The squad showed good strength in depth with David McCann and Stephen Gallagher placing twelfth and thirteenth of the 124 starters. They crossed the line in the same time as Aiken, coming home in a group sprinting for fifth place, 38 seconds behind the solo winner Mathew Hayman (Australia). David George (Republic of South Africa) was second, four seconds back, while Hayman’s team-mate Allan Davis was third.
Ryan Connor and Tommy Evans also finished the race, placing 28th and 31st respectively.
Aiken was involved in a large breakway which got clear inside the final 40 kilometres. Also present were riders such as Australian trip Will Walker, Allan Davis, and Mat Hayman, South Africans Robert Hunter, Ryan Cox, and David George, Steve Cummings (England), Mark Cavendish (Isle of Man), Christopher Froome (Kenya), Geoff Kabush and Gord Fraser (both Canada). However Hayman, George and Davis were ultimately able to shake off the others and take the medals on offer, while there was a regrouping of sorts behind.
Aiken has been competing as part of the Sean Kelly Racing Team in Belgium this year. Today's performance shows that he is coming into good form as the season progresses.
Some pictures from the event taken by CJ Farquharson www.VeloPhoto.net
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2006 Commonwealth Games road race, Melbourne, Australia:
1, Mathew Hayman (Australia) 166 kilometres in 4 hours 5 mins 9 secs
2, David Harold George (Republic of South Africa) at 4 secs
3, Allan Davis (Australia) at 12 secs
4, Stephen Cummings (England) at 25 secs
5, Gordon Harold Fraser (Canada) at 38 secs
6, Greg Henderson (New Zealand)
7, Mark Cavendish (Isle Of Man)
8, Roger Aiken (Northern Ireland) all same time
Other:
12, David McCann (Northern Ireland)
13, Stephen Gallagher (Northern Ireland) both same time
28, Ryan Connor (Northern Ireland) at 10 mins 34 secs
31, Thomas Evans (Northern Ireland) same time
DNF: Lewis Ferguson (Northern Ireland)
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23/3/06 COMMONWEALTH GAMES MTB: KILLEEN WINS, FERGUSON 19TH
Lewis Ferguson - Photo by CJ Farquharson
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Northern Ireland rider Lewis Ferguson placed 19th in the Commonwealth Games MTB race today, finishing 17 minutes and 35 seconds behind the 23 year old victor Liam Killeen.
Chris Jongewaard (Australia) was the early leader but was caught on the penultimate lap by Oli Beckingsale (England) and Seamus McGrath (Canada). The two leaders were then joined and dropped by Killeen, who soloed in to the finish 15 seconds clear of his compatriot and 32 seconds up on McGrath.
Killen highlighted his ability on Irish soil back in 2001, the-then 19 year old proving fastest in the Irish championship race in Kilruddery. He finished 47 seconds ahead of Robin Seymour, although as first Irish rider the title of national champion went to the latter.
The final event for the Northern Ireland Games team is the road race on Sunday. The exact lineup is yet to be confirmed, although it is thought that Ferguson will compete in that together with David McCann, Stephen Gallagher, Roger Aiken, Ryan Connor and Tommy Evans. McCann was fifth in the time trial on Tuesday.
Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia. Men’s cross-country mountain bike:
1, Liam Killeen (England) 2 hours 13 mins 11 secs
2, Oli Beckingsale (England) at 15 secs
3, Seamus Patrick McGrath (Canada) at 32 secs
4, Chris Jongewaard (Australia) at 1 min 57 secs
5, Kashi Leuchs (New Zealand) at 2 mins 18 secs
6, Sid Taberlay (Australia) at 4 mins 7 secs
Other:
19, Lewis Ferguson (Northern Ireland) 17 mins 35 secs
Lapped: Andrew Roche (Isle Of Man)
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21/3/06 FOURTH AND FIFTH FOR HUTCHINSON AND MCCANN
Northern Ireland duo Michael Hutchinson and David McCann went frustratingly close to medals in the Commonwealth Games individual time trial earlier today, the two riders finishing fourth and fifth in the 40 kilometre event.
Fastest was pre-race favourite Nathan O’Neill, the Australian recording a time of 48 minutes 37.29 seconds for the distance. This saw him finish 24.38 seconds ahead of compatriot Ben Day, while New Zealand’s Gordon McCauley secured bronze when he finished 1 minute and 13.41 seconds off O’Neill.
Hutchinson was just over 14 seconds behind McCauley, with McCann just under ten seconds further back.
Today’s ride represents a career best Commonwealth Games performance for Hutchinson, who was 15th in Manchester in 2002.
McCann finished eighth four years ago had been targeting a medal this time round. He worked towards peaking for the time trial since finishing second in the race against the clock in the Tour de Langkawi, and had pinpointed O’Neill as the man to watch back then. The Irish TT champion will have been disappointed not to take a place in the top three, although his preparation was hampered when he crashed heavily in training three weeks ago.
Their Northern Ireland team-mate Ryan Connor also rode well to finish 16th of the 68 starters. Isle of Man competitor Andrew Roche, who has also competed for Ireland in the past, was 11th.
Next up for the NI team is the cross country mountainbike event on Thursday. Lewis Ferguson will compete in that, then join with McCann, Stephen Gallagher, Roger Aiken, Ryan Connor and Tommy Evans in the road race on Sunday.
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2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne, Australia:
Men’s time trial:
1, Nathan O'Neill (Australia) 40 kilometres in 48 mins 37.29 secs
2, Ben Day (Australia) at 24.38 secs
3, Gordon McCauley (New Zealand) at 1 min 13.41 secs
4, Michael Hutchinson (Northern Ireland) at 1 min 28.07 secs
5, David McCann (Northern Ireland) at 1 min 37.90 secs
6, Stuart Dangerfield (England) at 2 mins 19.71 secs
Other:
11, Andrew Roche (Isle Of Man) at 3 mins 18.87 secs
16, Ryan Connor (Northern Ireland) at 4 mins 57.53 secs
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19/3/06 CAVENDISH WINS COMMONWEALTH GAMES SCRATCH RACE
There was no joy for either of Northern Ireland’s entrants in today’s 20 km scratch race at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, with both Stephen Gallagher and Tommy Evans finishing to the rear of the field in their heats.
The first qualifier went to New Zealand’s Greg Henderson, with Zack Bell (Canada) and Ashley Hutchinson (Australia) second and third. Gallagher was sixteenth. Meanwhile Timothy Gudsell and his New Zealand team-mate Hayden Godfrey were first and second in heat two, while Evans was fourteenth.
The gold medal went to Mark Cavendish (Isle Of Man). He, Gudsell, Hutchinson, Canada's Zach Bell, James McCallum (Scotland) and Timothy Gudsell (New Zealand) took a lap out of the bunch early on in the race, then fought it out for the victory once the 20 kilometres had been completed. Cavendish proved faster than Hutchinson and McCallum in the final gallop, taking the Commonwealth title. He dedicated his medal to compatriot James Berry, the former Kerry Youth Tour winner who was tragically killed in a freak training accident in December.
According to the team data circulated before the start of the Games, Evans and Gallagher had been due to ride the points race on Saturday. However neither were listed among the starters. Next for the NI squad is the time trial on Tuesday, which represents arguably the squad’s best chance of a medal. David McCann and Michael Hutchinson are both aiming for a top ride there.
Commonwealth Games 20 km scratch race, Melbourne:
Qualifying Heat 1
1, Greg Henderson (New Zealand)
2, Zack Bell (Canada)
3, Ashley Hutchinson (Australia)
4, Ross Sander (Wales)
5, Rob Hayles (England)
6, Sean Finning (Australia)
7, Jonathan Matthew Bellis (Isle of Man)
8, Mark Richard Kelly (Isle of Man)
Other:
16, Stephen Gallagher (Northern Ireland)
Qualifying heat 2
1, Timothy Gudsell (New Zealand)
2, Hayden Godfrey (New Zealand)
3, Martin Gilbert (Canada)
4, Mohd Zahit. Mohd Sayuti (Malaysia)
5, Edward Clancy (England)
6, Geraint Thomas (Wales)
7, Mark Cavendish (Isle of Man)
8, Ben Kersten (Australia)
Other:
14, Thomas Evans (Northern Ireland)
Final:
1, Mark Cavendish (Isle Of Man) 23 mins 5.54 secs (51.965km/h)
2, Ashley Hutchinson (Australia)
3, James McCallum (Scotland)
4, Timothy Gudsell (New Zealand)
5, Zack Bell (Canada)
6, Jonathan Matthew Bellis (Isle Of Man)
7, Evan Oliphant (Scotland)
8, Mark Richard Kelly (Isle Of Man)
9, Martin Gilbert (Canada)
10, Greg Henderson (New Zealand)
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16/3/06 COMMONWEALTH GAMES UNDERWAY: HUTCHINSON SIXTH
Michael Hutchinson during his pursuit qualifying
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Michael Hutchinson today got the Northern Ireland team’s campaign underway in the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, finishing a solid sixth in the individual pursuit.
Hutchinson recorded a time of 4 minutes 28.862 seconds during the qualification rounds, just over .1 of a second off the pace of fifth-placed Kiwi Mark Ryan.
Former FBD Milk Rás winner Paul Manning was quickest, recording 4 minutes 21.801 seconds for the distance. His England team-mate Rob Hayles was second, with Jason Allen (New Zealand) third.
Manning once again showed his superiority in the finals, taking gold ahead of Hayles in a time of 4 minutes 23.799 seconds. Steve Cummings beat Allen for bronze, making it an all-England podium.
Next up for the Northern Ireland squad is the points race tomorrow. Tommy Evans and Stephen Gallagher will compete in this, then go on to do the 20 kilometre scratch race on Sunday.
Hutchinson is back in action on Tuesday, the time trial specialist going in the 40 kilometre race against the clock. Chief medal hopes will probably rest with David McCann, who finished 14th in the 2004 world championships. He was sixth and eighth in Commonwealth Games competition in the past but, on the evidence of his excellent second place in the Tour de Langkawi TT last month, is at a higher level than before.
Following the time trial, Lewis Ferguson will line out in the cross country mountainbike race next Thursday. He has been working hard in recent months to prepare for the off-road event.
The NI Games campaign reaches its climax next Sunday when five riders go in the 180 kilometre road race. Stephen Gallagher and his Giant Asia team-mate David McCann showed good form this month in placing second and fifth overall in the Tour of Taiwan. Sean Kelly Racing Team rider Roger Aiken, Tommy Evans and Lewis Ferguson complete the quintet, and between them all they could be in the thick of the scrap for a medal.
Michael Hutchinson - Pictures by CJ Farquharson
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2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne:
Men’s 4,000m individual pursuit
Qualification:
1, Paul Manning (England) 4 mins 21.801 secs (55.003 km/h)
2, Rob Hayles (England) 4 mins 21.837 secs
3, Jason Allen (New Zealand) 4 mins 22.941 secs
4, Steven Cummings (England) 4 mins 25.570 secs
5, Mark Ryan (New Zealand) 4 mins 26.773 secs
6, Michael Hutchinson (Northern Ireland) 4 mins 28.862 secs
7, Mark Jamieson (Australia) 4 mins 30.399 secs
8, Hayden Roulston (New Zealand) 4 mins 30.747 secs
9, Zack Bell (Canada) 4 mins 31.831 secs
10, Peter Dawson (Australia) 4 mins 34.269 secs
11, Rupert Rheeder (South Africa) 4 mins 40.078 secs
12, Amirrudin Jamaludin (Malaysia) 4 mins 49.106 secs
Finals:
For bronze:
3, Steven Cummings (England) 4 mins 24.767 secs (54.387 km/h)
4, Jason Allen (New Zealand) 4 mins 30.319 secs
For gold and silver:
1, Paul Manning (England) 4 mins 23.799 secs (54.587 km/h)
2, Rob Hayles (England) 4 mins 28.616 secs
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NORTHERN IRELAND TEAM SCHEDULE:
TRACK:
- Individual pursuit, Thursday March 16: Michael Hutchinson
- Points race, Friday March 17: Stephen Gallagher, Tommy Evans
- 20 km scratch race, Sunday March 19: Stephen Gallagher, Tommy Evans
MTB:
- Cross country, Thursday March 23: Lewis Ferguson
ROAD:
- Time trial, Tuesday March 21:
David McCann
Michael Hutchinson
- Road race, Sunday March 26:
David McCann
Tommy Evans
Stephen Gallagher
Lewis Fergusion
Roger Aiken
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TEAM PROFILE (by Alastair Irvine, NI Commonwealth Games team manager)
Team Manager: Alastair Irvine
Representing: Northern Ireland Cycling Federation
Team/Club: North Down Cycling Club
Address: Bangor, Co. Down, N. Ireland
Started competitive cycling – 1977
Achievments: Irish and N. Ireland championships and medals in :-
Road Racing
Time Trials
Cyclo Cross
Mountain Bike
at Juvenile, Junior and Senior levels.
Competed professionally on Belgian and French teams between 1985 and 1990
Previous CwG:
4th Team Time Trial 1982 – Brisbane, Australia
3rd Team Time Trial 1986 – Edinburgh, Scotland – Bronze Medal
9th 20km Scratch 1986 – Edinburgh, Scotland
24th Road Race 1986 – Edinburgh, Scotland
6th Team Time Trial 1990 – Auckland, New Zealand
3rd 50km Points Race 1990 – Auckland, New Zealand – Bronze Medal
24th 40km Points Race 1994 – Victoria, Canada
Team Manager 1998 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Team Manager 2002 – Manchester, England
Team Manager 2006 – Melbourne, Australia
Northern Ireland Cycling Team schedule:
Thursday March 16: Velodrome, Final – Men Individual 4000m Pursuit (evening)
Friday March 17: Velodrome, Final – Men 40km Points Race (evening)
Sunday March 19: Velodrome, Final – Men 20km Scratch Race (evening)
Monday March 20: Beach Road, Road Time Trial course familiarisation
Monday March 20 to Wednesday March 22: State MTB course - MTB course familiarisation
Tuesday March 21: Beach Road, St Kilda, 13:00hrs – Men Individual Road Time Trial
Thursday March 23:Lysterfield, State MTB, 14:00hrs – Men Individual Cross Country Race
Saturday March 25: Royal Botanic Gardens, Road Race course familiarisation
Sunday March 26 : Royal Botanic Gardens, 13:00hrs – Men Individual Road Race
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Name: David McCann
Event: Road Time Trial + Road Race
Previous CwG Manchester England 2002 / Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 1998 / Victoria Canada 1994
Team/Club Giant Asia Racing Team / Phoenix Cycling Club (Belfast)
Status: Married
Height: 1.86m
Weight: 73kg
D.o.B: 17/03/1973
Address: Dunmurry, Belfast, N. Ireland.
Interests: Coaching, Music, Technology, Travel.
David is a professional cyclist competing primarily in Asia and has performed exceptionally during the 2005 season. He has competed at international level for 12 years and is also represented Ireland at the Olympic Games. He has achieved Irish championships in road racing and time trials.
David is an attacking rider who initiates situations and forces response from his competitors, he consistently performs at world elite level and is one of cycling’s medal contenders.
David finished 14th at the time trial world championships in 2004.
This level of performance has shown itself again during 2005 and with the Melbourne games a major priority, David will be focused on attaining his goal.
Previous CwG results;
6th Victoria – Team Time Trial
12th Kuala Lumpur – Road Time Trial
12th Kuala Lumpur - 4000m Individual Pursuit (Velodrome)
8th Manchester – Road Time Trial
2005 Performances;
5th UCI Asia Rank
Selection Ireland RR – World C’ships – Madrid – Spain
1st GC Tour of Korea (KOR 2.2)
1st stg Tour of Korea – Leader for 4 days
1st stg Kerman Tour
1st stg Azerbaijan Tour
1st stg Tour d’Indonesia (INA 2.2)
1st stg 6 TT Sun Tour
2nd GC @18sec Tour of Siam (THA 2.2)
2nd stg Kerman Tour
2nd stg Azerbaijan Tour
2nd stg 1 Tour of Siam
3rd Irish RR Championships
3rd stg Tour of Qinghai Lake
3rd G.C. Sun Tour (Aust 2.1)
4th GC Kerman Tour (IRI 2.2)
5th GC Azerbaijan Tour (IRI 2.2)
5th stg 4 Tour of Siam
5th stg 4 Sun Tour
7th stg 5 Sun Tour
8th Points competition Tour of Siam
10th stg 5 Tour of Siam
10th stg 7 Sun Tour
15th GC Tour of Qinghai Lake (CNN 2.HC)
1st Irish 40km TT C’ship - 50m 13s
1st league 10m TT Jun 9 – 19m 04s (New Irish record)
1st league 25m TT Jun 16 – 50m 04s
1st League 10m TT Jun 30 – 18m 59s (New Irish record)
2006 Performances;
1st stg 1 Tour of Thailand (THA 2.2)
1st stg 4 Tour of Thailand (THA 2.2)
2nd stg 9 TT Tour of Langkawi (MAL 2.1)
3rd Points G.C. Tour of Langkawi (MAL 2.1)
4th Mountains G.C. Tour of Langkawi (MAL 2.1)
6th stg 1 Tour of Siam (THA 2.2)
6th stg 4 Tour of Siam (THA 2.2)
7th stg 2 Tour of Siam (THA 2.2)
7th stg stg 6 Tour of Langkawi (MAL 2.1)
11th G.C. Tour of Thailand (THA 2.2)
12th stg 7 Tour of Langkawi (MAL 2.1)
13th G.C. Tour of Langkawi (MAL 2.1)
17th G.C. Tour of Siam (THA 2.2)
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Name: Tommy Evans
Event: Road Race + Points Race + 20km Scratch Race
Previous CwG Manchester England 2002 / Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 1998 / Victoria Canada 1994
Team/Club: TerryDolan.com Racing Team
Status: Married
Height: 1.68m
Weight: 62kg
D.o.B: 27/03/1973
Address: Banbridge, Co. Down, N. Ireland.
Interests: Movies, Technology, Gadgets, Coaching, Family restaurant business.
Tommy has been an international competitor for over 12 years.
He has competed in elite competition throughout the world and achieved Irish championships and medals.
Between 2000 and 2004 he was a European based professional in Marseille, France
He is a potential medallist and important contributor to the performance of a team.
As one of the most experienced riders he will be designated team captain for the road race team, co-ordinating tactics during the event and supporting medal possibilities by seeking opportunities to expose weakness in other teams. His skills and abilities suit the characteristics of the course and he has the experience to influence competitive situations at all stages of the event.
Tommy will also participate on the velodrome where he has experience, skill and the ability to achieve results.
Previous CwG results;
10th Victoria – 20km Scratch Race (Velodrome)
27th Kuala Lumpur – Road Race
12th Manchester – Road Race
2005 Performances
1st N.Ireland. RR C’ship
4th Irish RR C’ships
Irish selection Sun Tour – Australia
1st Wallace Caldwell (Ire National Classic)
1st Noel Teggart (Ire National Classic)
1st stg TT Ras Connachta (Ire National Classic)
1st GC Ras Connachta (Ire National Classic)
1st Billy Stewart Cup (Regional Classic)
2nd stg 3 Tour of Ulster (Ire National Classic)
3rd John Beggs mem (Ire National Classic)
3rd stg 1 Tour of Ulster (Ire National Classic)
4th GC Tour of Ulster (Ire National Classic)
4th Noel Hammond mem (Ire Natonal Classic)
th Tour of Ards (Regional Classic)
2006 Performances;
Tour of Siam (THA 2.2)
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Name: Stephen Gallagher
Event: Road Race + 20km Scratch Race + Points Race
Previous CwG Manchester England 2002
Team/Club Giant Asia Racing Team / Orchard Wheelers Cycling Club (Armagh)
Status: Married
Height: 1.76m
Weight: 65kg
D.o.B: 09/07/1980
Address: Richhill, Co. Armagh, N. Ireland
Interests: Family business, Music.
Stephen was a European professional based in Flanders, Belgium between 2002 and 2005.
His race calendar required consistent high performance in many of Europe’s premier events.
For 2006 Stephen has joined the Giant Asia racing team.
Stephen is an exceptional asset to the team. He has acquired extensive experience of elite racing and with the Melbourne circuit characteristics suitable to Stephens racing style, his skills and abilities will be important on the difficult sections of the course when erratic race patterns develop, similar to the competition he regularly competes in.
Stephen has targeted Melbourne as a priority objective within his cycling development.
He will also participate on the velodrome.
Previous CwG results;
23rd Manchester – Road Race
2005 Performances
4th Irish 40km TT C’ship
5th Metterman Criterium (GER national series)
5th Regio Bahn Cup (BEL)
6th stg 2 Ras Tour of Ireland (IRE 2.2)
6th Criterium Bochum (BEL)
8th stg 7 Ras Tour of Ireland (IRE 2.2)
10th stg 6 Ras Tour of Ireland (IRE 2.2)
14th Le Boucle de L’Artois (FRA 1.2)
20th G.C. Ras Tour of Ireland (IRE 2.2)
22nd stg 1 Boucles de la Mayenne (FRA 2.2)
23rd CSC Classic (DAN 1.1)
26th Ruddervourde Pro Kermesse (BEL)
2006 Performances;
Tour of Siam (THA 2.2)
3rd G.C. Tour of Thailand (THA 2.2)
3rd stg 3 Tour of Thailand (THA 2.2)
4th stg 1 Tour of Thailand (THA 2.2)
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Name: Lewis Ferguson
Event: Mountain Bike XC + Road Race
Previous CwG: none
Team/Club Team BHB
Status: Single
Height: 1.72m
Weight: 62kg
D.o.B: 29/07/1985
Address: Holywood, Co. Down, N. Ireland
Interests: Motor sport, Moto GP, socialising, travel.
Lewis has been Northern Irelands leading international elite MTB performer over the past two seasons and ranked second in Ireland.
Primarily an elite mountain bike racer who uses road racing to attain competitive advantage, part of his CwG preparation included competing in the UCI ranked 7 day Tour of Siam road race in Thailand.
He will complete his final preparations by competing in New Zealand before arriving in Melbourne.
His target has been Melbourne and he has shown an experience that will see a significant performance at the 2006 games.
Being only the second time the MTB discipline has been included at Commonwealth Games, Lewis has the talent and ability to make Northern Ireland a major competitive force in this discipline.
Previous CwG results;
First time at Commonwealth Games.
2005 Performances;
1st U23 Konitsa MX (GRE E1)
1st Ulster MTB XC League
1st Ulster MTB Regional XC
2nd Ire NPS rd 1 Castlewellan
2nd POG National XC
3rd Ire NPS rd 2 Ballinastoe
3rd Irish XC MX C’ships
3rd XC Conlig (IRE E2)
4th Irish XC OX C’ships OX
8th Larissa XC OX (GRE E1)
9th GB NPS XC OX Nottingham (GBR E2)
2006 Performances;
3rd Irish Cyclo Cross Championships
Tour of Siam (THA 2.2)
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Name: Ryan Connor
Event: Road Race + Road Time Trial
Previous CwG: none
Team/Club EC Mayenne (France) / Ballymena Road Club
Status: Single
Height: 1.72m
Weight: 62kg
D.o.B: 06/04/1984
Address: Ballymena, Co. Antrim, N. Ireland
Interests; Travel, technology, soccer
Ryan has been racing professionally during the 2004 and 2005 seasons.
He has joined a new French team for the 2006 season.
Ryan achieved results that would have seen him considered for selection for the 2002 Commonwealth Games had he not been too young for eligibility.
He was the British Junior time trial champion in 2003.
His aggressive approach to competition will be valuable to the team and he has shown competitiveness on the world stage. He can be depended on to lead attacking or defensive tactics and has a determination that is an asset to assist our medal possibility.
Ryan will make the most of opportunities as they develop, Melbourne has been his objective for the previous four years.
Previous CwG results;
First time at Commonwealth Games.
2005 Performances:
Irish selection U23 World Championships
3rd KoM Tour of Siam (THA 2.2)
7th Irish RR C’ship
2nd U23 Irish RR C’ships
17th stg 1 Tour of Siam (THA 2.2)
14th stg 4 Tour of Siam (THA 2.2)
15th Circuit des Ardennes (BEL 1.1)
1st John Beggs (Ire Notional Classic)
1st stg 3 TT Tour of North (Ire National Classic)
1st Ulster 50m TT C’ship
1st Irish U23 40km TT C’ship
2nd N. Ireland RR C’ships
2nd Ulster 10m TT C’ship
2nd Red Hand Trophy (Regional Classic)
3rd GC Tour of Ulster (Ire National Classic)
3rd Wallace Caldwell (Regional Classic)
5th stg 2 Tour of Ulster (Ire National Classic)
6th stg 3 Tour of Ulster TT (Ire National Classic)
2006 Performances:
2nd U23 G.C. Tour of Siam (THA2.2)
14th G.C. Tour of Siam (THA 2.2)
24th stg 6 Tour of Siam (THA 2.2)
20th stg 7 Tour of Siam (THA 2.2)
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Name: Roger Aiken
Event: Road Race
Previous CwG: none
Team/Club: Sean Kelly Race Team (Belgium) / Banbridge Cycling Club (Banbridge)
Status: Single
Height: 1.79m
Weight: 65kg
D.o.B: 19/05/1981
Address: Dromore, Co.Down, N. Ireland
Interests: Motor sport, engineering, Reading.
Roger is an International competitive cyclist and spent a considerable amount of the 2005 season competing in Belgium.
He has developed progressively over the past two seasons to attained significant results and has recently left his employment as a transport engineer to begin a career in professional cycling.
Roger is a strong competitor who can force situations to develop, the undulating terrain targets his strength and the erratic nature of the course will be similar to his Belgian competitions.
He also competes in international mountain bike competitions and is a successful international cyclo cross rider, travelling to Belgium and France for competition.
Roger is one of only a few elite cyclists who are consistent year round competitors.
Previous CwG results;
First time at Commonwealth Games.
2005 Performances
1st 2004 Irish Cyclo Cross C’ship
1st stg 1 Ras Tour of Ireland (IRL 2.2)
3rd stg Ras Tour of Ireland (IRE2.2)
4th Elite Kermesse – Alast (BEL)
4th Elite Kermesse – Londeerzle (BEL)
6th Elite Kermesse – Halle-Breedhout (BEL)
7th Elite Kermesse – Alast (BEL)
10th Elite Kermesse – Geetbates (BEL)
1st Moneymore GP (Regional Classic)
1st stg 1 Pro Tour of North (Ire National Classic)
1st Irish Hill Climb C’ship
2nd stg 5 Tour of North (Ire National Classic)
2nd Irish tandem TT C’ship
3rd N.Ireland RR C’ship
5th Noel Teggart (Ire National Classic)
5th Irish XC MX C’ship
6th Irish MTB XC OX C’ship
2006 Performances:
2nd Irish Cyclo Cross Championships
31st G.C. Tour of Siam (THA 2.2)
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Name: Michael Hutchinson
Event: Individual Pursuit + Road Time Trial
Previous CwG: Manchester England 2002
Team/Club: In-Gear Quickvit Racing Team
Status: Partner
Height: 1.78m
Weight: 74kg
D.o.B: 20/11/1973
Address: London, England. (family in Strangford, Co. Down, N. Ireland)
Interests: Journalism, law, coaching.
Michael has excelled in competition during 2005 and has elevated his performance levels.
He is now regarded as the United Kingdoms premier time trialist, every competitive time trial championship distance is currently held by him.
Michael has also adapted his skills and ability to the velodrome where he achieved 3rd place in the Individual 4000m Pursuit at the British Championships.
The time trial course is very suitable to his style of riding and its characteristics ensure Michael is a possible medallist.
The space between events ensures there is no effect on performance for both competition and Michael’s preparation and experience will assure he is in optimum condition for his target events.
Previous CwG results;
15th Manchester – Road Time Trial
13th Manchester – Individual Pursuit
2005 performances;
1st National Rudy Project TT series
1st British 10m TT C’ship – 19m 11s
1st British 25m TT C’ship – 47m 15s
1st British 50m TT C’ship – 1hr 39m 40s
1st British 100m TT C’ship
1st British 12hr TT C’ship
1st British “Best all rounder” C’ship
1st Champion of champions TT
1st British National Time Trial series
1st World Masters 3000m pursuit
2nd British National Circuit TT C’ship
3rd British Track C’ships – 4000m Pursuit
Fastest 42km time – Port Talbot Wheelers TT – 47min 3sec
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Full Commonwealth Games cycling schedule:
March 16: Women’s 500m time trial; Men’s 1,000m time trial & 4,000m individual pursuit
March 17: Women’s 25km points race; Men’s keirin & 40km points race
March 18: Men’s 4,000m team pursuit & sprint; Women’s sprint
March 19: Women’s 3,000m individual pursuit; Men’s team sprint & 20km scratch race
March 21: Women’s road time trial, Men’s road time trial
March 23: Women’s cross-country mountain bike race, Men’s cross-country mountain bike race
March 26: Women’s road race, Men’s road race
IMAGES COPYRIGHT:
Any images included in this article remain the property of the photographer, by whom all rights are retained, 2006 ©. Use of images for electronic or print purposes is may be possible with the express, written permission of the photographer.