Turbo Terrific!
The first of the winter’s turbo sessions under the guidance of sports scientist Darren McWilliams was a fantastic success last Wednesday night. It’s a long time since the clubrooms have been such a hive of activity.
Before the evening commenced, Darren gave a short talk on maintaining fitness throughout the winter and the importance of setting specific training levels and using them in preparation for all forms of cycling. He then assisted the members to set their own thresholds.
After an arduous session on the turbos, some were even tempted to ‘have a go’ on the club’s competition rollers. Clearly the testosterone levels were high and the competitive instincts keen, as the likes of Wilf Renshaw set a personal best time of 1 minute 18 seconds for the kilometre.
2012 Olympic Panel
This summer Cycling Ireland launched a Talent Transfer programme which was run in conjunction with both sports councils. This programme is aimed at identifying and developing talented male and female riders in preparation for high performance competition and potentially the 2012 Olympic Games. The successful launch attracted more than 70 applications within a few weeks from a variety of different sporting backgrounds. These applications were screened down to 35 people who were tested in regional centers during late September. From these 35 people 15 were selected based on their test results to move on to the second stage. They will now follow a six week training programme after which they will be re-tested to monitor their progress.
The Cycling Ireland Talent Identification programme for its own members is going to run in union with the Talent Transfer programme with a view to producing a single elite high performance squad. The Cycling Ireland Talent Identification programme will be rolled out in a similar manner with regional test centers following the same test protocol using BT units. The Cycling Ireland members who come through the talent testing screening will join up with the successful people from the talent transfer programme in the New Year. This single group will then follow a high performance plan based on training camps and competitive events.
Applications forms for Cycling Ireland members who wish to be tested can be found under the general section within the key download area of the Cycling Ireland website. Applications will be accepted up till November 5th with testing planned for the weekend of Nov 15/16th in three regional locations. It is not expected that all applicants will be tested at this stage. An initial screening will take place so as to ensure that manageable numbers of riders are tested over the one weekend. A separate testing cycle will be conducted in 2009 with a view to identifying people for developmental squads.
Majorca 2009
Philip Downie reports that the North Down Cycling Club tour to Majorca next year will again be to the Pollentia Club Resort, running from 18-25 April 2009. Although the costs of the flights are not yet at hand, Philip informs me that the cost of a Maris Room will be £295 per person sharing and £378 for a single room. The prices quoted are on half board basis and include return coach transfers. So it’s time to give Philip your deposit of £60 and get those dates in your diary.
Bokhara Night
Flo plans to organise one of her famous Bokhara Nights on Sunday next (2nd November) at 7:30pm. The Bokhara in Bangor is not only one of our sponsors, but also one of the best restaurants in Bangor. For £12.50 we will receive a special, consisting of a mixed starter and a choice of main courses, or you can choose off the
a la carte menu. If you plan to attend please contact Flo immediately so that numbers can be finalised.
New Clothing
There has been very positive feedback concerning the new club clothing. There was another try-on night last Monday 27th October in the club rooms. Those who had placed orders earlier with Mark Coyle should contact him immediately as stocks are going fast.
Club Trophies
With the prize presentation only a few weeks away, those who won trophies last year should now have them cleaned and returned to Eric Blayney. At present Eric is heading a sub-committee to organise the distribution of the extensive array of trophies at the social night in the Pickie Bowling Club on the last Saturday in November. This promises to be an excellent night and those planning to attend should contact Eric as soon as possible to book their place.