Ciaran wins opening Wheelers time trial

Heavy showers persisted prior to the start of the event, but thankfully the rain eased just before the start.

Ciaran Mullan, who was competing in his first cycling event, won the time trial in a time of 13 minutes and one second, with Portrush man Sharman Crawford taking second, just two seconds behind.

Bryan McKinney’s rich vein of form continued as he came home third, seven seconds behind the winner.

Mark Wilkenson came fourth and just seven seconds separated the first four riders.

Other placings: 5th, Chris McIntyre 13.16; 6th Gary Kendall 13.26; 7th Charlie Wright 13.50; 8th Eddie McKinney 14.06; 9th 14.26; 10th Colm McIlfatrick 15-04; 11th Robert McKinlay 15.48.

The first youth rider home was Brandon Herald in 16.26 followed by Ailbie Kendall in a personal best time of 17.04. Blayne Watton was the third youth rider to start but he did not complete the course.

The club would also take this opportunity to thank timekeeper Ian Nevin and the marshalls for their services on the night.

* Bryan McKinney produced an outstanding ride at Ballymoney CC 5 mile TT on the Garryduff Road Circuit.

Bryan’s time was 12.58, just 24 seconds behind winner Jason Henry.

Blayne Watton and Steven Kane also represented the Bann Wheelers in the event with times of 14.31 and 14.46 respectively.

National Youth Road Race League

Bann Wheelers rider, Blayne Watton, travelled to Drumod, Co Leitrim at the weekend to compete in the first round of the National Road Race League.

Approximately 30 riders presented at the start line for the under 14 category. The race was split in the opening miles by attacks from Kenturk Road Club.

The lead group coming to the line consisted of 11 riders with Blayne finishing just outside the top 6. This was Blayne’s first road race of the season and although he found the going difficult at times, he was pleased that he managed to stay with the leaders.

The race was won by Craig Crawford of TSC Racing.