Professional cyclist Stephen Gallagher at Ballymoney Cycling Club

Here he will give tips and assist Ballymoney CC riders with their preparation and training for upcoming events.

Stephen who spent 5 years in Belgium and recently won the Wallace Caldwell Classic road race here in N. Ireland and in 2008 won the arduous Ras for the Sean Kelly An Post team.

Steven is a personal friend of BCC race secretary Ryan Patton and Maurice McAllister.

Ballymoney CC PRO

This event is number one in and ongoing planned series of information and workshop type events that the Ballymoney club will host over the incoming months.

Jason Taggart fastest at the McComb Steel Circuit TT

On a windy and wet Wednesday evening Ballymoney CC promoted their Circuit 16.7km TT, sponsored by McComb Steel in their TT league series,

This race was described on the Ballymoney CC website as “Tour de France” type event. This meant that it was not a flat fast course, but a tough rolling climbing circuit, like the Tour passing through the villages of Stranocum and Dervock, much to the delight of the locals. As many have thanked Ballymoney CC for laying on this free road show of cycling in the area.

Fastest rider was Ballymoney man Liam O’Connor (BVCC) in a time of 26mins 18secs, closely followed by Toon favourite Jason Taggart in 26-51.

Cloughmills schoolboy sensations, Aaron Swan and Craig Crawford again showed that youth is at the lead in cycling’s progression, both young men

Rode out of their skins and recorded times of 28.24 and 29.56. Craig finished equal 4th with Niall O’Hagan.

Jerome McKendry BCC was 3rd in 27.55.

Well worth the mention are the times of Nigel Elder, Oliver Bateson, Neville Patton and Johnny Dillon, these men are making the McComb Steel league a close run contest, next week we will be publishing the results and positions on the table so far after round 5 of 10 in the series.

Final result

1st Liam O’Connor (BVCC) 26.18

2nd Jason Taggart (BCC) 26.51

3rd Jerome McKendry (BCC) 27.55

4th Craig Crawford (U14 Schoolboy) 28.24

4th Niall O’Hagan (BCC) 28.24

6th Neville Patton (BCC) 28.37

7th Nigel Elder (BCC) 28.41

8th Johnny Dillon (BCC) 28.48

9th Oliver Bateson (BCC) 28.50

10th John Patton (BCC) 28.53

11th Ryan Patton (BCC) 29.44

12th Aaron Swan (U14 schoolboy) 29.56

13th Martin Doughert (BCC) 32.23

14th Aaron Dickie (BCC) 32.54

Jason Taggart’s first Road Race and finishes 8th at Audi GP

On Saturday Ballymoney CC had 3 riders in the first 15 at the East Antrim CC Audi GP at Ballynure, this race was won by Aghadowey cyclist Bryan McKinney (BW) Ballymoney CC would like to congratulate Bryan on being upgraded to A3.

Bryan following in the footsteps of his very successful father Eddy McKinney. Eddy was a winner at both disciplines of TT and

Road racing

In this hectic event Ballymoney strongman Niall O’Hagan was constantly at the front and two team mates in their first ever road race,

Jerome McKendry and Jason Taggart. With Bryan McKinney jumping clear in the final mile, and holding on to the line. The bunch was in

A full gas sprint with Jason getting 8th and Niall 9th, Jerome was close behind on the same time in 13th place.

Ballymoney CC want to congratulate Jason and Jerome on this fantastic achievement, next weeks write up will cover Jerome’s ride at the Classic Bobby Crilly race on Sunday finishing at the top of Divis mountain.

Coming events

An evening with Stephen Gallagher at the Joey Dunlop Centre starting at 7.30pm all Ballymoney CC members are urged to attend and make the most of this event.

On Wednesday night the club will promote round 5 of the McComb Steel TT league with a 10mile Time Trial on the Portrush line, starting as

Usual north of Ballybogey and turning at the Portrush Rd roundabout in Ballymoney. First rider is off at 7pm.

Ras Donegal (Tour of Donegal), starts in Killybegs on Friday night and Ballymoney CC rider Steven McAllister is in action at this prestigious race.

Full write up and photos in next week’s report.