King of the road!

Madden had a fabulous season in 2011 and was delighted to receive recognition at the highest level from Cycling Ulster officials.

There was a fantastic turnout of 140 people at the Ulster Awards Night at the Moyola Golf Club in Castledawson.

With such a great attendance it was a time to celebrate achievement in all disciplines and age groups.

Madden received a total of 5 trophies and a host of gold medals for winning: 10 Mile Time Trial (TT)- veterans, 25 Mile TT – veterans, 100 Mile TT Championship - senior, 100 TT vets Championship and finally the 100m TT Championships over all.

He also was awarded silver medals for placing second in the 10 Mile TT Championship over all and another for placing 2nd in the Ulster 25 Mile TT – over all.

Madden is currently the Irish senior record holder for 50 miles and also the veteran 10 and 25 mile Irish record holder.

He has won the Ulster veterans 10 and 25 mile championships for the last 5 years and he beat the current senior Irish record holder over 100 miles in his first attempt at the distance in September.

Madden also collected cash prizes from the Dave Kane time trial league where he finished 3rd this year despite doing very few events.

With Martin Grimley of Dromara CC acting as MC for the Youth Awards, everything went smoothly from the under 8’s right through to the veterans.

First presenter of the evening was Banbridge’s Matthew Adair who moved into the senior ranks this year.

He presented prizes to the U8’s and as an accomplished rider in Off Road, Road and Track he was a great example to the young people.

Other presenters included Alan Mark, Ciara MacManus, Jack Watson, Tommy Lamb and Rory Wyley, President of Cycling Ireland.

Paul Vaughan and Stephen Burns were on hand to present the many trophies sponsored by Martin Birney of SportActive, while John Smyth of CicliSport presented the Weefoot Trophy to the winning Junior, Daniel Stewart of Ards CC which was accepted on his behalf by William Orr.

Rory Wyley spoke to the attendees saying how much he enjoyed attending the annual Ulster dinner.

He went on praise Ulster for its forward thinking and dedication to the sport. He said: “Cycling Ulster is ‘punching above its weight’ and is one of the most progressive provinces in Ireland.”

Madden said after the presentations: “I have been very fortunate to have had an incredible season in 2011 and it was wonderful to collect so many prizes and awards.

“It will be difficult to reproduce the type of form which gained me such success last year but I have been training really hard and hope to continue to be competitive in 2012.”

Madden has signed for Curran Racing team once again this year but also plans to take out an associate membership with local Coleraine-based cycling club Bann Wheelers. He is the Principal of Roddensvale Special School in Larne and lives in Ballycastle.

Madden hopes to continue to race for more records, trophies and prizes in the season ahead.