Henry exchanges Pink and Black for Green!
North Down’s top youth rider, Stuart Henry, this week exchanged his traditional club colours for those of Ireland when he left for Serbia and the Youth Olympics. This is a major achievement by the young Bangor cyclist who has established himself as one of the strongest young riders in the country.
His power was again very visible last week at the All-Ireland championships in Mayo, where, although not fully fit, he still managed to win bronze medals in the criterium and time trial (at an average speed of 29mph!) and was 4th in the road race.
However, with all the top European nations sending teams to Serbia, the competition will be hot. Henry will be competing in three events – the time trial, criterium and road race. He will be joined on the Irish team by Armagh’s Peter Williams and Mayo’s Charles Prendergaste.
Earlier this year Sam Craig of Aquatech recognised the importance of supporting young athletes in their quest for success and offered to support youth development within North Down Cycling Club. It must gladden his heart, therefore, to see the success that his support has helped to encourage. Not only has Henry established himself on the Irish scene but Rachael Mitchell won gold and silver at the Irish track championships and Craig Swenerton claimed silver in the Ulster Road Race Championships.
Club 10mile Time Trial
On a night which was surprisingly devoid of rain but very windy, times were remarkably fast in the latest club time trial.
Andrew Headley 25:11
Norman Wilson 25:14
John Hunter 25:42
Matty Blayney 26:41
Duane McCreadie 28:35
Jessica Laird 28:44
Tim Stevenson 28:58
Next week’s event is a 25mile time trial on the Portaferry Road.
Portaferry Stage Race
This weekend the focus will be on the Portaferry Stage Race. This is an event in which North Down riders have shone, with riders such as Philip Marshall and Paul Ferguson leading the charge. This year we again will be anticipating great things – especially from riders such as Neil McKenna. After missing most of the season through injury, Neil has hit the racing scene with a bang and is in sparkling form. We hope that he and the rest of the North Down contingent can again lead from the front.