Stevie McAllister wins North Down GP

The race was held on the tough Donaghadee, Springwell, Bangor circuit. Seven laps of hard riding in wind and driving rain saw the field of 40 get a lesson in road racing BCC style!

In what has been described by onlookers as one of the most exciting races of 2010, the Ballymoney lad set about tormenting the field.

Lap seven ended like lap one with McAllister at the front, attacking the field at every possible opportunity. But it was nigh impossible for the aggressive McAllister to escape as every hand was to the pump and he was chased down by the pack. No sooner was he back into the bunch again but off again he went in an effort to finish in a solo victory.

Ballymoney CC team mate Niall O’Hagan who rode a great race in Hillsborough on the Saturday took the race to the field and was active at the front trying to escape to victory.

in the end Niall was chased down and had to settle for a top 12 position. Even with the previous days miles in his legs Niall along with Nigel Elder were always close to their winning team mate, providing shelter and protection at the head of the bunch.

With two laps to go the Ballymoney CC two of O’Hagan and McAllister opened a gap between themselves and the field, to the support crew following it looked that maybe a one two was on the cards, but again the tiring bunch mustered some strength and reeled the two lads back into their grasp.

Coming round the coast for the final time the bunch was edgy and jumpy anticipating a bunch gallop for the winning line, North Down, Ards CC, Phoenix and Banbridge were all jostling for position and the uphill finish looked too much for the BCC lads. When out of the weaving pack came McAllister pounding hard on the pedals and finishing still the strongest of everyone.

Another great victory for Ballymoney Cycling Club and the town of Ballymoney.

At the line it was Steven McAllister from Warren Pauley (North Down) and Simon Welby (Dromara CC). Ballymoney CC’s Niall O’Hagan and Nigel Elder finished in the bunch after a very successful day for Ballymoney CC.

Dean McIlfatrick wins Orra Mountain Classic TT in the McComb Steel League

On Wednesday past riders from Ballymena, Portglenone, Bellaghy and Tyrone assembled in Magherahoney, for the first ever 17 mile Orra Mountain Classic TT. Starting at the foot of the famous Altarichird Road the brave souls had a fearsome ascent to the summit followed by a nosebleed inducing descent down from Altnahinch.

Two schoolboys Blayne Watton (BW) and Robbie McIlderry (BVCC) had the honour of leading off the field. Blayne now has the schoolboys record for the course finishing in a time of 57’ 26”. Robbie was close behind in 60’ 20”.

It was not hard to know who was on the gas as eventual winner Dean McIlfatrick (BVCC) who was flying at all the checkpoints setting a new course record and winning time of 48’ 59”. Local favourite and Ballymoney CC rider Niall O’Hagan (51’ 57”) was the fastest club member and is now challenging club mates Jason Taggart and Stevie McAllister for honours in the McComb Steel TT League. Ballymoney rider and BCC event regular Jason Henry had great time of 51’ 50” and 4th place.

Final result –

1st Dean McIlfatrick (BVCC) and new Course Record 48’ 59”

2nd Ronnie Kidd (BW) 51’ 37”

3rd Stephen McNeilly (BRC) 51’ 48”

4th Jason Henry (U/A) 51’ 50”

5th Niall O’Hagan (BCC) 51’ 57”

6th Steven McAllister (BCC) 52’ 23”

7th Jerome McKendry (BCC) 53’ 10”

8th Simon Taggart (BRC) 53’ 36”

9th David Laverty (U/A) 54’06”

10th David Strang (BVCC) 54’17”

11th Jason Taggart (BCC) 55’18”

12th Nigel Elder 55’48”

13th Oliver Bateson (BCC) 56’52”

14th Blayne Watton (BW) Schoolboy record 57’26”

15th Johnny Dillon (BCC) 58’17”

16th John Patton (BCC) 60’00”

17th Robbie McIlderry (BVCC) 60’20”

18th Aaron Dickie (BCC) 62’23”

Martin Doughert (BCC) did not finish due to a broken chain, BCC would like to thank, David Wallace, Philip McAllister, Gemma Montgomery, Jack and Trefor Owens for their support around the course and at the event.

Coming events

This Wednesday night 19th May sees Ballymoney CC promoting their road race on the vaunted Tullaghans circuit.

Anyone who has serious plans about racing this year should include this race on their calendar. 24 miles of REAL racing is what is on offer to the competitors. Saturday 22nd is the Groucho’s GP in Richill and Sunday is the Emyvale Grand Prix.