Final round of Thursday Night League

THE 23rd and final round of Dromara Cycling Club's Thursday night club league took place on September 2 at the Dundrum Road, just outside the village of Dromara.

Twenty-nine riders signed on for the 10 mile time trial on a great clear evening with the low sun keeping riders and helpers warm.

First away were the youth riders starting with Mark Cantley around 7pm with Matthew Gibson following 30 seconds later on his first ever time trial. Zak Hanna was away third and he was followed by Connor Mallon and then Caolan Carvill who suffered a puncture and could not complete the distance.

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The senior riders then followed, starting with the most senior, Raymund Martin. The rest followed at 30 seconds intervals - among them was only one female competitor, Caroline Patterson, and three guests from other clubs.

Fastest on the night was Ronnie Smyth who completed the distance in one second over 24 minutes. Next fastest were brothers Gavin and Chris Magowan; 24 seconds behind Ronnie and Gavin was just nine seconds quicker than Chris.

Marcus Magowan was fourth fastest and the only other rider to finish under 25 minutes. Guests Tony Hare (Apollo CT) and David Cartmill (West Down Wheelers) were the next two fastest riders.

Fastest Junior was Ryan Mallon. Kevin McDonald was not feeling up to the challenge and turned round after just one mile.

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Comparing each of the riders finishing times this evening to their average times to complete the 10 mile distance, it was calculated that Stephen Younge bettered his average time the most by almost two minutes to gain the maximum 40 points for the league table.

Massimo Manganaro made the next biggest gain with Zak Hanna third and Peter Swann fourth finishing just over one minute faster than his average time.

Many thanks to all the timekeepers and marshals. Congratulations to Simon Welby who won the series overall with Gavin Magowan runner up.

This round concludes the series but the club are hosting two further events on the next two Thursday evenings, both of which are hill climbs.

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Next Thursday is the fast power climb of Diamond Hill, on the Dromore to Waringsford road. the start will be close to the Gall Bog Road.

The last event before the light fades is on Thursday 16th starting at 6.30pm there is and up and over climb of Begney Hill in Dromara.