Ballymoney Cycling Club riders at Aghagallon Cup

BALLYMONEY Cycling Club riders Nat Magee, Bobby Kane, Niall O'Hagan, Nigel Elder and Steven McAllister all travelled to the Aghagallon Cup on the Bartins Bay circuit beside Lough Neagh.

This event was run by local Lurgan club Clann Eireann.

Mixed fortunes faced the Ballymoney riders with best result of the day coming from Steven McAllister, he finished in the top 12 of the A4 race.

Early season race winner Bobby Kane while trying to force a break along with eventual winner Jack Wilson was involved in a heavy crash with 3 others, including Ballymena’s Mark McCullough, both riders having to retire from the race.

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Bobby despite some cuts and bruising suffered more mechanical damage to his machine and Mark ‘popped’ his shoulder.

Ballymoney CC wish both Bobby and Mark a speedy recovery and hope they are back action soon.

The day started well as the A4 race got under way with almost 60 riders taking to the windy and in some places narrow circuit.

The pace from the flag was fast and furious and Steven, Nat and Niall, were among the others challenging for a place on the prize list.

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With 10 laps to cover attempts were made by some would be contenders to try and escape the nervous twitchy bunch before the finish.

But these all failed and going into the last lap it was clear a bunch sprint would decide the outcome.

Inexperience going into the final bend saw Ballymoney CC, Steven McAllister, being caught too far back and having to come late in the

long flat run in to the finish.

Stevie was somewhat disappointed with this top 12 position, but words of encouragement from teammates and supporters it is felt this newcomer will not be long before he is appearing in the top three.

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Niall O’Hagan, Ballymoney CC, showed the typical spirit and determination in this Ballymoney Club of ‘never say die’.

Niall having lost contact with the bunch in the final fast and furious laps refused to pull in or climb off, but rode on to the finish and received deserved applause from his family and club mates.

Other local lad Alastair Bratten, (Roe Valley) is enjoying his racing every week and has been in the top 20 each time at the finish.

In the A3 race Bobby Kane and Nigel Elder were representing the Ballymoney Club with Bobby being involved in the early pile up and having to retire not due to his injuries but rather mechanical problems. Bobby was very disappointed as he was clearly up for the fight in this well supported race with 59 starters.

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Nigel again like club mate Niall O’Hagan in the A4 race, despite losing contact with the fast travelling bunch, fought onto the end in what he described as a day of epic suffering. The Members and travelling supporters of Ballymoney Cycling Club want to congratulate the five lads for their efforts at the weekend.

Next weekend sees the start of the Tour of the North and the club will be organising special training sessions next Saturday and Sunday.

Bobby and the other lads have a busy time with races both north and south on their calendar coming up.

Ballymoney Cycling Club would like to congratulate Ballymoney man Jason Henry (U/A) for finishing second to Jack Wilson in the A3 race.

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Ballymoney Cycling Club have now grown to over 25 members all affiliated to Cycling Ireland, there are still a few more yet to get enrolled.

Contact Bobby on 07709647330 or Maurice on 07707088396.

Coming events, Friday to Monday sees the start of the Tour of the North, and on March 7, Ballymoney CC will promote their

LUNGBUSTER 5mile TT on the Garryduff – Bravellen Circuit, starting at 6.45pm.

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