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Portavogie cyclist, David Hamilton (North Down CC) won the John Moore Memorial road race on Saturday 28th February at Carryduff. Hamilton, who was runner up behind his team mate David Watson the previous Sunday, made a bold chase across to the two leaders in the last few miles of  the race. Despite his late efforts and being very active during the 56 miles race he beat  Andrew Bye(Newry) and Craig McAauley (Roe Valley) in the finishing sprint.

James Curry (Banbridge) led in the rest of the chasing group for fourth place with Angus Fyffe (Tomac CC Belgium) fifth and North Down man David Watson sixth.

This was a very tough race around a hilly seven miles circuit and the aggressive racing in wintry conditions resulted in only half of the eighty starters complete the race.

What we now call the John Moore Memorial race began back in 1989 as the Castlereagh Grand Prix. The promoting club was called the Belvoir Road Club and the winner in 89 was Mark Kane (Northern cc). The Belvoir changed its name to Castlereagh CC and in 2002 the race became a memorial to club stalwart John Moore. Ards man Martyn Irvine, the former World Scratch race Track Champion, is one of an illustrious list of winners.

Speaking after the prize giving Hamilton said “I’m really proud to win this cup, it’s a great race. On the last lap we could see the two leaders just up the road. I thought it’s now or never and took off after them on the drag up to the last corner. When I caught them, they tried to get me to come through to the front but i just sat tight. I used my head  …there was only a mile to the finish but I recovered enough to win the sprint. I’ve used a single speed bike this winter and pedalled smaller gears and I feel better for it. I ride from   Portavogie to Stormont where I work and that’s a big part of my training. I’m looking forward to the Tour of Ards now which is two weeks ahead.”

The North Down club had a big entry in the main race and first to feature in an early breakaway was James Ambrose who was in a leading ten man group until mid distance. Shaun Carey was at the front of the second big group to finish for twelfth place with Andrew Gregg, Barry Hamilton and Richard McCullough all finishing in a depleted bunch.

A4 RACE

The supporting A4 race was won by Killinchy Cycling Clubs Paul Crossan who attacked late for a solo victory. Paul Kirk (North Down) sprinted well to place fourth while Ards cc riders Paul McMinn and Richard Hanna finished mid bunch.

OTHER NEWS

Nathan Keown (North Down) did a strong race in the Errigal CC youth series in Dobhar, Donegal. Nathan was third in the under 14 category while Katie Armstrong had the bad luck to puncture at the same venue. North Down CC rider Lewis Ferguson ended the Spring Series in 4th place overall while Claire Oakley (XMTB) was 2nd in the women’s category. Killinchy rider Michael Rauch took 3rd in the B men’s category.

Report by Brendan Kirk

As part of the work Forestside does with schools in the Forestside Life Programme, we are supporting Katie Armstrong, a young, up and coming sports person, who through her inspiration and motivation is achieving great results in her chosen sport of cycling. Forestside have sponsored Katie with a specialised track bike to help her as she strives to achieve her goals. Katie will be helping us in return by providing a monthly blog of her journey, sharing her experiences and hopes with other young sports people encouraging them to take part, perform at higher levels and succeed in sport and life.

To Read the full Article Click here

CLUB DISCOUNT NIGHT – Remember the next Club Discount Night at CRC is next Tuesday 3 March. This will be the only night pre Mallorca!!!

Offers – Extra 25% off All Airwave, Xtools and Oneten Clothing.

Offers – Extra 15% offer 2015 Ghost and 2015 lapierre Bikes.

Offers – Extra 10% off 2015 New Vitus Bikes

Offers – Extra 15% off All Endura

Offers – Extra 20% off All Ladies Clothing.

Offers -10% All stock items.*

On Night special – Chain Reaction Cycles – Complete Bike and Wheel bags – CRC Logo Sku353239 Was £89.99 Club Night price £50.00

On Night Special – Chain Reaction Cycles – Pro Bike Bag SKU 409878 – Was £249.99 Now Club Night Price £140.00

*Exception will be Garmin, Polar, Go Pro and 2010,2011, 2012, 2013,2014 sale bikes and 2015 bikes
T & C:Please note no online vouchers, showroom vouchers or promotional voucher will be accept on the evening.

Coffee and cake will be served as normal..

NEW CLUBROOM – unfortunately the handover date of our new clubroom has slipped another month to 1st April. This is to the Council and SERCO to complete the ‘statutory governance’ process. No I don’t know what it is either. The gym size is being increased with the removal of the kitchen area. We hope to be able to open gym membership in advance of opening in mid March. Membership will be £9.99 per month. Only paying members will have use of the gym but the club will also have use of the studio to hold our own training classes. To date we have had requests for spin, turbo, circuit and yoga classes. What else would you like to see?

EVENT VOLUNTEERS CALENDAR – As of yesterday the club events volunteer calendar is now activated. We hope that each member will volunteer for at least two events throughout the season. There is a wide range of events and days needing cover so the it’s no real excuse for not finding some event you can help with. Please log on to the link on the email from Norman McLeer or via the website.

CLUB QUIZ – or first social event of the season will be or annual club quiz which to year will be held on Saturday 11 April. More details nearer the time.