When people say Rás Dhun na nGall, hosted by Four Masters Cycling Club, is the hardest stage race in Ireland I have got to admit they are pretty much 100% right.  Last year I embarked upon the race after only 3 months of racing, most thought I had lost leave of my senses but for those who really knew me they were not surprised.  It was the hardest race I competed in last year but equally the one I gained the most satisfaction from finishing.

So yes it’s back again this year but with a specific women’s category.  Four Masters Cycling Club have put together a fantastic weekend of events both on and off the bike.  They are encouraging women from all over the UK and Ireland to take part.  There will be specific prizes allocated to women riders in relation to placings on various stages, Queen of the Mountains and overall classification.  This race really allows women to test themselves on some of the toughest climbs in Ireland riding against their peers.

It’s not for the faint hearted, you do need to have incredible determination to keep focussed to tackle climb after climb…potentially out on your own.  Maybe a rocket on your top tube as well!!  Many have made comments in the past that it is not a race for women, too hard, if that is the case how come up to 40 riders did not finish the race in 2010 for one reason or another whilst the full Cycling Ulster Women’s Team completed all four stages?  So as women we can do it.

The feelings I received after completing the race were priceless.  Each stage you get such an incredible sense of personal achievement.  Where is the fun in riding a race that is easy? or that you know you will get round without a challenge?  It is an opportunity to race against your peers in a very difficult race.  Perfect.

Last year my overall placing was last.  But in my mind I was a winner.  I finished the race.

This year the race is open to A4 and A3 women, entry has been extended until 28 May.  To REGISTER please click on the link.  You can find more information on the race and the various stages on the Four Masters CC website.  Hope to see you there.

Mandy

Rachael Withers (VC ST. Raphael) and Mary Hunter (Dromara CC) were the
joint winners of the opening round of the 2011 Bikeworks Ulster Women’s
Association Time Trial League last Wednesday evening at Woodgreen. They
were the only two riders to break 25 minutes for the 10 miles with a time
of 24 minutes 50 seconds. Third place went to Louise Fullerton (Ballymena
RC) who stopped the clock on 25 minutes 2 seconds, with Kay Hack taking
fourth spot in a time of 25 minutes 24 seconds.

The UWA would like to thank Ballymena Road Club for hosting the first
round and remind all riders that in future they must shout their number
when they cross the finish line in order to make it easier for the time
keepers. The next round takes place on Wednesday 18th May with another 10
miles event on the Woodgreen course.

Bikeworks UWA T.T. League Round 1 Results - 20/04/11
Rachael Withers (VC ST. Raphael) 24:50
Mary Hunter (Dromara CC) 24:50
Louise Fullerton (Ballymena RC) 25:02
Kay Hack Bann Wheelers 25:24
Hannah Francis (Bikeworks) 26:28
Gillian Orr (Ards CC) 26:46
Kelly Donnelly (Spires CC) 26:53
Amy Brice (Phoenix CC) 27:03
Linda Tomb (Carn Wheelers) 27:47
Maeve Savage (Ballymena RC) 28:01

SportActive UWA R.R. League Round 3 – McCann Cup Report Ciara Mulholland continued to show great form by sprinting to victory in the third round of the Sportactive UWA Road Race league hosted by Omagh Wheelers at Seskinore. Twenty women took to the start line, with a limit group of 6 riders getting a three minute lead on the scratch group. The race was held over three tough lumpy laps of a 10 mile loop, and the pace was high from the outset.

There was plenty of attacking from the start, with Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann), Therese Smyth (Phoenix) and Roisin Kennedy (LCRC) all having a go on the first lap. Unlike the previous round of the league where scratch didn’t work well together, things were different here as after crossing the line at the end of lap one scratch were within 10-15 seconds of catching the limit group.

Once the catch was made, some of the limit group riders showed great form by jumping into the scratch group and lasting the distance. The high pace continued throughout lap 2 resulting in a few riders being shed on the hills.

Going into the final lap, the pace in the main bunch slowed slightly, which allowed Maeve Savage (Ballymena RC), Hannah Francis (Bikeworks) and Rachel Mitchell (Eurocycles), who had missed the split on the second lap, to get back on after some very hard riding.

The steady pace continued until Valerie O’Neill (Phoenix CC) attacked along the back section of the course. Turning into the last corner of the circuit, with everyone going all out, there was no let up until the finish line. Anne McFarland (ETCC) showed she was on form by putting in a gutsy early charge for the line from far out. However, McFarland couldn’t sustain it to the line and she was eventually overtaken by the Queen of the sprint Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eirrean) who took the win. Roisin Kennedy (LCRC) netted second making her long trip worthwhile. Amy Brice

(Phoenix) showed her hard work is paying of as she took 3rd, home rider Julie Mulligan (Omagh

Wheelers) took 4th and Rachael Withers (St. Raphael Road&Track Team) in 5th. Sinead Rivers (Roe Valley) put in an excellent ride in her first event finishing well with the main group, and Laura Maxwell (Roe Valley) also showed great determination completing the event.

Thanks to the motorbike outriders for keeping everyone in order and for showing that safety was at the forefront by doing a superb job in warning both riders and the oncoming traffic. Thanks also to the Comms and Omagh Wheelers for hosting a safe enjoyable event on a superb course.

Results

1 Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eirrean)

2 Roisin Kennedy (LCRC)

3 Amy Brice (Phoenix)

4 Julie Mulligan (Omagh)

5 Rachael Withers (St. Raphael Road&Track Team)

6 Anne McFarland (ETCC)

7 Valerie O’Neill (Phoenix CC)

8 Therese Smyth (Phoenix)

9 Hannah Francis (Bikeworks)

10 Sinead Rivers (Roe Valley)

11 Maeve Savage (Ballymena)

12 Rachael Mitchell (Eurocycles)

13 Mary Boyd (Roe Valley)

14 Gillian Orr (Ards CC)

15 Heather Gould (Ards CC)

16 Laura Maxwell (Roe Valley)

DNF Tonya Moran (Phoenix)

DNF Kerry Boyd (Roe Valley)

DNF Antje Otto (Phoenix)

DNF Kelly Donnelly (Spires CC)

The Ulster Women’s Association calendar of events for 2011 has been confirmed. The SportActive Road Race League got underway at the Phoenix GP which was won by junior rider, Ciara Mulholland (Clann Éireann). The next round takes place on Sunday 3rd April at the Aghagallon GP.

The Bikeworks Time Trial League will start on Wednesday 20th April with a 10 mile test against the clock at Woodgreen. The 2010 winner of the time trial league was Rachael Withers (VC St. Raphael).

It has also been announced that there will be a number of Veterans(50+) and Women combined races in Ulster over the next few weeks, the first race will take place at the Carn Wheelers Classic on Sunday 20th March followed by the PJ Logan Cup on Sunday 27th March.

SportActive UWA RR League

Day   Date  Event

Sun   27-Feb      Phoenix GP

Sun   03-Apr      Aghagallon Cup

Sun   17-Apr      McCann Cup

Sun   10-Jul      Ras Loughguile

Sat   07-Aug      Madigan GP

Sun   21-Aug      Roe Valley Women’s Stage Race

TBD   TBD   Groucho’s GP

Bikeworks UWA TT League

Wed 20-Apr – Woodgreen – 16km – 7pm

Wed 18-May – Woodgreen – 16km – 7pm

Sun 29-May -  Toome – 16km – 9am

Wed 01-Jun -  Woodgreen – 40km – 7pm

Thurs 23-Jun – Omagh Cookstown Road – 16km – 7pm Tues 28-Jun – Ballybogey Road, Portrush – 16km – 6.30pm Wed 06-Jul – Woodgreen – 16km – 7pm Wed 10-Aug – Woodgreen – 16km – 7pm Wed 17-Aug – Woodgreen – 40km – 7pm (possibly a 16km at warrenpoint 23rd August – to be confirmed)

We are delighted…through intense negotiations!!…the Sandy Wallace Women’s Racing Team have agreed with the Women’s Cycling Ulster to have a reciprocal training weekend during the off season.  The first leg of the exchange will be SWWRT coming to Northern Ireland for an overnight stay at the end of January.  The plan will be to have training rides on the Sat and Sun and a night time meal in Belfast…just to make sure we get fully rehydrated and fed for the Sunday run!  (Louise and Mandy no shots)   Further details of routes, times and locations will be released closer to the date.  But in the first instance those of you who are interested in attending could you please reply to this email indicating intentions for the weekend and whether you wish to attend the two training rides and the meal, or one of the days or both, etc.  Restaurant reservations and route plans will have to be made in accordance with numbers therefore your response to this email is critical so we can make this a great weekend for everyone.

The Women’s Cycling Ulster Team raced in Kerry with the Sandy Wallace Women’s Racing Team and during the weekend we got talking about the challenges that face women who road race.  We found Scotland had similar numbers of riders plus others who were interested in giving the racing a go but perhaps faced the same fears as many women riders here in Northern Ireland.  The same passion and determination of the Women’s Cycling Ulster exists with the SWWRT to try and get more women into racing and to realise their true potential on the bike.  Therefore this is a great opportunity to make connections, build relationships and work together to increase the awareness of women’s racing. 

The second leg of the exchange will be Irish riders going to Scotland for the same weekend but more details regarding this leg to follow.

We really hope you can make it to the whole weekend, if not perhaps part of it!  Look forward to hearing from you all

Rachael Withers (westtyronevelo.com-FCC) claimed maximum points for the fourth time in the Caldwell Motor Factors Ulster Women’s Association Time Trial League at Toome today. The Omagh teenager was the only rider to break 26 minutes, recording 25.55. Second place went to Bann Valley’s Elle Forest with a time of 26.19. Louise Fullerton (Ballymena RC) maintained her strong challenge for overall victory with third place in a time of 26.41.

The UWA would like to thank East Tyrone & Island Wheelers for promoting the seventh round in their TT League after they had to cancel Wednesday evening’s planned event for Woodgreen due to roadworks.

Having completed seven of the eight time trial’s in the series and with a riders best six results to count, Fullerton is leading with 108 points, Julie Mulligan (Omagh Whs) is 7 points behind in second. Withers is in third on 98 points but as she has only taken part in five events, any points gained in the final round will be added to her total. Details on the final round will be made available by the UWA as soon as they have made a decision on the date and location.

Full results of Round 7 and UWA TT League table can be found below.

UWA Caldwell Motor Factors TT League Results – Round 7 – 10 Miles (Toome) 1. Rachael Withers (westtyronevelo.com-FCC) 25.55 2. Elle Forest (Bann Valley RC) 26.19 3. Louise Fullerton (Ballymena RC) 26.41 4. Caroline Patterson (Dromara CC) 26.49 5. Julie Mulligan (Omagh Whs) 27.09 6. Mary Boyd (Roe Valley) 27.17 7. Sheena O’Neill (Island Whs) 28.52 8. Gillian Orr (Ards CC) 28.56

Overall Standings After Round 7 (Best six results to count) Louise Fullerton 108 Julie Mulligan 101 Rachael Withers 98 Maeve Savage 83 Hannah Francis 63 Kay Hack 54 Gillian Orr 54 Jo-anne Kee 54 Elle Forest 33 Mandy Collie 29 Tonya Moran 20 Caroline Patterson 16 Mary Hunter 15 Mary Boyd 14 Sheena O’Neill 13 Bernie Gribben 12 Linda Tomb 11

 Patrick Withers

At the Madigan GP on Saturday 7th August, the final round of the Martin Birney sponsored SportActive Ulster Women’s League was won by Ciara McManus (U/A) who came in 15″ ahead of Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann), with Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen CC) taking third.

Team Madigan hosted the final round of the SportActive Ulster Women’s League at Kilroot near Carrickfergus. For the 22nd year the race is kindly sponsored by Mr Ronnie McKeegan of Madigan Cycles in Carrickfergus and also for the second year by Carrickfergus Borough Council.

The Madigan GP was held over 2 laps of the 18.5 mile circuit which includes two tough long climbs that always break the race up. From the start Ciara MacManus (U/A) set the pace along the coast road. There was quite a strong breeze which slowed things down a little, but also showed that no-one was willing to work too early due the the climbs further round the circuit.

When the race hit the first climb the scene was set for the remainder of the race. MacManus attacked early at the bottom of the mile long climb taking Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann) with her. There was reaction behind with Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers) and Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen) closing on the two leaders.

After the brief descent and then some less steep roads leading to the next climb, the carnage of the first climb could now be seen. MacManus and Mulholland are the 2 lone leaders. They are being chased alone by Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen) who was ahead of a small  group of Mandy Collie (Juiced Orchard), Anne Paul (East Tyrone) and Mary Hunter (Dromara CC). This trio were being chased by Hannah Francis (Team Bikeworks), Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers) and Therse Smyth (Phoenix CC). Louise Fullerton (Ballymena RC) unfortunately punctured on the descent. Thanks to Kathleen Gill and her support for getting our chief back to the start.

Ciare Mulholland then took the KOH prime going over the next climb.

Over the course of the final lap, the race positions stayed the same, with the main significant move coming from MacManus with an attack over the second climb which opened up a gap Mulholand was unable to close. In doing this, MacManus also took the second KOH prime of the day, and secured her a solo victory in the 2010 Madigan GP.

However today’s result would not effect the overall standings in the SportActive Ulster Women’s League as Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers) had done enough to secure her second league title in a row. Mulligan was presented with her trophy by Stephen Burns on behalf of Martin Birney.

Thanks to Team Madigan for a fantastic event.

Thanks also to Dany Blondeel (Ards CC) for the photos. Dany would love everyone to check out The Belgian Project and become a fan. If the project continues to grow, future plans could be to try and get women placed on teams in belgium….  www.facebook.com/thebelgianproject

Report Warren Francis

SportActive League – Madigan GP Race Results

1 Ciara MacManus (U/A)

2 Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eirrean)

3 Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen)

4 Mary Hunter (Dromara)

5 Anne Paul (East Tyrone)

6 Mandy Collie (Juiced Orchard)

7 Julie Mulligan (Omagh)

8 Hannah Francis (Team Bikeworks)

9 Therese Smyth (Phoenix)

DNF Kathleen Gill (Bohermeen)

DNF Louise Fullerton (Ballymena)

Support Team Summit

Ciara MacManus will be competing in the 2010 Breck Epic Challenge Colorado in support of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The high altitude challenge consists of 6 days non-stop MTB racing with 380km of trails and 13,000m of vertical climbing!

For full information on Ciara’s challenge, training and race progress, or to make a donation, visit www.teamsummit.org.uk

Final SportActive Ulster Women’s Road Race League Results

1 Julie Mulligan (Omagh)

2 Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eirrean)

3 Hannah Francis (Team Bikeworks)

4 Mandy Collie (Juiced Orchard)

5 Lisa Mann (Roe Valley)

6 Tonya Moran (Phoenix)

7 Anne Paul (East Tyrone)

8 Maeve Savage (Ballymena)

9 Joanne Kee (Ballymena)

10 Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers)

11 Therese Smyth (Phoenix)

12 Caroline Patterson (Dromara)

13 Trudy Brown (Northern)

14 Louise Fullerton (Ballymena)

15 Ciara MacManus (U/A)

16 Gillian Orr (Ards CC)

17 Mary Hunter (Dromara)

18 Antje Otto (Phoenix)

19 Valerie O’Neill (Dromara)

20 Maria Shannon (Ballymena)

21 Rachel Mitchell (NDCC)

22 Emma Kerr (Phoenix)

23 Aileen Togher (Four Masters)

24 Mary Boyd ( Roe Valley)

25 Nicki McBride (Roe Valley)

26 Amy Brice (Phoenix)

27 Cheryl Cardwell (East Tyrone)

28 Elle Forrest (Bann Valley)

29 Claire Oakley (XMTB)

30 Heather Campbell (U/A)

31 Kathryn Bell (Northern Dave Kane)

32 Sheena O’Neill (Island Wheelers)

The race, promoted by Dromara CC, was held over three laps of the Annahilt circuit in fine weather, although it was a little breezy. The race was handicapped with the limit group gaining 3 minutes over the scratch group.

Cycling Ulster Chairman Tommy Lamb, sporting the new Cycling Ulster Slane Cycles kit, accompanied the limit group round the course passing on tips to the women on how to best ride as a group to prevent them from being caught by scratch.

Over the first lap of the race, all the women in the scratch group were working very well together with everyone riding through and doing their bit. Mandy Collie (Juiced Orchard) looked comfortable showing that she had recovered well after riding the Rás Dun na nGall last weekend. Valerie O’Neill (Dromara CC) was also riding well showing she can adapt to both on and off road riding. At the end of the first lap they had managed to bring the handicap down to 1 minute 40 secs. However Tommy’s advice to the limit group was paying off. Strong riding from Gillian Orr (Ards CC), Antje Otto (Phoenix CC), Kathleen Gill (Bohermeen) and the Dromara Duo of Caroline Patterson and Mary Hunter were making things difficult for scratch even though they were gaining on them.

On the last lap when the scratch group had almost caught the limit group the pace began to slow slightly and it was at this point the Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen) decided to kick things off and attacked hard from the back of the group. Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann) was quickly on the wheel, but the rest of the group, realising the danger, also reacted and it wasn’t long before everyone was back together again. Current UWA League leader Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers) was next to launch an attack, but again the rest of scratch chased her down.

These few bursts of speed eventually led to the limit group being caught, however this was not the full group. Going into the last lap the limit group had split up as the Dromara duo of Mary Hunter and Caroline Patterson had attacked just before crossing the start/finish line, with Joanne Kee (Ballymena) chasing to get on to them.

With three riders still up the road, the remainder of the bunch continued to attack each other rather than work together in an attempt to bring back these riders. Kathleen Gill (Bohermeen) attacked immediately after one of the other attacks failed and opened up a promising gap on the bunch. However the strong wind and difficult drag on the back part of the course made it difficult going on your own and she was soon back in the pack.

After doing a two up time trial round the final lap, only a tyre width separated Patterson from Hunter on the line, but it provided the promoting club with a great 1 – 2 victory. When the remainder of the bunch turned on to the finishing straight they had Joanne Kee (Ballymena) in their sights however the Ballymena rider buried herself to secure her well earned 3rd spot. Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eirrean) took the bunch sprint for 4th from Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen) with Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers) taking 6th.

The UWA would like to thank Dromara CC for hosting this safe and well run event.

Report Warren Francis
Photos Marian Lamb

SportActive League – Annahilt Road Race Results

1 Caroline Patterson (Dromara)
2 Mary Hunter (Dromara)
3 Joanne Kee (Ballymena)
4 Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann)
5 Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen)
6 Julie Mulligan (Omagh)
7 Valerie O’Neill (Dromara)
8 Mandy Collie (Juiced Orchard)
9 Hannah Francis (Team Bikeworks)
10 Kathleen Gill (Bohermeen)
11 Therese Smyth (Phoenix)
12 Gillian Orr (Ards CC)
13 Maeve Savage (Ballymena)
14 Antje Otto (Phoenix)

Here are the current league standings…

18 year old Rachael Withers (westtyronevelo.com-FCC) was second on the night, claiming top points in the UWA TT League as first Ulster rider. As an indication to the wind conditions on the night, Withers was two minutes off her National Junior Women’s Record time from last August, stopping the clock on 1.03.06, four minutes in arrears of Ryan. Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers) finished her preparations for the upcoming Rás Dhun na nGall where she will ride as part of the Cycling Ulster – David McCall Foundation team by doing a time of 1.03.43, good enough for third place overall.

The next round of the league is on Wednesday 23rd June.

UWA Caldwell Motor Factors TT League Results – Round 4 – 25 Miles (Woodgreen)
1. Caroline Ryan (Garda CC) 59.03
2. Rachael Withers (westtyronevelo.com-FCC) 1.03.06
3. Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers) 1.03.43
4. Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers) 1.04.53
5. Louise Fullerton (Ballymena RC) 1.05.03
6. Hannah Francis (Team Bikeworks) 1.09.05
7. Gillian Orr (Ards CC) 1.12.17
8. Maeve Savage (Ballymena RC) 1.12.20
9. Joanne Kee (Ballymena RC) 1.15.12

Patrick Withers (Admin Officer)

Heather Wilson’s team of herself, Caroline Ryan and Fran Meehan proved the fastest over the 25 miles, also beating some of the men’s teams, finishing 10th overall out of the 16 teams entered. Unfortuunately it was not an Ulster team, so Ulster’s top team and Gold medal winners are Caroline Patterson, Mary Hunter, Maeve Cahill and Val O’Neill from Dromara CC. Placing third was the composite team of Ballymena Duo Jo-Anne Kee, Maeve Savage and Island Wheelers Sheena O’Neill.

Cycling Ulster would like to thank Phoenix CC for the promotion of the event and all the teams who made it such a hard fought competition.

Results Ulster Team TT Championships

Heather Wilson’s Team 56.23
Heather Wilson.
Caroline Ryan
Fran Meehan

Dromara CC 64.56
Caroline Patterson
Mary Hunter
Maeve Cahill
Val O’Neill

Women’s Composite 70.24
Sheena O’Neill
Jo-Anne Kee
Maeve Savage

Full results can be found on Cycling Ulster

Report Warren Francis

Heather Wilson (Maryland CC) won the N.I. road race championships hosted by North Down CC at Donaghadee on Sunday.

11 Women signed on for the event, which initially looked like it was going to be held under nice weather conditions. However a light drizzle started just as the riders were preparing to roll out, which quickly turned into torrential rain just especially for the start of the race.

Once the race was under way Lisa Rodgers (Team Bikeworks) who has only recently returned to the local racing scene, upped the pace going over the initial drag at Orlock, but once the race turned left on the the Springwell drag about 5 miles into the race, Wilson launched her attack with only Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann) able to respond.

Over the remainder of the 1st lap Wilson, the current Irish National R.R. Champion, continued to pressure Mulholland who eventually had to drop back an was picked up by Lisa Rodgers who was now on her own slightly ahead of the remainder of the bunch.

In the end Wilson came home 5 minutes clear of second placed Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann). The bronze medal went to Lisa Rodgers (Team Bikeworks). Although Heather’s attack split the bunch the race was competitive with Phoenix CC’s Tonya Moran, Julie Mulligan (Omagh) and Claire Oakley (XMTB McConvey Cycles) fighting back all the time. Louise Fullerton of Ballymena had a mechanical early on and had a solo fight to get back to the chasers while team-mate Maeve Savage showed a great improvement in form. Hannah Francis (Team Bikeworks) was unfortunate to puncture in the first mile. It was good to see Rachel Withers (West Tyrone Velo-FCC) and Valerie O’Neill (Dromara CC) back on the road racing scene.

N.I. Road Race Championships 2010 Result

1. Heather Wilson (Marylan Wheelers0
2. Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann)
3. Lisa Rodgers (Team Bikeworks)
4. Claire Oakley (McConvey Cycles – XMTB)
5. Tonya Moran (Phoenix CC)
6. Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers)
7. Valerie O’Neill (Dromara CC)
8. Louise Fullerton (Ballymena-Scott Tiles)
9. Maeve Savage (Ballymena-Scott Tiles)
10. Rachel Withers (West Tyrone Velo-FCC)

11. Hannah Francis (Team Bikeworks) DNF

Report Warren Francis

Pictures Marian Lamb

1. Tonya Moran (Phoenix CC) 25.29

2. Louise Fullerton (Ballymena/Scott Rooftiles) 25.36

3. Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers) 26.02

4. Mandy Collie (Orchard Wheelers) 26.53

5. Hannah Francis (Bikeworks) 26.57

6. Maeve Savage (Ballymena/Scott Rooftiles) 29.10

The next women’s event will be the Northern Ireland Road Race Championships in conjunction with the North Down Grand Prix Races being held on Sunday 16th May, with the next round of the UWA TT league (16km) being held on Wednesday 19th May.

Report Warren Francis

Pics Darren Crawford (bigd@talktalk.net)

UWA Caldwell Motor Factors Time Trial League 2010

21st April – 16km

5th May – 40km

19th May – 16km

2nd June – 40km

23rd June – 80km

7th July – 16km

11th August – 16km

18th August – 40km

(All Woodgreen, 7PM)

Over the first two laps of the race, the pace was very up and down. A strong wind across long sections of the course made things difficult, and any attacks were neutralised very quickly. Lasts year winner and member of the promoting club, Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers) made several attempts to break away from the bunch, but she was being marked and was hauled back on each attempt. Current Ulster League leader Tonya Moran (Phoenix CC), rode strongly and made attempts to break things up, but with no success.

Going into the last lap things were all still together, and on approach to the finish, Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann) went with 500 metres to go catching the others ‘napping’, to take her third win in the Ulster League this year.

Hannah Francis (Bikeworks) who also rode strongly today, came in next to claim second showing that she is recovering well after the nasty crash she had at Aghagallon a few weeks ago.

Mandy Collie (Orchard Wheelers) came in next for third, Tonya Moran (Phoenix CC) 4th and Julie Mulligan (Omagh) 5th.

A very tanned and fit looking Louise Fullerton (Ballymena) took sixth place showing that the terrible ordeal she was put through over the previous week…. being forced to stay for an extra week on a sunny island and train on her bicycle with Roger Hammond…. hasn’t affected her form too much…

Rides of the day go to Ballymena duo of Maeve Savage and Joanne Kee, who today showed that they are developing the form that enables them to stick with the scratch women to the finish.

As usual Omagh Wheelers put on a superb event with loads of marshalls out on the course. Many thanks to all at Omagh and to all the marshalls, judges and motorbike escorts for a great event.

Unfortunately this round of the Ulster League clashed with the National League race. Hopefully next year we will be able to stop clashes like this happening.

The next event is the UWA Caldwell Motor Factors Time Trial League on Wedensday 5th May at Woodgreen. The event is a 40km (25mile) TT with the first riders off from 7pm. Ballymena, the promoting club, ask that all riders fit a decent rear light to their bike.

The next road race is the Northern Ireland Championships held by North Down CC on the 16th may. North Down are asking all women to pre-enter for this event. Forms and more info can be found at www.northdowncc.com

Report Warren Francis

Photos Marian Lamb

Results McCann Cup 2010

1 Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eirrean)

2 Hannah Francis (Team Bikeworks)

3 Mandy Collie (Juiced Orchard)

4 Tonya Moran (Phoenix)

5 Julie Mulligan (Omagh)

6 Louise Fullerton (Ballymena)

7 Maeve Savage (Ballymena)

8 Lisa Mann (Roe Valley)

9 Joanne Kee (Ballymena)

10 Aileen Togher (Four Masters)

11 Gillian Orr (Ards CC)

12 Nicky McBride (Roe Valley) DNF

Geraldine Gill from Bohermeen powered away and won the U.C.P.C. hosted Gerald Long Memorial held on Sunday April 11th. Kildress was the setting for this new race on the calendar for both men and women, and the hills of Tyrone ensured that the Gerald Long Memorial events promoted by the U.C.P.C. would not come down to a bunch sprint.

The women weren’t handicapped but the 5.8 mile course was handicap enough. It was very hilly and took its toll on all those who took part. The race started to split up in the first few miles of the course as the terrain ramped skyward.

Eventual winner of the race was Geraldine Gill from Bohermeen. Geraldine rode strongly all day, showing her class by easing away from the rest of the bunch on one of the many hills and never looked back. Non of the other riders could come across to her, and she eventually caught dropped riders from the A4 men’s event, but Gill just powered to the front and continued to drive on soloing to victory in fine style.

Trudy Brown of Northern CC was next to finish and was the winner of the league points on the day as Gill is ineligible for the Ulster league. Third and fourth came down to a close sprint between Omagh’s Julie Mulligan and Phoenix CC rider Tonya Moran. Moran just got the edge on Mulligan on the line.

Aileen Togher of Four Masters was a newcomer to road racing and it was great to see her completing her first road race.

Report Warren Francis

Photos  Marian Lamb

Results Gerald Long Memorial 2010

1 Gerldine Gill (Bohermeen)

2 Trudy Brown (Northern)

3 Tonya Moran (Phoenix)

4 Julie Mulligan (Omagh)

5 Anne Paul (East Tyrone)

6 Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers)

7 Lisa Mann (Roe Valley)

8 Hannah Francis (Team Bikeworks)

9 Aileen Togher (Four Masters)

10 Joanne Kee (Ballymena)

11 Maeve Savage (Ballymena) DNF

12 Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eirrean) DNF

13 Kathleen Gill (Bohermeen) DNF

Round one of the Ulster Women’s Association Time Trial League took place last night at Woodgreen. The race, sponsored by Caldwell Motor Factor’s had a clear winner in young Rachael Withers, with Kay Hack in second place. Read on for the report from Cycling Ulster.

Rachael Withers (westtyronevelo.com-FCC) won the opening round of the UWA
Caldwell Motor Factors Time Trial League at Woodgreen tonight. The Omagh
teenager and Irish U18 Women’s time trial record holder for 25 miles was
the only rider to break 25 minutes for the 10 miles with a time of 24:47.

Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers), the Irish Veteran Women’s record holder for the
100 miles time trial was a clear second, completing the course in 25:21.
Hannah Francis (Team Bikeworks) narrowly edged out Julie Mulligan (Omagh
Wheelers) for third place by two seconds.

UWA Caldwell Motor Factors TT League Results – Round 1 – 10 Miles (Woodgreen)
1. Rachael Withers (westtyronevelo.com-FCC) 24:47
2. Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers) 25:21
3. Hannah Francis (Team Bikeworks) 26:15
4. Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers) 26:17
5. Mary Hunter (Dromara CC) 28:28
6. Gillian Orr (Ards CC) 28:32
7. Maeve Savage (Ballymena RC) 28:34
8. Joanne Kee (Ballymena RC) 29:53
9. Linda Tomb (Carn Wheelers) 30:19