Matthew Brennan wins Grand Prix of the Glens Time Trial for first time

A band parade in Broughshane meant that the race was to start at the “Three trees” instead of the traditional starting point at the Ecos roundabout. The same situation had arisen in 2013 so it meant an opportunity for a “year on year” comparison of performances. Conditions were favourable on Wednesday and nearly all the entrants beat their 2013 times.

Nineteen riders lined up at the start on the Carnlough road in Broughshane and they faced a route which took in Carnlough, the Coast road to Waterfoot and then the near six miles ascent of Glenariff glen. The final miles were in through Cargan, Martinstown and Rathkenny before the left turn on to Ballygarvey road and the finish back at Broughshane.

Steven Workman had dominated this race in recent seasons having won in 2010 2012 and 2013 but he was denied a fourth win despite being 1 minute 21 seconds faster than last year.

Matthew Brennan, third in 2013, with 1 hour 40 minutes 57 seconds, stepped up to the mark this year and posted an excellent time of 1.36.17 to take the Tommy Talbot cup silverware for the first time.

Workman recorded 1 hour 37 minutes 02 seconds to take second place with the rejuvenated Sean Wright in third place with 1.42.03. Eileen Burns was fastest of the ladies with 1.50.14 while Eileen’s husband Jason won the handicap section, having recorded a personal best 1.45.03.

Matthew Brennan’s winning performance wasn’t a great surprise as he has a good record in this event.

The Glens’ circuit is very much a “roadman’s’ course and suits a lightweight rider such as Brennan.

The win was always on the cards for Matthew who was third when Steven Workman first won in 2010. He was runner up to Workman in 2012 and then third last year.

Jason Burns leads the time trial handicap league after the first four rounds. He has 16 points, Martin Ruddy is second on 12 with Eileen Burns third on 9.5 points (4) Sean Wright 8 points equal (5) and (6) John and Ryan Shaw 6 points each.

Inter-club road racing league

Round three of the inter-club road racing league was promoted by Bann Wheelers at Macosquin last Tuesday night.

Chris Beattie was best of the BRC riders in seventh place; the race was won by Ballymoney’s Ronan Sherman.

Laura Maxwell (Roe Valley) won the ladies race from Jane Millar (Bann Wheelers) with Ballymena’s Eileen Burns, Claire Gillespie and Emma Smyth in the next three places.

Jane Millar leads the ladies league with 31 points but Claire Gillespie is only two points behind in second place with Eileen Burns third on 22 points. Emma Smyth is fifth overall with 15 points and Laura Blair sixth on 14 points. Ballymena Road Club promotes the next round on July 16.