THE ROAD RACING season got off to a start this weekend with Errigal Cycling Club members competing in three races last weekend.
On Saturday last, Eugene McGettigan got Errigal Cycling Club’s season up and running by making the trip to the sell-out Annaclone GP – the 77km race hosted by Banbridge CC.
The A race consisted of a small handicap with the A3 group, including Eugene, away first being chased by a large A2 group followed by the A+&A1 group.
The A3 bunch were caught just after one lap and it remained together for lap two of six. However the A1s joined this group going into lap three and soon after the cracks appeared, especially on the long climb up past the Annaclone GAA grounds. There was around 30 riders in the final uphill sprint finish, which was won by Rodger Aiken of Wheelworx-Asea team.
The following day four Errigal cyclists – two masters and two juniors – travelled to the Pheonix GP in Belfast. Shaun Sweeney and James Frain were first off in the masters race which consisted of three laps of a relatively flat loop.
Second year junior Ciarán Harkin and first year junior Tony Toye competed in the men’s race with both performing well.
Two A2 cyclist rode away from the group with a number of laps to go, and this break remained until the finish. In the peleton there were very few attacks which allowed for a steady race from start to finish.
Ciarán finished comfortably in the pack with Tony finishing just behind the pack. Shauna McFadden, riding for NRPT put in a super performance to finish second in her first women’s race as a junior cyclist.
Errigals youth cyclists were in action this weekend for the first round of the Cycling Ulster Youth League.
In the under-12s Cora Harkin just beat Catherine Kelly on the line to take first girl. Conor Gallagher was in the leading bunch but suffered a mechanical in the final lap. Cathal Gallagher took the sprint victory ahead of AAA’s Donal Walsh with Errigals Odhran Doogan taking third place in the under-14s race.
The final race of the day, the under 16’s was won by Omagh Wheelers rider Adam Ward who rode away from the start. Adam was chased vigorously by Errigal’s Conor Halvey however Halvey couldn’t close the gap and took second. PJ Doogan and Michael McGlynn rode strongly and both just missed out on a podium finish.
Errigal Cycling Club are holding a training camp for new cyclists on Friday evenings at 7pm in the Creeslough sports field, beside chapel (fully flood lit), starting next Friday, February 26. It is aimed at boys and girls ages six to 13. All you need is a working bike and a helmet. Cost is €2 per night plus €10 for a cycling Ireland licence. Any queries contact James on 087-6771566 or email errigalcc@gmail.com
The ‘Share The Road’ cycle on Saturday morning organised by Errigal cyclists received a huge response. Over 80 riders braved the cold and wet conditions to complete the the cycle which was aimed to raise awareness about the 1.5 metres distance between motorists and cyclists. Thanks to everyone who attended to show their support
Saturday morning training runs depart from The Lagoon at 9am sharp and is suited to intermediate riders who are thinking of racing this season. Sunday morning club runs leave the lagoon at 10am. Beginners welcome with a speed and route to suit all levels with nobody being left behind.
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