It’s two out of two now for Janine McNally. Our new star rider, sorry Matty, shows no signs of resting on her laurels and has added yet another victory to her palmares by winning the ladies category two weeks in a row.
Janine McNally – 1st Lady
This week it was the Spires CC promoted event out at The Loup with North Down fielding yet another strong team with strong riders represented in every category.
Janine wasn’t the only North Down winner however with another popular local rider, Paul Swenarton, showed his depth of talent winning the over 50’s race. Paul is possibly more well known for his time trialling and track racing pedigree but proved on Saturday that he can turn his hand to just about any cycling discipline. Who knows what the talented Bangor man will turn his hand to next?
Paul Swenarton – 1st Over 50
Prize giving was a sombre affair however as the race had not been without it’s accidents. Unfortunately two North Down riders were affected with both Keith Millar and Michael Crowe both sustaining broken/dislocated shoulders. Michael has had to stay overnight in hospital and we all wish the pair of them a speedy recovery.
All at North Down would also like to convey our best wishes to Ted McKibben of Dromara CC who had an altogether more serious accident at the race. Our thoughts are with him and his family at this time.
John Haldane Carriageway Classic
Racing resumed on Sunday with the “Carriageway Classic”. A Newry Wheelers promoted event famous for being a Sprinter’s Paradise usually won after frantic jostling for position over the final one hundred metres. Yet again it fell to the Ladies to populate the podium with Alison McMullan taking a fine third place. After her bad luck last with a puncture in the closing metres of the Phoenix GP last week Alison obviously felt she had a score to settle and goes to prove that our ladies team has strength in depth and not just numbers.
The Sprint King
Pause for Reflection
Perhaps this is an opportune time to reflect upon the club’s group rides and lack of disciplined riding that is becoming more and more prevalent. We seem to have a situation where certain riders seem to think they know better than more experienced riders and are not treating group rides with adequate respect. Riders must remember that careless riding not only endangers their lives but also the lives of those around them. Erratic speeds, crossing the white line, not calling holes etc are just a few of group rides “crimes” that we should not have to witness. Disciplined group riding is a skill that must be learnt by riders or face the potential consequences.
Club Quiz
Our first big club social event of the year will take place on Friday 5th April at Pickie Bowling Club with our annual Club Quiz Night.
Team are restricted to no more than 6 but individuals and lesser numbers are welcome as are friends and family. Those of you who have been there before will know it is a great night but we also hope to see many of our new members joining us for the fun.
Tickets are priced at only £5 per head which includes a great supper provided by Bow Bells, there is also a late bar. Tickets sell out quickly so please reserve your tickets in good time to avoid disappointment.
Here is the important bit – over the last number of social events a number of members have reserved tickets and then failed to appear on the night. This not only costs the club money and wastes food that has been catered for, it also deprives members who are on the waiting list of the chance to attend.
When you reserve your ticket you are committing to payment of £5 for each ticket you have reserved. Obviously personal circumstances may change but if you cannot attend when you have reserved tickets please notify Ian Blayney, Director Sportif – Ladies Super Squadra, in advance so that your tickets can be reallocated.
Ian can be contacted via e-mail through the club website or via the Club Facebook page.