Island Wheelers Cycling Club, Coalisland, Co. Tyrone. Northern Ireland Official website for the Island Wheelers Cycling Club
Bann Valley Classic
On Sunday, a total of nine Island Wheelers made the trip to the small village of Clady, just 1 mile outside Portglenone to take part in the Bann Valley Classic Road Race. It was only last year that the Island Wheelers had success at the Bann Valley Classic with Paul Quinn finishing second and Gerry McVeigh finishing in the top ten so everyone was hopeful for a repeat performance. The A Race completed 7 laps, with each lap 8 miles long around Clady village, with Wheelers Paul Quinn, Peter Hughes, Alan McKeown, Noel McLoughlin, and an in form Sean McCann all in action. The race winner came from a breakaway that formed on the second lap, and unfortunately no Wheelers made it into this decisive break. However credit should be giving to all the Wheelers for working tirelessly in trying to bring the break back.
In the B Race, the Island Wheelers had a little more joy with Owen Campbell finishing strong and only just missed out in a top 10 spot. Over the last 18 months Owen has really transformed himself into a top cyclist and there is only going to be more to come from him over the next few months. Also featuring in this race was Gareth Dempsey, Damien Lavery and Dermot Donaghy. Well done to all who took part.
Eddie Polin, Noel McLoughlin, Gareth Dempsey, Damien Lavery, Sean McCann, Owen Campell, Paul Quinn, Peter Hughes, and Dermot Donaghy at the Bann Valley Classic last Sunday.
Ulster XC MTB 2012 – Round 1 Ballykelly
Cathal McGuigan, Paul Daly, and Aidan Lafferty raced the 1st round of the Ulster Cross Country series on Sunday at the very technical course but fast trails in Ballykelly. Paul came a fantastic 4th in the Senior 4 race, Cathal was in a potential 5th but broke his chain on the last lap. If this pace keeps going we could see a wheeler on the MTB podium soon!
