There was another great turn out for the straight in 10km time trial on the Portaferry Road this evening. The forecast was for sunshine and a tailwind, but it was blustery and cold, and Kirk Sloan’s club record of 12:07 always looked safe.

Fastest on the night was visitor David Hamilton (Curran Racing) with 12:45, and Ivan Robinson also dipped under 13 minutes with 12:54.

Gareth showed no ill effects after a 150 mile Giro club run at the weekend, taking first on handicap

This event counts towards the club’s 10k handicap cup. Biggest improvement on the night was Gareth Murray, who takes an early lead in this competition.

It was great to see so many members of Aftershock down tonight to encourage the riders and offer refreshments after the race. Their “act of random kindness” for a Christian Easter was much appreciated. Thank you, and come again anytime guys!

Riders and members of Aftershock at the finish

Here is the full result. Thanks as always to the timekeepers Ron and Bobby, and the pushers off Desi and John.

This week’s club time trial is a straight in 10k time trial on the Portaferry Road. Sign-on is in the car park at the play fields on the Portaferry Road in Newtownards, but the start is in Greyabbey, so please give yourself plenty of time.

A local group called Aftershock, supported by club member Jonny Frazer, will be at the finish with free refreshments, so please give them your support!

Another great crowd. Thanks to Richard Hanna for stepping in to push off as well as racing!

Report from Dany -

News Flash Ards CC.. the club TT’s  comptition seems to become a popular training ground for our neighbourly clubs..with clubs as NDCC and Kilinchy CC, and now also Velo Cafe-magasin we have a mini County Down competition on hand!!29 last night (Comber TT) ..31 the week before(Donaghadee RD)..this guest riders are of course very welcome..it helps the funds of the club and our status and profile is now one of * The place to test or race * Remember..Ards CC provided the first testing ground for World champion Martyn Irvine !! Last nights timekeepersRon Martin and Bobby had a another big entry to deal with, and provided us with the results below..so many thanks two the loyal timekeepers, and also a thank you to David McVeigh Ards CC, and Belgian Project photographer ,who provided us with this great pictures ..David has the World Police and Fire games as photographer on his CV,and now also the Giro as official shot taker…see flickr for his work ..here the results the pictures https://www.flickr.com/photos/thebelgianproject/sets/72157643664301543/

Idyllic evening time trialling

Results

William Orr powers back along the old Ballygowan Road

This event counts towards the club’s circuit time trial’s trophy, which is calculated on a scratch basis, so Robin Millar takes an early lead in this competition.

There was a big turnout for the first club race of the season. 31 riders faced the timekeepers – more than double the number for the same event last year.

It was great to see several new faces in Ards CC jerseys, and also some new visitors from Killinchy CC.

Fastest man on the night, and the only rider to dip under the magical 25mph barrier, was the ever green William Gill. He takes an early lead in the club Best All Rounder competition. Can anyone stop him winning 6 trophies again this year?

This event also counts towards the 5 mile handicap trophy. Points are awarded to the riders who beat their previous personal bests by the biggest margins. Early leader in this competition is Darren Colville.

The Club Races start again on Tuesday 1st April with a 5 mile time trial on the Donaghadee Road. Follow the “Club Races” link on the menu bar above or click here to see the full calendar. This includes links to course descriptions. Results will also be added to the calendar in due course.

Club races count towards the Club trophies and Club medal scheme – click on the links to find out more.

These races are a great way to get started in cycle racing, or for more experienced riders to hone their skills. Why not plan your season now, and target a club trophy or medals? Good luck!

William Gill with one of his 6 trophies from 2013

Frazer Duncan wins the 2014 Decathlon B’Twin Tour of Ards

Frazer Duncan (Dave Kane) won today’s Decathlon B’Twin Tour of Ards in a sprint from Daniel Stewart (Audi East Antrim) and Peter Hawkins (Madison Genesis) after 100km of tough racing around the Ards Peninsula.

A full field of 80 riders set off in dry conditions, but there was a cold westerly breeze. Fortunately the rain held off until after the finish.

Riders assemble at the race HQ

The first real split was established as the riders reached the outside of the peninsula after 20 miles. A group of 7 riders were about 40 seconds clear of a chasing group by Ballyhalbert, with the main bunch a further 15 seconds back.

Frazer drives the break out of Abbacy Road

The tough Mountain Road/Loughdoo Road circuit at the bottom of the peninsula saw some further sorting out. As the riders headed north again for the finish, a group of 6 strong men had emerged – Frazer, Daniel, Peter, Ronan McLaughlin (Dig Deep), Conor McConvey (Baku) and the ever green Mark Kane (Dave Kane).

Mark Kane pushes the pace into Loughdoo Road

Mark attached coming out of Kircubbin, and held a good gap for 3 miles before being caught again. Next to have a go was Daniel, and he still held a small lead as the riders rounded the last corner onto the finishing straight. Only Frazer had the strength to get past him as they all raced for the line. Peter was third, followed by Ronan, Connor and Mark.

Marc Potts (CT Tomac) led in the chasing bunch 2 and a half minutes later, well clear of Brian Stewart (Phoenix CC) who took the first unplaced vet prize.

David McKnight (TVR) was 9th, and first unplaced second cat, with Luke Hyland (TVR) 13th and first unplaced third cat, and Evan Donaghue (Four Masters) 11th overall and first junior.

Ian Carson upheld local honour with the first unplaced Ards rider award, and Des Woods (Maryland Wheelers) won the most aggressive rider award.

From left – Desi McIlwrath (club President), John Brown (representing the Brown family who presented the Tommy Brown memorial winners trophy), Peter Hawkins (3rd), Frazer Duncan (Winner), Daniel Stewart (3rd) and Jim Shannon (local MP)

Thanks to all the people who helped out on the day -

1. The police, for an excellent job marshalling the event.
2. The St.Johns Ambulance
3. The commissaires, time keepers, judges, marshals, neutral service crews, drivers, barrier erectors, etc.
4. The tea ladies for a great spread after the event.
5. St Patrick’s for the loan of their hall
6. And of course to Decathlon/B’Twin – our sponsor, for the great prize list and displays.

Results

Dave Kane team of Mark Kane, Frazer Duncan and Adam Armstrong

Here’s the final start list for this year’s Decathlon B’Twin Tour of Ards. Please remember your number as this will speed up sign on. Good luck!

A reminder that there will be a club meeting to discuss the Decathlon-B’Twin Tour of Ards on Monday 10th March at 7.30pm in Ards Leisure Centre. We need volunteers to marshall, drive officials, judge the finish and help with the teas, so all club members are asked to attend if possible.

If you can’t attend, please let Dany or any member of committee know if you will be able to help out on the day.

 And a trivia question – 3 riders who learnt  their trade as schoolboys with Ards CC have gone on to win the Tour of Ards. Can you name the riders, and the years when the won?? Here are a couple of pictures to help you…

The Tour of Ards has proved very popular this year, and entries are now closed. The full start list of 80 riders plus 6 reserves is given below.

Reserves