Cyclists are frozen out

The weekends of 19th and 26th December and 2nd and 9th January have all been hit badly by the current Arctic weather conditions.

Amazingly, the Boxing day 10 miles time trial did enjoy reasonable conditions and it went ahead as scheduled. It took place on the main A26 Lisnevenagh road between Woodgreen and Dunsilly, where ample grit and plenty of traffic helped clear the ice from the road surface.

However, while the official group rides have been hit badly, that doesn't mean that cycling hasn't been taking place as a good number of club riders have been loading their bike into the car and driving to the Antrim coast to get the miles in.

I spoke to Ballymena RC Race Secretary Tommy Wilson and asked him how his pre season training was going.

Tommy, like the rest of us, has had more than enough of the frost, ice and snow and freezing fog.

"I have been doing two, one hour turbo training sessions during the week and also playing five a side football on one night just to vary it. I have moved the turbo into the house as it is just too cold in the garage.

"Martin Ruddy and I have driven to Carnlough and then cycled to Cushendall and up the climb from the Glendun viaduct to the top of the hill at Ballypatrick on the road to Ballycastle and then back to Carnlough.

We have met loads of other cyclists doing the same thing; some were from our club and also Michelin and team Madigan."

"The temperature was a good 5 degrees warmer at the coast than it was on the way there so it was good to get a few miles in, although mind you it was still pretty cold. I feel sorry for anybody trying to get fit enough to ride the early season races and the tour of the North as it is early this year, the first weekend in April" added Tommy.

RELIABILITY TRIAL

Cycling Ulster has published their draft calendar for 2010 events and this is now available as a download from their web site.

Tommy Wilson and the rest of BRC's cyclists will be hoping that the temperature will warm up over the next two weeks as the Ballymena Road Club reliability trial is listed for Sunday 24th January.

Last year the event started out from Rex Bonar house with dark clouds over head and by the time the group had reached Ballymarlow the snow was on. Most entrants turned and headed back to base but a few rode to Carnlough and back. It would, of course, be impossible to hold the event in such conditions but hopefully the weather will be favourable.

Tommy asks that anyone who isn't riding would make themselves available to do backup support to assist with punctures or mechanical problems. Please let Tommy know if you are available 07949 322 963.

These pre season trials are used to build up fitness levels in preparation for the new season.

Ballymena kicks it all off on 24th January at 10 am, and then Northern CC hold theirs on 31st January.

Events follow at 10 am on 7th February by Island Wheelers at Gortgonis Coalisland.

On 14th February its East Antrim’s turn with their event which starts from Carrickfergus Castle car park at 10 am (the organizer is Gary Wilson 07803 162 070). Maryland wheelers also have a trial on Sunday 14th February.

The “pre season friendlies” conclude on 21st February when Phoenix cycling club have their event from the house of sport Upper Malone, Belfast at 9.30 am.

That leads nicely into the start of the 2010 racing season as Banbridge CC promote their Annaclone Grand Prix 40 miles road race on 27th February at 12 noon.

Phoenix is in action for the second successive weekend when they hold their Phoenix GP road race at 11 am on 28th February from Crumlin.

Sunday 7th March John Haldane road race Newry.

Saturday 13th March John Moore Memorial RR Castlereagh CC. Starting from the Lough Moss centre at Carryduff at 10 am.

Sunday 14th March. PJ Logan cup road race Gortgonis Coalisland 1.30 pm.

Saturday 20th Cicli Sport GP Coagh. Youth races at 10 am seniors at 12 noon.

Saturday 27th March. Tour of Ards Peninsula, starting on the Portaferry road at Newtownards at 12 noon.

Thursday 1st April will see the opening round of the time trial league series take place with a 10 miles time trial at Toomebridge at 6.45 pm.

The Easter weekend sees the annual show piece event take place when the P&O Irish Sea Tour of the North takes centre stage.

I don’t have any route details yet although it is likely that Ballymena will host a stage, probably on Saturday 3rd April.

One week later on 10th April Ballymena Road Club will have their first open race of the season when the Wallace Caldwell Memorial road race takes place at Galgorm. This event will again form part of the Ulster road racing classic series.

PRIZE NIGHT

The Awards Night for Ulster members will take place in the Massereene Golf Club in Antrim on Friday 22nd January.

The price is 17.50 per adult, with hopefully a cheaper price for U12's. Prizes will be presented by Alan Mark and Tommy Lamb to the winners of the Northern Ireland and Ulster Championships of 2009.The Martin Birney Trophies for the Ulster 10 mile Championships for senior male and female, junior male and female, also veterans and hand cycling will also be presented.

Slane League winners, Ciclisport Weefoot Trophy and prizes and Madigan Track League Winners will receive their prizes on the night.

Tickets are available from Marian Lamb, 07920 132 135 [email protected], and locally from Alan Mark 028 2564 8774.