Island Wheelers Cycling Club, Coalisland, Co. Tyrone. Northern Ireland Official website for the Island Wheelers Cycling Club
Across the cycling community, there is one stand out race in the calendar that never fails to disappoint; the PJ Logan Cup. Sunday 18th March saw the Island Wheelers host this prestigious race for the seventh successive year, and once again provided a fantastic days racing for all, even the notorious Irish weather was kind to the riders. As with previous years, the race was a sell out with over 150 riders signing up to test their legs along the relentless 6.8 mile circuit outside Coalisland.
The first race of the day was the A race which undertook 8 laps of the fast and furious circuit. The A3 riders were off first and had a 5 minute handicap over the A1 riders. The pace was hard from the start with the A3’s looking to capitalise on their advantage over the chasing A2’s and A1 riders behind. It was on the second lap that the decisive break came when a relatively small group broke clear. The breakaway was extremely well organised and worked tirelessly together to keep the chasing peloton behind. Even when the A2 and A1 riders caught the remaining A3 bunch the breakaway still extended their advantage on the chasers behind, which was just under 3 minutes by the penultimate lap. It was becoming inevitable that the breakaway would stay away, and that the winner would come from this group. The climax of the race was decided in a long hard group sprint from the breakaway with Omagh Wheelers strongman, Stephen McKenna taking an impressive win, closely followed by Declan McCartney (Roe Valley) in second place and Daniel Stewart (EACC) in third. Peter Hughes and Alan McKeown were flying the flag for the Island Wheelers in this race, with both riders finishing within the main bunch.
The B race consisted of 5 laps, and a total of seven Island Wheelers hungry to use the home advantage to their benefit. However it was Tommy Rafferty of Slane Cycles who crossed the line first ahead of Barry McKenna (West Tyrone) and Stephen Walsh (Carn Wheelers) in second and third place respectively. Island Wheeler, Gareth Donnelly showed his strength by putting in a solid performance and crossed the line as the first Island Wheeler.
The final race of the day was the Masters and Ladies Race consisting of 3 laps of the circuit. In the ladies race it was Freda Brown (Banbridge) who was victorious with Evan Bartlett (Lakeland) in second and Island Wheeler, Cheryl Cardwell in third. It was great to see so many ladies take part in this race, and even better seeing our own Cheryl Cardwell getting a great result. The Masters race was won by Noel Boyce (North Down) with Donegal man, Shay Giles (North Pole) in second, and Paul McGuickin (Banbridge) coming home third.
The Island Wheelers would like to thank a number of people who helped make the day a huge success. Firstly, the marshals and lead cars for ensuring rider safety was the number one priority on the day. The Order of Malta who were on hand and thankfully their services were not needed. Dungannon Council for ensuring the circuit was in top condition. Cycling Ulster, who were there on the day taking some superb pictures and video of the event which can be found on their site. Everyone who was involved in feeding over 150 hungry cyclists; the sandwiches, soup, and buns went down a treat! The commissaries’; Mark Kavannagh, and Mickey Murray; and chief judge Maurice Bann-lavery. The event sponsors, Evolution Healthcare, Alexander Bain & Murray Opticians, Euro Springs Ltd and Donnelly McAleer Pharmacy. Finally, the club would like to thank all the riders who took part on the day; we hope to see you back next year!
Photos from the race can be found here. Thanks goes to Marian Lamb for the excellent photos.
PJ LOGAN CUP RESULTS
A RACE
1st Stephen McKenna (Omagh Wheelers)
2nd Declan McCartney (Roe Valley)
3rd Daniel Stewart (EACC)
4th Devon Mcilwaine (Duffin)
5th Cathal Doyle (Carn Wheelers)
6th Gary Jeffers (ETCC)
1st Unplaced Cat 3 – Mark Downey (Banbridge)
1st Unplaced Cat 2 – Cathal Smith (Phoenix)
1st Unplaced Island Wheeler – Alan McKeown
B RACE
1st Tommy Rafferty (Slane),
2nd Barry McKenna (West Tyrone)
3rd Stephen Walsh (Carn Wheelers)
4th Alistair Walker (West Down)
5th Paul Toner (Phoenix)
6th Andrian Madden (Duffin)
1st Unplaced Island Wheeler – Gareth Donnelly
LADIES RACE
1st Freda Brown (Banbridge)
2nd Evan Bartlett (Lakeland)
3rd Cheryl Cardwell (Island Wheelers)
MASTERS
1st Noel Boyce (North Down)
2nd Shay Giles (North Pole)
3rd Paul McGuickin (Banbridge)
