outside Ballynahinch. Sign on got underway quickly but it wasn't long before the downpour began. Umbrellas up, riders diving for cover and looking to the skies to see if there was any sign of a let up. Four riders decided not to head out on the 10 mile time trial and turned for home. The others waited. The rain did ease. The roads were very wet but this didn't put off those that stayed. First away were the Magowan brothers Gavin and Chris. They were the fastest pairing at the last 2-up, they have had their names on the Versatile Windows trophy for a few years now so they were out to make sure their names were on the trophy again.
Second away was Nathan Mullan and Barry Kellett who were out to improve their time from the last round. They left one minute behind the Magowans. In total there were 8 pairings, however only 3 of these pairings matched from the last 2-up back in April.
The Magowans didn't disappoint setting a time of 23 minutes and 22 seconds, over a minute faster than Ronnie Smyth and Marcus Magowan with Nathan and Barry less a minute slower. It should be noted that Nathan and Barry were on road bikes while the Magowans, Ronne and Marcus were on time trial bikes.
Well done to all the riders. A big thanks to the timekeepers and to marshals for standing out in the rain. Many thanks to Gavin McConvey for coming along and taking pictures. His photos are on Facebook (link at the bottom of this page).
Timekeepers: Peter Bryson and David Chambers.
Marshals:
Turn - Massimo Manganaro, David McClurg, Barry Kane and Jonathan McBride
Report: Martin Grimley
Photographs: Gavin McConvey
