Tuesday 27 July 2010

Temple League Race#11 (27th July 2010)

The sun was out and so too were the ladies for a record number of the fairer sex were out in force. Disappointing for the ladies the usual eye candy of Jim Cooke in his ripped shorts was absent, but that did not stop the girls fighting it out. Judith Lowry in recent weeks has become the one to beat with Bamford Junior and McConnell less than 20 seconds behind.

Another great performance from Paul Carroll who shattered his own course record despite the headwind all the way from Saintfield. It is great to have someone like Paul who puts the rest of the times into perspective and gives people something to aim for.

The McHenry / Pollock battle came to a head tonight with both of them clocking the exact same time. Wise sage McHenry was heard afterwards quoting "train together, race together".

The latest in TT results display technology also made a first appearance tonight. At the end of the race all the rider times were quickly uploaded and displayed in a big clear font. Professor Smartt of Queen's University was on hand to oversee the process and ensure everything went smoothly.

Gareth Turnbull, of hybrid bike fame, turned up tonight on a fancy road bike much to dismay of a few of the riders. There seems to a lot of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) about at the minute.

The "Lost on the roads award" tonight went to Michael McLearnon. To be fair to Michael his mind is probably now on more important matters like his recent engagement to Ms Burns. Romance definitely seems the story of recent weeks!

Results

1 Paul Carroll 26.39
2 Vaughan Purnell 27.5
3 Neville O'Neill 29.22
4 Desi McHenry 29.39
- Glen Pollock 29.39
6 Colm Hanratty 29.52
7 Stephen McWilliams 30.01
8 David Morrisey 30.36
9 Wes Kettyle 30.43
10 Johnny Hooper 30.54
11 Ciaran Hanratty 31.43
12 Bill Rafferty 31.45
13 Judith Lowry 32.17
14 Peter McGuicken 32.19
15 Clifford Rogers 32.26
16 Gareth Martin 32.3
17 Emma Bamford 32.35
18 Ricky Cowan 32.45
19 Ed Smith 32.46
20 Alison McConnell 32.53
21 Aishling Trainor 32.54
22 Willie Noteman 33.06
23 Maeve Cathal 33.13
24 Heather Bamford 34.56
25 Andy French 35.05
26 Ciara Fitzpatrick 35.26
27 Claire Burns 35.5
28 Steven McKay 38.22
29 Anne Maeen 39.15
30 Michael McLernon dnf

Thanks to time keepers: Ironman McManus, Conor and Steven Smartt.

Wednesday 21 July 2010

Carryduff League Race#10 (20th July 2010)

The sun was shining, the birds were singing and Desi was admiring the new flower bed close to the start line, as 21 men and 7 ladies assembled at the recently spruced up Carryduff lay-by. The picnic benches proved useful as a registration point and for propping up all the racing steeds. However, the tranquillity was short-lived as Jim Cooke arrived, with his butt showing through his cycle-shorts.

A warm welcome to the first timers, Anne Maageean (Chairman of Olympian Triathlon Club, which is celebrating 25 years in existence – the oldest club in Ireland), Ciara Fitzpatrick and Aisling Trainor (who both have recently joined Olympian. Ciara signed the Disclaimer, muttering that it didn’t mean anything, as I confidently informed her that she couldn’t sue us if she had an accident. I later found out she is a barrister.

In the ladies race Ali McConnell was knocked of her customary number one spot by Judith Lowry by a mere 11 seconds. Congratulations to Ali for winning the vets triathlon race at Lake Muckno, Castleblayney at the weekend.

Neville O’Neill put in an impressive performance to finish only 47 seconds behind the unbeatable Paul Carroll. With Emma, his girlfriend time keeping, he was out to impress. Desi managed the podium once again due to taking it easy on last Sunday’s 60 mile bike ride and allowing Jonny Hooper and I to race each other up every hill that Wes could find.

Stephen Smart must also get a mention as he was delighted with his performance, boasting to me that he passed two girls. Well done Stevie, with your finish time you would have finished 3rd in the Ladies race.

Thanks to Emma Bamford (impressed) and Dave Lonnen (once again) for timekeeping.

Finally, please remember to support our sponsors, Decathlon and Lease Options for their continued support,

Glen

1. Judith Lowry 33.40
2. Ali McConnell 33.51
3. Heather Bamford 35.06
4. Ciara Fitzpatrick 36.46
5. Claire Burns 38.18
6. Aisling Trainor 38.25
7. Anne Mageean 40.37


1. Paul Carroll 28.50
2. Neville O’Neill 29.37
3. Desi McHenry 30.11
4. Jim Cooke 30.59
5. Jonny Hooper 31.08
6. Colm Hanratty 31.15
7. Clifford Rogers 31.33
8. Eddie Kearney 31.35
9. Glen Pollock 31.43
10. Davy Calvert 32.13
11. Wes Kettyle 32.19
12. Gareth Martin 32.27
13. Connor Reilly 33.10
14. Jon Reilly 33.24
15. Kieran McVeigh 33.34
16. Ciaran Hanratty 33.53
17. Michael McLernon 33.55
18. Peter McGuicken 34.06
19. Ricky Cowan 34.37
20. Stephen Smart 35.04
21. Willie Noteman 35.14

Wednesday 14 July 2010

Ballynahinch 10K (13th July 2010)

With Vaughan taking a well earned rest from editorial duties this week, many of us can breathe a sigh of relief that we won’t have to endure his chastening remarks, which ranged from our cycling attire to how badly we are cycling. However, I will attempt to uphold this fine tradition as I comment on the first Ballynahinch to Carryduff race of the season.

Conditions were dry and blustery as only ten racers turned out for this 10k undulating sprint. I made the mistake of arranging to meet Tony at Forestside shopping centre as he cycled down from the North Belfast. He eventually turned up at 1820 and our time trial race started from here, if we were to make the start line on time. As we hammered it towards Ballynahinch the race was well under way; no excuses this week for starting cold.

In the ladies race Ali McConnell once again proved unbeatable and the yellow jersey looks safe with her until the end of the season. The head wind Ali was muttering about was in fact a cross-wind but it was still hard going. Emma showed her mum, Heather, how to ride a bike by finishing nearly a minute ahead of her.

Paul Carroll had no competition as Enda and Vaughan were absent, with the ever improving Desi coming in second and Tony (who was tired after a night of recreational rioting), coming in third.

Thanks to Clifford and Dave Lennon for timekeeping.

Glen

1. Alison McConnell 18.31
2. Emma Bamford 19.20
3. Heather Bamford 20.25

1. Paul Carroll 15.43
2. Desi McHenry 17.00
3. Tony McNulty 17.14
4. Glen Pollock 17.37
5. Davy Calvert 18.04
6. Michael Harkin 19.02
7. Ricky Cowan 19.36

Tuesday 6 July 2010

Carryduff Handicap (6th July 2010)

The second handicap of the year and this time the rider to cross the line first would be the winner. The "on vacation" McHenry, and master of knowing his competitors limits, had carefully prepared handicap times in a sealed brown envelope which was only opened before the race. With a range of 10.5 minutes from first to last, most accepted their fate with the occasional "Is he having a laugh!" comment.

Clifford Rogers and David Morrisey both started at the same time but over the course Rogers proved the stronger to take overall first with David second. Making up a long overdue place on the podium was Edward Smith with a very competitive time.

It all proved a mite too much for Enda who admitted he blew a gasket early on trying to catchup from the back of the grid. At least Enda was not involved in the (illegal) 6 man peleton which formed for a part of the course. Self titled draft buster boy Damien bottled out of issuing any on the spot "lift your bike up" time penalties.

Results

1 Clifford Rogers (31.26)
2 Dave Morrisey (31.34)
3 Ed Smith (33.27)
4 Gareth Martin (32.54)
5 Ricky Cowan (34.25)
6 Kieran McVeigh (33.50)
7 Michael Harkin (34.02)
8 Kate Smith (38.50)
9 Neville O'Neill (31.11)
10 Davy Calvert (33.21)
11 Peter McGuicken (35.06)
12 Enda Marron (44.32)

Thanks to time keepers Vaughan, Dave, Damien and Hooperman

TT Training 2019

2019 Rules

You must have a TI licence (a training licence is sufficient), be a member of a triathlon club and have working front AND rear lights on your bike. Cycling helmets are also mandatory. For events marked (ATH) - this means it is an athletes TT, meaning that no TT equipment should be used, such as TT bikes, TT bars, aero helmets etc. You can of course turn up with TT equipment, however, you should be prepared for general teasing and mickey taking as the penalty for doing so!

As we are riding on public roads, the rules of the roads apply. The committee have notified the PSNI of our plans for the season; being seen and riding safely are of paramount importance - these events are very enjoyable and will improve your time trialling, but we should all stay safe when participating in them and we all have a responsibility to ensure that this happens.

Calendar

August

27 - Titanic (Head to head final)

September
3 - Drumbo Hill Climb