Magical Madden sets a new course record

Whilst this is not the fastest course for such an event it did not stop the big guns from turning out for an opportunity to be crowned club champion.

Weather conditions and holiday traffic threatened to spoil fast times on the night. Undeterred, all of the competitors were eager to be tested. Fastest man on the night was John Madden (Bann Wheelers/Curran Racing), riding in Bann Wheelers colours, setting a new course record of 54:21.

Defending champion, Sean Kealey, retained his title, recording a time of 56:11.

Sean was followed by veteran tester Dominic Drumm (57:55), Carl Russell (58:22), Sharman Crawford (58:41), Derek McMenemy (58:42), Damian Hazlett (1:02:08), Brandon Herald – U14 (1:12:28) and Sam Greer (1:12:36).

Brandon’s time is impressive as he races in the Under 14 category. Brandon is also the grandson of club stalwart Sam Greer although all family loyalties were temporarily put to one side as the two battled it out on the course.

Bann Wheelers would like to offer a special thanks to Ian Nevin who performed time keeping duties on the night.

Bann Wheelers race success

Bann Wheelers members have been in action at several Open races over the last few weeks.

Veteran time trial expert Dominic Drumm recorded a prsonal est time of 56:07 for a 25-,mile Time Trial on the Wood Green course in Ballymena.

At the same event, the ever improving Derek McMenemy also recorded a PB of:43. This race was part of the Cycling Ulster 25 Mile Time Trial League.

The recent Ras Loughguile, hosted by Ballymoney CC, saw further success for Ronnie Kidd and Andrew Torrens who finished in second and fourth place respectively in what is a very tough race. Bann Wheelers would like to congratulate Ballymoney CC on the success of the weekend of racing they organised for Ras Loughguile.

Causeway Cycle Challenge

Bann Wheelers would like to remind everyone that there is now only a fortnight until the 3rd annual Causeway Cycle Challenge takes place on a fantastic tour of our beautiful Causeway Coast

This charity cycle, held on Sunday, July 31, is available to both leisure and competitive cyclists with two routes available. Both routes start and finish at Coleraine Rugby Club and take in the picturesque seaside towns of Bushmills, Portrush and Portstewart.

The longer route also includes Ballycastle and Ballintoy. All entrants will receive a commemorative t-shirt with refreshments provided both along the route and at the finish.

All proceeds go to two local charities, Macmillan Cancer Support and Blind Centre for Northern Ireland. Entrants are encouraged to register on-line at www.bannwheelers.com, although entries will be welcome on the day of the event.