Madden clinches sixth spot

For the first time in many years, a fine day greeted the riders who lined up for the Blair International Red Hand Trophy promoted by Ballymena Scott Roof tiles on Saturday. The event took off from Broughshane at 11 am to travel the 110 kms through the beautiful Glens of Antrim. The Red Hand Trophy was first presented in 1896 and to have your name engraved on it is an accolade many riders aim for. The route is tough taking the riders over several long climbs such as the Vanishing Lakes and Glencloy.

Almost from the gun, John Madden (Curran Racing/Bann Wheelers) opened a gap from the main field along with Ryan Connor of Usher and Glen Kinning (East Antrim Audi). Kinning however dropped back into the peleton after the leading three had passed through Loughguile while Madden and Connor forged ahead eventually opening over a minute's gap back to the chasers. Madden, who was on 'home turf', progressed with three time winner or the Tour of The North Connor as they took on the demanding climb from Ballycastle towards Cushendall. Madden found the pace too strong as the pair fought their way up toward Vanishing Lake and he decided to wait for the fast advancing nine man break who were closing in fast.

Kinning and Madden along with Paul Vaughan of SportActive were dominant in energising the chase group which included Gary Cranston (East Antrim Audi), Davy McKnight (Dromara CC), Rory Devlin (North Pole CC), Cathal Smyth(Phoenix CC) and Colm Quinn of Cuchulainn.

Coming over Glencloy, the chasers had Connor in their sights and it was not long before he was reeled back in. From then to the finish there were constant attacks off the front initiated by Kinning, Vaughan, Madden and Cranston.

Coming to the line it was Kinning who had the kick left in his legs to take the win from Cranston and Vaughan. Madden, fatigued from all his work with Connor and earlier with Kinning, had to settle for a creditable sixth place.

Speaking afterwards Madden had this to say about his race: "I was pleased to get away so early in the race, but this meant I had to do a great deal of work at the front, from Clough to Ballycastle and then all the way to near the top of the mountain, heading for Cushendall.

"This eventually made the climb up Glencloy very difficult and I had to really dig in and really hurt myself to stay in contention. The final attacks into the finish were constant and I could feel my legs starting to cramp.

"I attempted to slip off the front of the break toward end but none of the other experienced riders were going to allow that to happen and I lost out in the sprint to some quality cyclists. I am, however, really happy with my result and am looking forward to carrying this form into the Ulster Road Race Championships next weekend."

The riders were treated to tea and sandwiches in Broughshane and the tea was served outside and a real picnic atmosphere prevailed. Presentations were made to the top finishers and Madden headed back to Ballycastle with a hard earned 6th place and points to his credit in the Slane league in which he in now is in sixth place (see below). Lets hope he can make the podium at the Ulster Championship next weekend and bring a medal back to Ballycastle.

Results - Blair International Red Hand Trophy 2010

1 Glen Kinning East Antrim Audi 2.28.32

2 Gary Cranston East Antrim Audi "

3 Paul Vaughan Sport Active "

4 Ryan Connor Usher IRC "

5 Colm Quinn Cuchulainn "

6 John Madden Curran Racing "

7 Cathal Smyth Phoenix CC"

8 David McKnight Dromara CC 2.31.05

9 Rory Devlin North Pole 2.32.07

10 David Neill Team Madigan 2.37.06

Points Table Slane Cycles Ulster Classic League after three Events

Gary Cranston East Antrim-Audi 48

Ryan Connor Usher IRC) 48

Stephen Gallagher Sigma Sport 38

Simon Williams Orchard Wheelers 33

Paul Vaughan Sportactive CC) 33

John Madden Curran Racing 27

Roger Aiken Banbridge CC 20

Colm Quinn Cuchullainn CC 20

Glen Kinning East Antrim-Audi 20

Mark Campbell Newry Wheelers 19