17 All Ireland Medals For Cycling Ulster
Cycling Ulster cyclists made a major impact on the All-Ireland championships in Waterford, bringing back no fewer than 17 medals. This was a tremendous achievement and bears testimony to the strength of cycling in the Province.
Full credit must be given to our close neighbours, Ards Cycling Club who won medals in the Time Trial, Tandem and Road Race . For example, Martyn Irvine, who is in a rich vein of form, took silver in the Under 23 Road Race whilst Ards resident, Adam Armstrong (Northern –Dave Kane) took the bronze and Martyn also took the bronze in the time trial. In the Vets. event Ards man Ivan Robinson won gold and in the tandem event Ards men were again to the fore with Paul McMinn and Gareth Crothers taking gold and David McCann and John Ruddell getting the bronze medal – quite a remarkable haul by one club, and we congratulate them.
Youth Championships
This weekend it is the youth riders turn to shine as they make their way to Mayo for the All-Ireland Youth Championships. Again it is hoped that medals will come north of the border. Certainly North Down’s Stuart Henry must be a real medal prospect. Henry has illustrated his strength throughout the first part of the season – always excelling on tough courses. However, he also possesses a strong sprint finish, as the photograph of him winning the Northern Ireland Championships demonstrates.
The youth riders have two events on Saturday. In the morning they will compete in the Time Trial Championships. Henry won this event in 2005 and took bronze last year. However, he had a reality check last week when he was beaten into third place by Madigan’s Jonny Cole and XMTB’s Jonny Beers.
On Saturday evening the stars of the future will compete in the Crit. Championship. This is an event which Peter Williams, who possesses a tremendous sprint, has made his own in recent years.
The road race will be on a notoriously tough course this year. This will not only will this suit North Down’s Stuart Henry but local Mayo boys Charlie Prendegate and Sean Carolan. Our hope is that North Down can emulate Ards and bring back at least one title to this part of the world.
Kerry Youth Tour
Our young riders are reminded that entries for the Kerry Youth Tour close on the 18th July. Entry forms can be downloaded from the Killorglin CC website.