BCC riders in the top ten at the PJ Logan Memorial

COALISLAND was the venue for Jason Taggart, Niall O’Hagan , Jerome McKendry and Bryan McKinney.

On a fast and hilly circuit with no rest for tired legs.

The short downhill runs were soon swallowed up by energy sapping east Tyrone drags and Belgium type Murs, less the cobbles.

The three Ballymoney CC riders were constantly in the action right from the gun, as this years A4 racing

is proving to be fast and hectic with no time to relax.

Young Kyle Cole from Limavady was aggressive and along with Taggart, O’Hagan and McKendry it became clear that no one was getting clear and the race would end up in a bunch sprint.

It has become clear from the start of this racing season that there is a sense of urgency amongst the riders and with Taggart and McKendry looking to get upgraded to A3 the inter club competition is high.

With Jerome

already getting an excellent 2nd place this year and Niall a 4th, Jason Taggart on this occasion was looking

to better his 3rd at the John Moore earlier in the month.

At the bottom of the final climb to the finish the BCC men were in full flight with Jerome getting involved in a

near spill, it was up the the other two to bring home the honours.

At the line it was Jason Taggart 6th and Niall O’Hagan 8th, securing another top 10 placing for the Ballymoney

Club.

In the other race Ballymoney CC rider Bryan McKinney had to settle for using the miles as a fast days training. This race was won by Conor Murphy of the Dublin based Eurocycles squad, from team mate Thomas

Martin and Philip Bremner from Ahoghill 3rd.

Next weekend will see the Ballymoney men in action at the Tour of Ards peninsula and at Aghagallon Cup on the shores of Lough Neagh.

Ballymoney CC in Inter-club Road Race League

Ballymoney Cycling Club members have been invited to join up with neighbours, Bann Valley, Bann Wheelers, Carn Wheelers and Ballymena Road Club in a round robin type event with each of the clubs hosting a road race on a circuit of their choice.

BCC will be using these races that are so popular that last year saw 60 plus riders taking part in each of them, as an excellent way of developing their less experienced members in getting used to road racing and the tactics involved.

The preparation and work put into this is due to the commitment of Ballymoney CC race secretary Aaron Dickie. Aaron has been in liaison with the other clubs getting this exciting series of events off the ground for the 2011 season.

At the moment BCC are considering two courses for the event and an announcement will be in the newspapers very soon along with dates and riders taking part from the club.

Coming events

Last Friday night at Ballymoney Rugby Club, a Chat around the Table was organised and members invited to come along and ask questions about racing and the best ways to train for competitive cycling today. On hand were Hugh McConaghie, Eddy McKinney and Maurice McAllister, from the old guard telling how at times it should not be done and from today’s top echelon Stevie McAllister recently upgraded to A2 and team mate Bryan McKinney.

At times the debate was hectic as both sets had their own ideas and it proved to be a worth while evening as it was clear that the club members were keen to share what it takes to win races and see more success coming to the Ballymoney riders.

The evening concluded with a sense of determination and resolve for what lies ahead this year.

Race secretary Aaron Dickie explained the new club race pointing and grading system he will be using this year. This system Aaron has adopted from the famous Tour de France and it will be in place for the club’s first race at Garryduff on the 6th of April.

This race will be the Lung Buster 5 mile time trial, as the evenings are just starting to get longer the race will be started at 7pm sharp.

The cost to enter this event is £3 and riders must have a Club Competition Licence or take out a One Day licence on the night prior to taking part.

Everyone is invited to come along and give the Lung Buster a try as it gives the rider a good indication of how unfit they really are!

This Saturday Ards CC will hold the famous Classic race “Tour of Ards Peninsula and BCC riders Stevie McAllister and Bryan McKinney will be amongst the high quality field of entries. Sunday will be the Aghagallon Cup at Lurgan with A4 racing and youth races. This will see the first run out of the year for Craig Crawford and Aaron Swan TSC Racing, Ballymoney CC wish everyone a safe and fast weekend.

Club runs

Saturday and Sunday runs will leave from Outdoor Life on Market Street from 9.30am, Saturday and Ballymoney Rugby Club on Sunday same time.

Anyone wanting to enjoy a run out on their bike is invited to come along.