Members put through their paces at Dromore CC

Dromore CC’s time trialist have been put through their paces at a number of local events including West Down Wheeler’s 10 mile TT on Castlewellan Road, Banbridge and their 17 mile TT course from Loughbrickland.

Several time trial specialists also took part in Velo Club Iveagh’s 10 mile TT.

Great 10 mile TT times were posted by the cyclists. A Cunningham 31:42, P Batey 26:32, I Walker 26:13, R McCartan 29:49, W Steele 28:24, A Liggett 28:46, A Graham 29:07, E Tommansini 30;07, A McCandless 30.05.

Of particular note was the time of Eric Tommansini, taking part in his first time trial and getting within seven seconds of being under 30 minutes for the ride. Next time Eric, next time!

Lisburn’s newest cycling club, the Saturday Morning Cycling Club (or SMCC for short), held their inaugural charity sportive on 17th April starting at Lisburn Civic Centre.

The charities supported by this year’s event were Parkview Special School and the Mary Peters Trust, with the event being started by world famous Northern Ireland Olympian Dame Mary Peters.

Two routes were offered - 80 and 40 miles - with the longer route climbing around Divis Mountain from Twinbrook direction.

A hard slog, though mercifully the weather was ideal with low winds and warm sunshine.

Around 20 Dromore CC members tackled the longer route, with 10 taking on the shorter, but still testing 40 mile route.

This event, although new to the sportive calendar, was one of the best marshalled events Dromore CC have taken part in.

The early climb up Divis thinned out the participants, with the stronger riders getting to the top and on to the coffee stop in Moira (via Crumlin, Aghalee and Lurgan) relatively quickly.

Many of the slower riders were glad to get there to replenish their energy stores for the second half of the route

The club took the opportunity to get a team photograph taken with Dame Mary Peters before the start.

Dromore CC would like to thank SMCC for their hospitality and wish them all the best for next year’s event.

Sunday 14th April saw the third and final Lisburn Triathlon Club winter Duathlon series race.

The fast race comprised of a two mile run, 10 mile cycle, and another two mile run.

With uncharacteristically glorious weather, over 85 people from various triathlon, cycle and running clubs took part.

Stuart Martin from Dromore CC set a new personal best time and finished 19th in a time of 58:15.

The club’s highly successful Sofa to Saddle scheme for new cyclist has gone from strength to strength.

The group meet three times a week, leading up to a 22 mile ride at a respectable 13.5 mph (21.7 kmph) pace.

The scheme has been very enjoyable for all taking part - trainers and new recruits alike.

Puncture repair, bike cleaning and basic maintenance demonstrations have been especially appreciated.

Sofa to Saddle has also been a great opportunity to train experienced cyclists as trainers - very useful with new members joining each month.

Dromore CC kids took part in the Ulster XC mountain bike League Round 2 at Tollymore Forest on Sunday, promoted by Dromara CC.

In the Under 8s Sam Walker rode well in his first race and enjoyed the experience.

Zoe Lindsay took part in the Under 10’s on a longer more technical course.

Zoe enjoyed her race and had a good battle finishing seventh overall.

In the Under 12s Rebecca Walker started. Her lap was even longer and more technical and proved to be a baptism of fire.

Well done all three. The next round takes place in Ballykelly Forest in a couple of weeks time.

Dromore CC begin their Sprocket Rocket course for the kids on Saturday 30 April (details will appear on the club’s website at dromorecc.com).

All the kids, and coaches, are looking forward to it.