Madden slays giant killer in preparation for Ulster Title

Madden was first home in the Giants Causeway event last year in a time on 6 hours and 4 minutes and was invited to speak on the ‘Your Place and Mine’ slot with Anne Marie McAleese. He talked about the boom in this local event and in cycling generally. Madden paid tribute to the organizers and all those who supported the running of the sportive and encouraged people to take up cycling as a healthy lifestyle choice. He advised anyone thinking of taking up the sport to join a local club, such as the excellent newly formed Ballycastle Cycling Club, or seek professional advice from experts like those to be found at Forme Coaching.

“Often people buy bikes without much thought and research. Poor initial purchases can mean that equipment is not the best fit or even not appropriate. Others go out cycling without adequate safety advice or a clear idea of how to train and without a planned progressive approach. Often a combination of the above quickly lead to the bike being left to rust when all it takes is a little guidance to open up a world of opportunities for people to enjoy this expanding sport. I recommend somewhere like Forme Coaching to get started properly. Their brilliant new website at http://formecoaching.com gives excellent guidance from novice to expert and ensures that anyone getting into the sport or hoping to improve their performance can find what they are looking for.” Said Madden during his interview on Radio Ulster.

Madden also enjoyed discussing the ‘Bradley Wiggins’ effect with Anne Marie as they joked about the rise of cycling in recent years and those all important sideburns! The mood of fun and enjoyment continued for Madden after the interview as he headed off with the Chain Reaction cycling team to complete the grueling 115 mile loop that is the Giant Killer. “After posting last years fastest time I just wanted to ‘go with the flow’ this year and enjoy the beautiful weather with a few cycling friends. The boys from Chain Reaction were great company and we had such a laugh on the way round and never took it too seriously with regard to pace.” Said Madden after completing the course.

Over a thousand cyclists took part in the Giants Causeway Sportive which departed from Ballycastle at the weekend and three different routes were on offer. Details of everything associated with this excellent event may be found at:

http://www.giantscausewaycoastsportive.com

Madden has used the 115 mile challenge of the ‘Giant Killer’ to prepare for the 100 mile Ulster Time Trial Championship which takes place next Sunday. Madden is the defending Ulster Champion and we wish him the very best of luck with this most demanding of sporting events.