BROWNFIELD AIMS FOR CROSS MEDAL

North Down Cycling Club’s Ray Brownfield is no stranger to success on two wheels but over the years it has been as a road man that his reputation has been built. Most road racers tend to regard the autumn and winter months as a period of recovery, with the emphasis on maintaining moderate fitness levels by concentrating on long, steady endurance rides. For a few, however, including Brownfield and fellow North Down rider Michael Hamilton, the lure of mud, twisting forest tracks and hidden tree roots, all of which are characteristic of the typical cyclo-cross course, proves irresistible.

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The Bangor Coastal Cycle Challenge organised by North Down Cycling Club has raised £10,000 for the Stroke, Diabetes and Cardiology Units at the Ulster Hospital.

Pictured L-R are Terry Nicoletti North Down Cycling Club, Sister Tanya Daly Cardiology Unit, Dr Janet Harding Consultant Diabetes Unit, Dr Michael Power Consultant Stroke Unit and Harry Scott North Down Cycling Club.

The organisation of a huge event such as the Coastal Challenge is an all year round affair but the outgoing event Co-ordinator Terry Nicoletti said that all the hard work put in by the volunteers and participants was extremely worthwhile and each year culminated in the presentation of the net proceeds to the Ulster Hospital. This year a total sum of £10,000 was presented to Dr Janet Harding, Consultant in Diabetes, Sister Tanya Daly Cardiology Unit and Dr Michael Power Consultant in the Stroke Unit. This is an incredible sum but it should be noted that such a sizable amount of money was only possible through the valuable financial assistance of the event’s many participants and sponsors including BikeIt Cycles, Grand Parade Belfast and Bike Works of Bangor who provided mechanical back up on the day. The Police Service of Northern Ireland provided much appreciated support through Sgt Spence and his dedicated Officers. Over the 9 years of the event a staggering sum of over £60,000 has now been raised.

At the cheque handover Terry Nicoletti accompanied by Harry Scott from North Down Cycling Club praised the willing band of helpers from the Cycling Club who have worked hard to make this one of the biggest and most popular charity cycles in the country. The participants numbered over 700 and after a run of 4 years of inclement weather the event on this occasion was bathed in most welcome sunshine. Reflecting on his tenure as Coastal Challenge Co-ordinator which Terry has executed for the last 4 events he said that it had been a challenge also for the organisors but one which brought great satisfaction. He went on to welcome Harry Scott as the incoming Co-ordinator and wished Harry every success with the Challenge in 2011 which will take place on Sunday 19 June.

RECORD GROWTH FOR NORTH DOWN CLUB

September heralds the start of autumn and for most cyclists that means swapping the shorts and lightweight jerseys for the thermal jackets and bib tights. It also marks the end of the competitive road season and offers the opportunity to reflect on the achievements of recent months. A fuller review of riders’ efforts is normally reserved for year’s end but on a range of other indicators North Down Cycling Club under new chairman Ian Blayney can confidently claim success.

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