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

Once again the race was split into two groups with the limit group getting a 3 minute lead over scratch. There was also a rumour that Cycling Ulster Chair Tommy Lamb was seen racing off with the limit group….

Both groups were working well, but scratch were reducing the handicap by taking a minute back each lap. It was interesting to note that the scratch women, which consisted of about a dozen riders, were completing each lap in the same time as the mens race (full capacity of 60 riders) held earlier that day.

Both groups came together on the 3rd lap, and the pace didn’t let up. Standing on the start finish it was very calm, however as soon as the race turned the left at the bottom of the start finish straight and headed round the back end of the course, things were a bit more blustery, but that didn’t stop riders having a go.

Things stayed together over the next few laps, however approaching the start/finish line heading into the last lap there was a nasty crash up near the front of the bunch bringing down Hannah Francis (Bikeworks), Mary Boyd (Roe Valley) and Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers). Kay Hack was able to pick herself up, get back on her bike and bury herself to make it back to the bunch, however for Boyd and Francis it was the end of their race and although both riders have some very sore bumps/bruises and road rash, no serious damage has been done. The UWA wish these riders a speedy recovery.

The race however was still on, and after one more lap of racing, which did mange to thin the bunch out slightly, we were still faced with a sizeable group of women who would have to sprint for victory.

Ciara Mulholland again showed her strength and class by winning the sprint by a huge margin to the delight of her clubmates and supporters at the finish. Second place went to Mandy Collie (Orchard Wheelers) just ahead of Trudy Brown (Northern – Dave Kane), Louise Fullerton (Ballymena – Scott Tiles) and Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers). Geraldine Gill (Bohermeen) was just passed by Fullerton and Mulligan before the line giving her 6th. We hope to see Geraldine and Kathleen Gill at future Ulster Womens League races and hope that this also encourages other women from the South to come up and race our events. The next race is the Gerard Long Memorial on the 11^th April.

The UWA thank Clann Eireann for putting on a great well marshalled event, and Marian Lamb for the photos.

Report Warren Francis

Results Aghagallon Cup 2010 (TBC)

1 Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eirrean)

2 Mandy Collie (Juiced Orchard)

3 Trudy Brown (Northern)

4 Louise Fullerton (Ballymena)

5 Julie Mulligan (Omagh)

6 Gerldine Gill (Bohermeen)

7 Tonya Moran (Phoenix)

8 Anne Paul (East Tyrone)

9 Valerie O’Neill (Dromara)

10 Claire Oakley (XMTB)

11 Ciara MacManus (U/A)

12 Lisa Mann (Roe Valley)

13 Maeve Savage (Ballymena)

14 Therese Smyth (Phoenix)

15 Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers)

16 Caroline Patterson (Dromara)

17 Sheena O’Neill (Island Wheelers)

18 Gillian Orr (Ards CC)

19 Joanne Kee (Ballymena)

20 Antje Otto (Phoenix)

21 Hannah Francis (Team Bikeworks) DNF

22 Mary Boyd ( Roe Valley) DNF

23 Kathleen Gill (Bohermeen) DNF

24 Nicky McBride (Roe Valley) DNF

Rachel Mitchell (North Down CC) won the tough uphill sprint finish to take the PJ Logan cup promoted by Island Wheelers at Coalisland today (Sunday 14th March). The PJ Logan Cup was a new event on the Ulster Women’s League calendar this year, and proved to be a testing but enjoyable course. Although only  4 miles in length, the course features a tough uphill drag to the start/finish line, with a fast rolling back section offering little rest-bite.

There was another good turnout of women supporting the event, and once again the race was handicapped into to 2 groups. However, due to the short nature of the course and the fact that the mens B – race was being held over the same course at the same time, the organisers felt an new approach to organising the handicap should be used. Instead of the limit group being set off a earlier than the scratch, it was decided to start scratch first and then almost immediately start the limit group off behind scratch….scratch however would be completing 6 laps of the course, whereas the limit group were doing 5.

This set the stage for a tough race. The scratch group would have to work very hard together to try and make up the lap on the limit group, while the limit group would be focused on staying away.

In the beginning scratch started off very aggressively on the first lap compared to the limit group, however the limit group eventually got themselves organised and were all working hard together to maintain their lead, whereas the scratch group seemed less focused on the task of gaining a lap.

Unlike the Phoenix GP where the limit group fragmented very quickly into many small groups due to the mixed abilities of riders, this time round all the riders worked well and stayed together to maintain their advantage.

Over the first few laps the scratch group did manage to pull back time on the limit group, however the limit group maintained a good steady rhythm and started to hold their lead over scratch. Caroline Patterson (Dromara CC), Lisa Mann (Roe Valley), Maeve Savage (Ballymena RC), Emma Kerr (Phoenix) and Amy Brice (Phoenix) all showed great determination to stay away.

Starting the final lap, it was clear the winner was going the come from the limit group, as scratch had fallen to nearly 5 minutes behind. Approaching the finish Rachel Mitchell kicked early and opened up her sprint closely followed by Lisa Mann (Roe Valley). Mitchell had started her sprint quite far out and it looked like she might have gone a litttle early as Mann seemed to be gaining on her. However Mitchell  kept her advantage crossing the line with half a  wheel to spare.

This was a great result for Rachel and all the other women from the limit group. It has also had a positive outcome on the scoreboard for the league as the points are now more spread out.

The UWA would like to thank all the marshalls who kept the race safe and Marian Lamb (Cycling Ulster) for all photos

Report Warren Francis

Results PJ Logan 2010 (TBC)

1 Rachel Mitchell (NDCC)

2 Lisa Mann (Roe Valley)

3 Caroline Patterson (Dromara)

4 Cheryl Cardwell (East Tyrone)

5 Maeve Savage (Ballymena)

6 Emma Kerr (Phoenix)

7 Maria Shannon (Ballymena)

8 Amy Brice (Phoenix)

9 Joanne Kee (Ballymena)

10 Trudy Brown (Northern)

11 Tonya Moran (Phoenix)

12 Hannah Francis (Bikeworks)

13 Julie Mulligan (Omagh)

14 Anne Paul (East Tyrone)

15 Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eirrean)

16 Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers)

17 Mandy Collie (Juiced Orchard)

18 Antje Otto (Phoenix)

19 Nicki McBride (Roe Valley)

20 Therese Smyth (Phoenix)

21 Kathryn Bell (Northern Dave Kane)

22 Louise Fullerton (Ballymena) DNF

Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eirrean) takes the win

For once the weather conditions were good and the snow held off this year, however it was still very cold. 24 women signed on for the race, which was held over 3 laps of the circuit with total distance of 24 miles. The race was handicapped into two groups, with the limit group getting a 7-minute start over scratch.

On the first lap the limit group split as a result of strong riding by Maria Shannon (Ballymena – Scott Tiles) and Amy Brice (Phoenix CC).

Scratch working well

The scratch group worked well together over the first lap bringing the gap down to just over three minutes, but on the long drag up to the start/finish on the second lap a few riders started to suffer under the pace being set.

Crossing the start/finish line going into the last lap, Shannon and Brice now just held a slender lead of about 30 seconds, with the remainder of the women from the limit group now having been caught by scratch.

The catch was finally made just after the race turned onto the seven mile straight with about 6 miles to the finish. This group stayed together despite an effort from Kay Hack to break away leading up to the finish, and the race eventually came down to a bunch sprint with Lurgan teenager Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann) jumping early to hold off Limavady’s Mary Boyd (Roe Valley), Tonya Moran (Phoenix CC) and Hannah Francis from the newly formed Team Bikeworks from Bangor. Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers) followed closely for 5^th and Elle Forest (Bann Valley) 6^th.

The UWA would like to thank Phoenix CC for once again putting on a great event. Behind the scenes there was a lot of work put in by Colin and Dermot Hughes and Eamon Burns. Brendan McCartan’s tea making entourage came up trumps with hot soup, sandwiches and hot drinks.

Many thanks to all the marshalls who kept the race safe, commissaires Martin Lees and Maurice McAllister and to the inimitable Paul Devenney on his motorbike. Thanks also to the members of other clubs who helped out with the marshalling and Billy Smyth for the timekeeping

Photos are courtesy of Marian Lamb, we are very grateful to her for all her assistance.

Round 2 of the league is The PJ Logan Cup held on 14th March. Pre – entry is now available so get your forms and £5 entry fee in!! Please see the cycling ulster website for the pre-entry form.

**ONLINE ENTRY FOR THE AGHAGALLON CUP IS NOW AVIALABLE**

Clann Éireann Cycle Club host the Aghagallon Cup on Sunday March 28th 2010. Due to Restrictions imposed by the PSNI, the fields are limited to 60 riders. Senior racing is therefore pre-entry at:

http://www.clanncc.net/index.php?option=com_dtregister&Itemid=56

Report Warren Francis

Phoenix GP Results

(9^th – 21^st TBC)

1         Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eirrean)

2          Mary Boyd ( Roe Valley)

3          Tonya Moran (Phoenix)

4          Hannah Francis (Team Bikeworks)

5          Julie Mulligan (Omagh)

6          Elle Forrest (Bann Valley)

7          Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers)

8          Ciara MacManus (U/A)

9          Lisa Mann (Roe Valley)

10        Maria Shannon (Ballymena – Scott Tiles)

11        Caroline Patterson (Dromara)

12        Emma Kerr (Phoenix)

13        Maeve Savage (Ballymena – Scott Tiles)

14        Amy Brice (Phoenix)

15        Mandy Collie (Juiced Orchard)

16        Anne Paul (East Tyrone)

17        Therese Smyth (Phoenix)

18        Louise Fullerton (Ballymena – Scott Tiles)

19        Antje Otto (Phoenix)

20       Heather Campbell (U/A)

21        Joanne Kee (Ballymena – Scott Tiles)

Rachel Mitchell (NDCC)            DNF

Gillian Orr (Ards CC)            DNF

Trudy Brown (Northern)            DNF

The Cycling Ulster Women’s Association held a successful training camp based at the Valley Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey today (Saturday). Forty riders attended the event that contained a morning training spin, an afternoon talk on nutrition and workshop’s on the future of Women’s Road Racing and Mountain Biking in the province.

The day got underway by the Women’s Association Chair, Louise Fullerton briefing the road riders about the day ahead and Mountain Bike representative on the Cycling Ulster Executive, Ciara MacManus doing the same with the Off Road contingent.

Any of you ladies fancy joing in theCycling Ulster MTB spin we will meet you outside Bikedock at 6pm (sharp) this coming week… Just bring along yourself, your beloved bike and a lid…

Think a few free tins of ‘Sugar free’ Red Bull will be up for grabs in return for a few snap shots for their bulletin so wear your best frock and feel free to bring along any keen friends!!

Unfortunately I head to Portugal on Monday so I wont be out with you but Ciara will be available to take you on a good spin in and around Bevoir, hopefully my broken wing will be healed enough so I can join you on the next run.

The race consists of 2 laps of an eighteen mile circuit (Kilroot, Glynn, Gleno, Beltoy circuit). From what I’m told its a great course with a couple of challenging climbs along the way. To view last years mens race you can see it on you tube, Madigan GP, courtesy of Simon Stockton.

Please contact Louise Fullerton 07515174543; lodaro4@hotmail.co.uk)  if you are interested in taking part.

After 7 rounds of the Ulster Womens league Julie Mulligan who raced consistantly throughout took the overall win. The league in its first year has been a great success and supported very well, not only by the women who took part but also by Cycling Ulster and Sportactive who sponsored the event. Also a big thanks goes to all the events organisers/road clubs, the sponsors of each of the events and the support/advice/encouragement  from Heather Boyle, Valerie Considine and all the other women from Womens Cycling Ireland. Julie Mulligan in paticular would like to thank Philip Caldwell for his support not only in one of the events but also his sponsorship to her personally.

The final league points are as follows:-

Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers) – 55points

Cathy Thompson (U/A) – 49 points

Tonya Moran – (Phoenix) – 43points

Hannah Francis – (Ards cc) – 41points

Louise Fullerton (Ballymena) – 41points

Teresa Smyth (Dromara cc) – 38points

Caroline Patterson (Dromara cc) – 36points

Gillian Orr (Ards cc) – 35points

Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers) – 35points

Jacqeline Mallet (Foyle cc) – 30points

Antje Otto (Dromara cc) – 27points

Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann) – 27points

Sheenagh O’Neill (Island Wheelers) – 25points

Nicky McBride (Bann Wheelers) – 23points

Lisa Mann (Bann Wheelers) – 23points

Rachael Withers (Fintona cc) – 22points

Orlagh Watters (Harps cc) – 19points

Rachael Boyd (U/A) – 16points

Joanne Doran – (North Pole) – 10 points
Elle Forrest – (Ballymena) – 9 points
Orlagh Watters – (Harps) – 9 points
Ciara McManus – (unattached) – 8 points
Val O’Neill – (Dromara) – 7 points
Mary Boyd – (Roe Valley) – 7 points
Joanne Kee – (Ballymena) – 5 points
Caroline Cullen – (unattached) – 5 points
Maeve Savage – (Ballymena) – 5 points
Amanda Corey – (unattached) – 5 points
Joanne McCallum – (unattached) – 5 points
Daniella Stewart – (Maryland) – 5 points
Bernie Gribben – (Carn Wheelers) – 5 points  

Photos of Emyvale GP courtesy of Marian Lamb

Julie takes the sprint

It was an all woman affair today in the Women’s race at Seskinore when Fiona Tracy took up her position as Comm for the event. Eighteen women lined up in the Sportactive Ulster Women’s League. The overall league is sponsored by Sportactive but each individual event has attracted its own sponsorship. Round 5 was sponsored by Phillip Caldwell of Caldwell Motro Factors and Cycle Shop. race. Ann McFarland opted to join the main men’s race but the remaining women were split into three groups with a gap of eight minutes front to back.

The women had three laps of the nine mile circuit to cover. It was all go from the off with the inexperienced limit grop being caught within the first lap by the second group on the road. The scratch group rode hard and overtook the rest of the field by the end of the second lap. As in the men’s events, the Seskinore circuit proved to be a sprinter’s delight as the Julie Mulligan of the promoting club and Rachel Boyd (Maryland Wheelers) fought it out on the line. To the delight of the home crowd Mulligan got the win by a mere whisker. The remaining women in the group continued to sprint with relative new comer, Tonya Moran (Phoenix CC) taking third place from Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers), Terese smyth coming in fifth and Rachael Withers taking sixth.

Louise Fullerton, Secretary of the Women’s Association was pleased with the turnout. “We have been getting steady numbers for all our events and it is great to see. What is even better is the support we are receiving from people all over Ulster in helping to sponsor them. Phillip Caldwell of Caldwell Motor Factors and Cycle Shop came forward at the last minute for today’s event. We are really pleased as it gives us the incentive to keep promoting the races.

Martin Birney of Sportactive is sponsoring a perpetual trophy and and a cheque for £50 to the 2009 ladies champion and we are very grateful to him for doing this.”

Many thanks goes also to Omagh wheelers for supporting our league and for organising such a great race and a very welcome tea afterwards. Photos are courtesy of Marian Lamb, we are very grateful to her for all her assistance.

After round 5 the league table is as follows:-

Ulster Women’s League Points Table
Cathy Thompson – (unattached) – 44 points
Julie Mulligan – (Omagh Wheelers) – 44 points
Hannah Francis – (Ards) – 31 points
Tonya Moran – (Phoenix) – 30 points
Kay Hack – (Bann Whheelers) – 26 points
Louise Fullerton – (Ballymena) – 25 points
Gillian Orr – (Ards) – 25 points
Lisa Mann – (Bann Wheelers) – 23 points
Teresa Smyth – (Dromara) – 23 points
Rachael Withers – (Fintona) – 22 points
Caroline Patterson – (Dromara) – 20 points
Sheena O’Neill – (Island Wheelers) – 20 points
Jacqueline Mallet – (Foyle) – 20 points
Rachael Boyd – (unattached) – 16 points
Jacqueline Moran – (unattached) – 15 points
Nicky McBride – (Bann Wheelers) – 15 points
Antje Otto – (Dromara) – 15 points
Ciara Mulholland – (Clann Eireann) – 11 points
Joanne Doran – (North Pole) – 10 points
Elle Forrest – (Ballymena) – 9 points
Orlagh Watters – (Harps) – 9 points
Ciara McManus – (unattached) – 8 points
Val O’Neill – (Dromara) – 7 points
Mary Boyd – (Roe Valley) – 7 points
Joanne Kee – (Ballymena) – 5 points
Caroline Cullen – (unattached) – 5 points
Maeve Savage – (Ballymena) – 5 points
Amanda Corey – (unattached) – 5 points
Joanne McCallum – (unattached) – 5 points
Daniella Stewart – (Maryland) – 5 points
Bernie Gribben – (Carn Wheelers) – 5 points

This evening sees the second of the planned fortnightly Tuesday evening women’s Mountain Bike sessions. 
Our first session was well attended with six female riders turning up despite the rather cold wet weather which saw our planned skills session change to a brisk ride to keep warm.  However once in the relative protection of the tree lined trails, everyone managed to have plenty of mud covered fun.    
As before we will arrange to meet at the Bike Dock premises at 6pm and head out from there. We plan to run the short skills session at Ormeau Park BMX track before heading out for a leisurely spin around the local lagan trails. 
Again the evening is open to all ages and abilities.
 
see you all tonight.

 Ciara (07786136324)
Julie (7764222125)