October 2001

CYCLO-CROSS LEAGUE, BANBRIDGE: (By Jim Traynor Oct 27) On his first cyclo-crossouting of the season, ten times Irish cross champion Robin Seymour (WORC) looks weel on course to make it eleven titles in a row in thisyear's championship at Lurgan in December.

In the handicapped second round at on a very technical short course, Seymour caught early leader Franz Hoeuritzauer (Ards CC) on the fourt of ten laps and after shaking off early challenger Don Travers of the promoting club, he stretched his lead all the way to the finish where his advantage was 1.35 over the Banbridge man.

Alastair Martin (Ards CC) lay third for much of the race but was passed by another Banbridge rider Roger Aiken in the closing laps. <See Pictures Here>

Cyclo-cross League, Round 2, Banbridge: 1, Robin Seymour (WORC) 33.45; 2, D. Travers (Banbridge CC) at 1.35; 3, R. Aiken (Banbridge CC) at 1.45; 4, A. Martin (Ards CC) at 1.59; 5, R. Lamont (XMTB) at 2.40; 6, L. Ferguson (XMTB) at 3.30; 7, M. McCorry (Apollo RT) at 5.08; 8, T. Haire (APollo RT) at 5.20; 9, D. Gill (WORC) at 1 lap; 10, S Curran (Banbridge CC) at 1 lap.  U.14: 1, Mathew Ferguson (XMTB); 2, T. Kearns (Banbridge CC).  U.14: 1, Graham Boyd (XMTB); 2, Jessica Laird (XMTB).

New faces for Ulster Cycling.

Recently the Ulster Cycling Federation held their Annual General Meeting in the plush surroundings for the Lisburn Civil Centre. There were 51 delegates in attendance for a positive night of debates.

Many topics under the scope on the evening included Underage, Commonwealth Games, Irish Road Race Championships, Coaching, Ladies and Veterans competitions.

In the debate of the 15 Motions down on the agenda, the council delegates were in favour of most of the motions and many were referred to the Executive. Two motions were withdrawn as it required a constitutional change. All recommendations were passed in favour by those in attendance.

The election seen a number of changes on the Executive Board. Re-elected were Robert Lamont, Noel Gallagher, Gerry Beggs, John News and Tommy Lamb. Newly elected was Mickey McKenna and former Secretary, Pat Clarke.

EXECUTIVE BOARD TAKE SHAPE 

The newly elected Ulster Cycling Federation Executive have named the areas of responsibilities after their first meeting on 1st October. Gerry Beggs (Coaching), Tommy lamb (Veterans/Ladies), Noel Gallager (Equipment), Robert Lamont (MTB). John News has switched from PRO to Development, while newly elected Pat Clarke has taken on the PRO position, which he held in 1998.

The remaining Executive members namely Micky McKenna take the reins of underage, while Harry Armstrong will look after the Under 23's and Junior cyclists in Ulster. There is a number of positions created and these will be filled very soon.

Following on from the outgoing Technical Chairman, Nino Braik's report, the U.C.F is now planning to hold a Commissaire's course in 2002 and those interested in the sport, should forward their names to the General Secretary, Ian Whithorn at 17b Woodland Park, Lisburn, BT28 1LD as soon as possible.

Also considered for 2002 are coaching courses and again those interested should forward their names to the Coaching Director, Gerry Beggs at 39 Rowantree Road, Dromore, BT25 1NN. Tommy Lamb is on the lookout for ladies to strengthen the ladies squad for next season. It is hope that next year the full development plan will be in place for the Juniors, Under 23 and elite cyclists and here Gerry Beggs and Harry Armstrong will view all cyclists with interest.

Micky McKenna (Underage) has formed a three or four man committee and has several ideas to formulate in the coming weeks. News is expected by December in this area.

Rás Stage Winner Turns Pro: (By Gerard Cromwell Oct 21) Swedish amateur Kristoffer Ingleby has signed a professional contract with Danish team FAKTA for 2002. Irish riders will be familiar with the blonde former engineering student as he won the stage into Listowel in the2000 FBD Milk Ras. 23 year old Ingleby has been riding as an amateur with Mark Scanlon's former club CC Etupes in France this year and also held a place as a stagiare with Bjarne Riis' CSC Tiscali squad. Australian Scott Sunderland, who has had an impressive end of season, among others will also remain with FAKTA for next season.

McCann's record ratified by I.C.F: (By Pat Clarke Oct 21) August seems to be the month for New Records to be set in cycling and this year is no exception. Twice this year the record was set by David McCann in an open U.C.F time trial league event.

An Irish 10 mile Time Trial record was set by a young Tommy Evans (formely of Bandridge CC) in a time of 19 mimutes and 58 seconds back on 8th August 1983. The record which has now stood for just under eight years by a week, was then broken by Irish Professional David McCann (CCC Mat) on the Ballyclare course on 2nd August in setting a time of 19 minutes and 50 seconds.

With further appearances over the next month, the time trial league committee arranged for race officials to be present and on 30 August, McCann manage to lower the time again and now down down 19 minutes and 38 seconds again on the Ballydonaghy course.

With the league committee following the guidelines that are required, McCann requested for his time to be considered as a New Irish Record and this week the Sporting Committee with the approval of the Irish Cycling Federation have now ratified McCann's claim.

Ministers Contacted on Road Safety: (By Shane Foran) The Government ministers and opposition TD's with responsibility for Health, Tourism and Enterprise and Trade have all been contacted by road safety campaigners this week. <Read More Here>

Apollo CRT Cyclo Cross Season

This Sunday (14th Oct) is the first of the 2001 Cyclo Cross season with the first event at Craigavon Lakes on a new course devised by Geoff Coupland and promoted by Apollo CRT of Lurgan. Then on Saturday the venue is moved to Solitude Park in Banbridge and promoted by Banbridge CC. These events will be started at 12 noon sharp and those who want further details should contact Myles McCorry @ 028 3834 8627.