Sunday 20th November saw our battle hardened ‘cross team make the short trip up to Ormeau Park in Belfast. It was the usual team of Michael Hamilton, Michael McMullan, Garth Beattie, Colm McLarnon and nephew and niece combination Ross and Matty Blayney. Most travelled up in the North Down bus though Garth made his own last minute travel arrangements.
The fabulous weather and City centre location drew out the crowds for the day with every ‘cross event now proving a big draw for spectators.
Colm McLarnon – Live and Unleashed:
Sunday 6th November saw our ‘cross team make the journey up to Moira for Round 4 of the Ulster Cyclo Cross series. The good weather meant another good turnout with Michael McMullan, Michael Hamilton, Garth Beattie, Johnny Webb, Ross Blayney and Colm McLarnon.
This was to be Colm’s first foray into cycling’s craziest discipline so today was going to be a big day for him one way or another……
While our road racers have been lashing round municipal parks in the mud and rain our very own Paul Swenarton has been basking in the glory of World Championship Competition. Representing both club and country at the world famous Manchester velodrome.
The velodrome has a reputation for speed. By 30 March 2008, more than 15 world records had been set there, including Chris Boardman’s 1996 and 2000 hour records and the 4000 metre team pursuit record set by the Great Britain men’s team at the 2008 World Championships. The track is 250 metres long with its bankings reaching an incredible 42 degrees in the middle!
Mon 11th Oct. was the club AGM which was held in a packed club house. It was good see such strong support for the club and it was literally standing room only.
A new Committee was elected with most of the existing Committee being retained in post. Four new members were elected to bring the Committee to a total of 16 members.
Alison McMullan has accepted the role as Club Secretary taking over from Julie Stephenson who steps down after 3 years of great service. Many thanks to Julie for her efforts over previous years.
William Barclay, who has finally accepted the role of club media officer, is now also a Committee member as are Clare White and Gerry Irvine.
It’s been noted that on club rides some riders have been sailing a bit close to the wind with respect to their attire. It is appreciated that the club has grown exponentially in recent years and not all the members have spent most of their life chasing two wheeled excellence. We must respect that many of you have never witnessed Djamolidine Abdoujaparov zig-zag up the Champs Elysees like a sailor on a group ride, been on the receiving end of an Alistair motivation speech or even raced on the Holy Grail that is Italian tarmac. However this is no excuse for turning up looking like you got dressed in darkness.
Back in 2008 the cycling world was rocked with the revelation that Lance Armstrong was to come out of retirement at the age of 37 to attempt an eight Tour de France title. What Lance hadn’t counted on however was that during his sabbatical the new breed of Tour specialists were coming into form and despite his undoubted talent, Old Father Time catches up with everyone eventually….. Well most people anyway. Obviously our illustrious chairman is the exception as he only gets faster as the years roll on.