Further recognition for Ballycastle cyclist John Madden

BALLYCASTLE’S John Madden has received recognition at Ulster cycling awards night.
John Madden.John Madden.
John Madden.

The well-known local cyclist who recently received the backing of the Portrush based North Coast Leisure sports shop, took the majority of individual medals and trophies on the night to consolidate his consistent reputation as one of the top cyclists in Ireland.

Madden received a total of 8 medals across a range of cycling events plus 2 trophies for winning the Ulster Senior and Veterans categories in the Ulster 100 mile time trial championships. His time was a staggering 3:42:58 which averages out at nearly 27mph for the 100 mile course! This is the third year in a row Madden has won the Ulster Championship at this distance.

Madden also won gold in the Ulster 50 mile time trial, veteran’s section, and silver over all. He won gold as a member of the Curran Racing Team in the Ulster 25 mile team time trial championship and silver in the individual championship, veteran section. Finally Madden took the silver medal in the Ulster 10 mile time trial championship, in the veteran section, plus bronze over all.

Said Madden: “It is wonderful to gain recognition for all the hard work and dedication I put into the sport. It obviously requires of great deal of tough training and effort to consistently produce these types of results. It is very rewarding when one is acknowledged with awards at such a prestigious event. I recently received another boost with regard to my training and racing for 2014 from local sports shop owner Stephen McKenzie, of North Coast Leisure, who recognized my achievements and was kind enough to sponsor me with cycling kit from the shop which specializes in cycling and triathlon but also has a range of other sports gear. Stephen recently heard me speak at the Ballycastle Cycling Club awards night, appreciated what I had achieved, then offered to assist me. It is acknowledgement such as the Cycling Ulster Awards and the backing of local business people, like Stephen McKenzie of North Coast Leisure, which spur me on to continue in one of the toughest sports around and I am extremely grateful.”

Madden was formerly Irish Triathlon Champion and raced internationally for 10 years on the Irish Triathlon Team gaining a bronze medal at the World Triathlon Championships, 20-25 age group, in Muskoka, Canada in 1992. “I am excited to be associated with North Coast Leisure not just because I come from a triathlon background and can identify with what Stephen aspires to achieve with the store but more because of the philosophy behind what Stephen offers to people. Before Stephen sponsored me with kit he helped a good friend of mine, who needed advice and guidance to make the correct choices for sports equipment, so I knew Stephen offered a service unlike other providers. Stephen really cares about his customers and that makes all the difference.

“ I am grateful and more than delighted to associate myself with North Coast Leisure. I would highly recommend people check out what he can provide,” Madden said, The hope is this will encourage Madden to his best ever season in 2014.