Steven chalks up fourth successive triumph in Ernie Mark time trial

The event, which forms part of the Road Club’s Northstone sponsored club race series, attracted twenty two riders to the Woodgreen, Dunsilly and Ballee course including two from the Ulster hand cycling association.

Workman recorded a winning time of 54 minutes 53 seconds to add to his victories in 2011 (53.50) 2012 (52.49) and 2013 (55.04)

Matthew Brennan finished second with a personal best time of 55 minutes 20 seconds while Sean Wright was third with 57.49. The ladies section was won by Eileen Burns in 63.09 with Emma Smyth second 66.27 and Laura Blair third with 68.29.

The fastest visitor was J O’Neill of Spires with 56.00.

Philip Morrison recorded a P.B. 62 minutes 20 seconds and he won the handicap section with a nett time of 57.22.

Results (1) S Workman 54.53 (2) M Brennan 55.20 (3) S Wright 57.49 (4) Jason Burns 58.11 (5) Ryan Shaw 58.18 (6) Ryan Currie 59.02 (7) Nigel Kernohan 60.14 (8) Philip Morrison 62.20 (9) David Dougan 62.34 (10) Eileen Burns 63.09 (11) Stephen Smyth 64.38 (12) Derek Dougan 65.14 (13) Mark Wright 65.47 (14) Emma Smyth 66.27 (15) John Maxwell 66.36 (16) Laura Blair 68.29 (17) Neil Millar 70.58.

Hand cycles (1) B Phillips 84.43 (2) Darrell Erwin 85.20

Handicap section (1) Morrison 57.22 (2) R Shaw 57.24 (3) Jason Burns 59.07 (4) Brennan 59.15 (5) Workman 59.49 (6) Emma Smyth 60.06

Steven Workman was delighted to have won the Ernie Mark cup again. He spoke about the race afterwards and said: “Weather conditions were set fair and ideal for time trialling, as it was a very sunny evening with fairly light winds.

We had a tail wind on the Ballymena to Dunsilly leg and I used big gears on that section, however on the way back and on the hills I needed the wee ring.

“I started from number 8 and I found it a real challenge hunting down the seven who started ahead of me. By the time I got to Dunsilly roundabout I had caught five riders and then from Dunsilly to Ballee I chased down the last two. After that I settled down and found a steady rhythm and kept the revs up.”

“I feel totally ecstatic and overwhelmed to have won the Ernie Mark trophy for the fourth time in a row. I believe this is a feat not achieved before by any other member in the club. I never knew Ernie personally but from what I have heard about him he is someone whom I would have liked to have met – a true gentleman I understand.” Added Steven.

Handicap league. The riders in the time trial handicap league series have now completed six of the nine rounds. Jason Burns leads with a total of 26 points. Martin Ruddy is ten points behind on 16 points while Ryan Shaw and Sean Wright are equal third with 11 points each. Next it’s Eileen Burns on 9.5 points. Then it’s a four way tie for sixth place between Philip Morrison, Matthew Brennan, John Maxwell and John Shaw who all have 6 points each.

CALENDAR

Wednesday 16th July Ballymena Road Club host round four of the inter-club road racing league series.

This race will be held on the caddy circuit covering three laps with a total race distance of 26 miles. Race Secretary David Dougan appeals for marshalls and he will be very grateful for any help offered. Sign on at Slaght Corner from 1815 with the race starting at 1900 sharp.

Aaron Devine of Roe Valley leads the inter-club road racing league series on 19 points. Best for Ballymena is Stephen Smyth in equal ninth place with 10 points. The Ballymena ladies are doing much better and have four riders in the top six places. Jane Millar (Bann Wheelers) leads with 31 points but BRC riders Claire Gillespie with 29 points and Eileen Burns on 22 are next. Emma Smyth is fifth with 15 points and Laura Blair sixth on 14.

Roe Valley promotes round five on 24th July and the series is concluded at Carn Wheelers on 14th August.