Annaclone Grand Prix
Eighty riders braved the cold conditions last weekend to take part in the first competitive event of the cycling season, Annaclone Grand Prix. The race was run on a handicap basis with two groups separated by four and a half minutes.
Season Beckons
After many weeks of training and expectation the 2008 season is eventually upon us. Traditionally the first road race of the season is the event at Annaclone, just outside Banbridge and this year is no exception.
Cycling Ulster Seminar.
The response to the recent Cycling Ulster Seminar, held in Craigavon, has been very positive. North Down was represented by Terry Nicolletti, Noel Boyce, Flo and Keith Millar. In addition one of the chief speakers was our own Ian Blayney, a Chief Inspector in the PSNI, who highlighted the positive aspects of the co-operation between Cycling Ulster and the PSNI. However, Ian had a no nonsense approach to what the PSNI would expect over the coming season.
Cycling’s ‘Pace-Maker’ Challenge
In an effort to attract more North Down Cycling Club members to compete in the Wednesday events, new race secretary Eric Blayney has come up with a novel and unique competition. As Eric explained earlier this week, ‘We have many members who seem to shy away from the racing nature of these nights but will never miss a Saturday club run’. Indeed Eric is quite right. Often the weekend ‘recreational’ cycles can be even faster and more demanding than mid-week races, but many members appear to be just a little reluctant to take up the challenge.
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Henry-Most Promising Rider!
The superb achievements of the young North Down cyclist, Stuart Henry, were recognized at the Northern Ireland Cycling Federation Awards Night on Saturday last when he was presented with the most Promising Cyclist of the 2007 season. In addition to winning All Ireland and Northern Ireland Championships, Henry won numerous under-age events and was selected to ride for Ireland on no less than seven occasions, including the European Youth Olympics.
Cycling Ulster Seminar
Cycling Ulster will be holding a seminar on Saturday 9th February in the Discovery Centre, Oxford Island, Craigavon from 10.00 am to 4pm approx. The seminar will deal with issues of event promotion (including leisure events), safety, time trials, championships, child protection and the role of marshals.
Chief Inspector Ian Blayney will be in attendance to explain the new PSNI guidelines and Cycling Ireland's Treasurer, Rory Wyley will be accompanied by the new insurance consultant, Steven Malone, to answer some of the many queries we have regarding insurance. In addition, Paul Watson will explain the role of commissaires and answer any questions regarding the latest CI Rules and Regulations, Andy Potts will deal with Off Road events and Gary McKeegan will outline coaching plans for the incoming year.
Clearly this promises to be an informative and important seminar which should not be missed. In this day and age of a 'claim' culture it is vital that everyone does all within their power to ensure that they are covered by the law.