Cyclists back in the saddle this week

The race will start on the Ballynafie road at 7pm and follows a course towards Portglenone before turning left at the bottom of Tully on to the Largy road. Next it's the climb to Kilnock and a left turn to Whiteside's corner before another left and along the Glebe road to the finish at Ahoghill near the 30 mph signs.

The youth section will have a five miles road race at the same venue.

The three race APR mini series is being led by Steven Workman who has 15 points with Matthew Brennan second with 14 points while Sean Wright and Philip Bremner are equal third on 10 points. (5) Mark McCullough 9 (6) Colin Scullion 6 points.

The chief marshall for tonight's race will be Alan Blair who will be assisted by Ryan Currie, Donny Bremner, Geoff Allen, Bobby Stewart, Andy Wills and Linda Wilson.

Nine Glens Challenge for tourists.

The Ballymena Road Club – Scott Roof Tiles - touring section will hold their annual Nine Glens Challenge tour on Sunday, July 25.

This event will start from Glenarm at 10 am sharp and follow a tough course which will take in all nine of Co Antrim's famous Glens.

The riders start with the ascent of Glenarm to Ballyvaddy and then the descent of Glencloy to Carnlough. Next it's around the Coast road to Waterfoot before the near 6 miles climb up Glenariff Glen to Parkmore. The descent of Glenballyemon takes the group to Cushendall. Then it's on to Glencorp before turning left on to the toughest of the climbs up Glenann to Orra Lodge. After regrouping the bunch have a fast technical descent of Glendun to Cushendun and the well earned lunch stop. Tea and light refreshments will be provided. Approximately 40 miles will have been covered by this point with the final 30 miles taking the group back out on to Glencorp and over the viaduct and the climb to Ballypatrick forest. Once into Ballycastle the group then tackles Glenshesk towards Armoy before turning right on to the notoriously steep Stroan Road which leads to the top of Glentaisie and then the final downhill swoop back to Ballycastle. The tour will finish at the Silvercliffs holiday complex at the top of North Street. Entry fee is 5 and this will be divided between two charities, one of which is the Chernobyl Children's appeal. The club's events' vehicle will leave from Rex Bonar house at 9am; there are limited places so please book your space if you wish to travel.

The chairman of the touring section, Patsy McGurk says: "Many thanks to all who supported me on the recent charity quiz in the Michelin club and also to Stuart Knowles for use of the club and all who helped on the night."

Friday, July 23 until Sunday, July 25. Ards cycling club are holding their annual Portaferry three day stage race. Riders must enter for this race in advance by contacting Bronagh Kirk via email [email protected].

Next weeks club race will be on Tuesday, July 27 when a 28 miles handicapped road race, with a shorter event for the youth section, will take place on the Mid Antrim 150 motor cycle course at Clough starting from 7pm.

This race is the fifth round of the club’s road racing league series which is currently being led by Matthew Brennan who is the clear leader. Matthew has 25 points having won the A Bonar cup event on the Lisnamurrican circuit and also the Star trophy Glen’s road race at Broughshane. He also collected five points for sixth place in the Sammy Connor RR on the Sheddings circuit. David Dougan is second on 23 and Mark McCullough third with 22. (4) Sean Wright 17 (5) Alan Blair 15 (6) Sam Davidson 14 points.

There are a total of seven rounds with a rider’s best score from six rounds to count. This is to allow for competitors who have to do their turn on the marshalling Rota.

The marshalls for the Clough race are Louise Fullerton, Michael Thompson Hazel Hughes, Dermot Hughes, Jim Burns, Steven Lamont and John Kerr.