Bann Valley Classic race once again proves major success

The 2014 Sizzlers-sponsored Bann Valley Classic took place recently, a week earlier than usual due to Easter Sunday falling on the usual date.
Prizewinners in the club section race at the recent Bann Valley Classic event.Prizewinners in the club section race at the recent Bann Valley Classic event.
Prizewinners in the club section race at the recent Bann Valley Classic event.

Some 160 riders took part in the two races, the ‘A’ race, sponsored by Sizzlers, Magherafelt, was first to tackle the tough Clady, Innisrush,Tamlaght circuit, made more difficult this year by the strong cold westerly wind in the faces of the riders on the rolling out leg through Innisrush.

The race itself was dominated by unsuccessful breakaways until the last lap when the crucial move was made. This led to one of the most impressive victories in years at the ‘Classic’.

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Alastair Gribben of Carn Wheelers crested at the top of the last hill and came into view of the spectators on the line with his arms already held aloft, his margin of victory as he crossed the line was more than 300 metres. Second place with a very similar margin was Paul Wilkinson from West Down Wheelers. In third spot but still well ahead of the main bunch was Chris Hunter from North Down.

The Bicycle Shack-sponsored ‘B’ race stayed together for the duration of the 40 miles and was won in the sprint by Craig Rea Phoenix with Owen Campbell Island Wheelers taking second while Olan Byrne also Phoenix secured third spot.

In the Club section the places went to Gerard McNally who finished in highest placed Club member while Colin Madden and Paul McQuillan finished in the bunch in the ‘B’ race.

The Club wish to thank all those who helped in any way at this important event in our calendar. Along with all the riders,Club members and their family and friends who gave their time to make this a success we would especially like to thank the PSNI and Order of Malta who by their attendance helped ensure that the events of the day ran smoothly.

LEAGUE

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Meanwhile, the Bannside Electrical Services time trial league is now well under way with incredible numbers attending, well over 40 riders signing on for each TT so far.

With many riders home before the last tester has been set off the timekeepers have had quite a job, while the competitors have had to face up to cold and windy conditions.

All the times can be seen on www.bannvalley.co.uk. but the quickest so far have been John McGlaughlin in the 5 mile TT, Cathal Doyle Carn Mw. with a 22.12 on the 9/4/14 and most recently Conor McAteer CCC 22.40 on the 15/4/14.

The TT league sponsor Bannside Electrical Services has kindly offered £100 prize to the tester who has the highest average speed over 5 10m TT’s in this year’s calendar. This is just part of the club’s year long celebration of its 25th anniversary.

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On the racing scene the Bann Valley youth acadamy have begun the season with a bang with Niall Lawrence winning the U14 event at Aghagallon and Eoin Mellon coming 5th in the same event, while locally, BVRC youth riders took the recent Ballymena Road Club youth race by storm.

Shaun Byrne led the the field over the line with a deserved 1st place followed closely in second by Niall Lawrence, fourth place was taken by Fergus Byrne, with Eoin Mellon in 5th and Rob Lawrence in 6th. This is proof that all the hard work and dedication put into the youth, especially by club members who accompany the youngsters, is paying off.