Some of the riders at the Magreechan Cup
Tonight’s planned road race at Orlock had to be cancelled at short notice due to ongoing road works. But Orlock’s loss was Millisle’s gain as the timekeepers took the opportunity to run the Magreechan Cup (postposed from earlier in the season).
Despite the late change, and a strong breeze, nine riders signed on. John Rafferty was fastest with a time of 37:19 for the 16.6 mile coastal course – just 30 seconds slower than last year. Second, with a strong 38:13 on this new time trial bike was recently upgraded first cat road man Andrew Chivers. Andrew Jess rounded out the podium.
It was great to see former club Chairman and President Bobby Magreechan down to present the prizes and the trophy. Bobby has sponsored this event for 34 years now, and he commented that it was great to see that there was still interest in longer time trials.
Bobby presents the Magreechan Cup to winner John Rafferty
| Name | Club | Time | |
| 1 | John Rafferty | Ards CC | 37:19 |
| 2 | Andrew Chivers | Cidotel | 38:13 |
| 3 | Andrew Jess | Ards CC | 42:10 |
| 4 | Andrew Evans | Killinchy | 43:04 |
| 5 | Alan Rodgers | Ards CC | 44:55 |
| 6 | Brian Wylie | Castlereagh | 45:05 |
| 7 | Gillian Orr | North Down | 45:18 |
| 8 | Colin Wilson | Ards CC | 47:06 |
| 9 | Alastair Martin | Ards CC | 57:32 |
Thanks as always to the marshals, time keeper and pusher off. And a special thanks to Bobby for once again sponsoring this special event.
Don’t forget the town centre races next Wednesday. If the teams who have entered the team pursuit could confirm their team details with Darren that would be really helpful.
Finally, we might run the 10k time trial that was cancelled earlier in the season next Tuesday (18th). Check here or on our Facebook page nearer the time to confirm.
Andrew Jess was third overall
Alan Rodgers was fastest unplaced Ards CC rider