
A pensive George Peden at the start contemplates the task ahead.
In an historic morning on the Portaferry Road, George Peden (Prologue) beat Chris Boardman’s 27 year old Champions of Champions course record by 7 seconds with the amazing time of 49:29. Marcus Christie (Perf Swim) also did a superb time of 50:13 to claim the third fastest time ever on the sporting 25 mile course.

With one and a half miles to go, George had exactly 3 minutes left to break Boardman’s record – it was going to be very close…

Chris Boardman (Kodak) set the previous record of 49:36 in 1993 (photo – The Times)
To put these times in perspective, when Chris Boardman set the record in 1993, he was the current Olympic 4000m champion, and was just embarking on a very successful professional career. He beat Graeme Obree on the day, but Graeme went on to win the world 4000m championships a couple of weeks later, setting a new world record.

Marcus Christie has first rider off. All riders had to start with one foot on the floor.
It was a great morning for time trialling – warm, with just a gentle off shore breeze. This year’s event was lower key than usual, and although just 30 riders started the top time trialists from across Ireland were present. The faster riders were started first to try and avoid the worst of the traffic and the risk of delays. Despite this, George was slowed slightly in Greyabbey.

George’s starting effort

Marcus powers towards the finish, with Scrabo Tower in the distance
Behind the first two, strong man and Ras legend Bryan McCrystal (Bellurgan) was third in 51:22, just getting the better of top roadman Lindsay Watson (Powerhouse). World 50-54 masters champion Greg Swinand (Dan Morrisey) was fifth with 52:39.

Bryan was soon up to full speed

Lindsay on the start line was probably not expecting to be caught for two minutes by George, but he still finished a very respectable fourth. He also took the honorary Ards CC best shoe award.

Greg piles on the pressure with just over a mile to go
Eileen Burns (Ballymena) was once again fastest woman, although the anticipated dual with Kelly Murphy (Storey) failed to materialise when Kelly unfortunately punctured.

Eileen Burns clearly enjoys the Portaferry Course as she wins the lady’s award for the fifth time.
First Ards CC rider was another M50 – John Rafferty with 55:57, followed by Alan Patterson and Barry Mitchell.

John Rafferty

Barry Mitchell
But the day belonged to George Peden and his record breaking ride. Unfortunately we couldn’t run a proper prize presentation at the event, but hopefully we’ll be able to present the trophy to him in the near future. And watch out for that name in the coming years!
Name | Club | Time | ||
1 | George Peden | Prologue | 49:29 | 1st |
2 | Marcus Christie | Perf Swim | 50:13 | 2nd |
3 | Bryan McCrystal | Bellurgan | 51:22 | 3rd |
4 | Lindsay Watson | Powerhouse | 51:40 | |
5 | Greg Swinand | Dan Morrissey | 52:39 | |
6 | Aaron Watson | Dromara | 53:15 | |
7 | John Madden | Inspired | 53:48 | |
8 | Chris McGlinchey | CRC | 54:05 | |
9 | Ian Inglis | Kinning | 54:51 | |
10 | Ross Hamilton | Quanta | 54:53 | |
11 | Paul Carroll | Velo Café | 54:56 | |
12 | Stuart McCaughey | Phoenix | 55:22 | |
13 | John Rafferty | Ards CC | 55:57 | 1st Ards |
14 | Edward Kearney | Phoenix | 56:04 | |
15 | Rory McIntyre | Apollo | 56:52 | |
16 | Ciaran McVeigh | Phoenix | 57:00 | |
17 | Luke Joyce | Bikehouse | 57:24 | |
18 | Eileen Burns | Ballymena | 57:43 | 1st lady |
19 | James Gordon | Phoenix | 57:49 | |
20 | Alan Patterson | Ards CC | 57:56 | |
21 | Barry Mitchell | Ards CC | 58:36 | |
22 | Daniel Daly | Phoenix | 59:09 | |
23 | Kevin Briggs | Ards CC | 1:02:25 | |
24 | Laura Campbell | Ballymena | 1:02:50 | |
25 | Jonathon Taylor | North Down | 1:03:07 | |
26 | Michael Rowan | Northern | 1:03:09 | |
27 | Niall Brown | Ards CC | 1:03:12 | |
28 | Niall Simpson | Lagan Valley | 1:03:22 | |
29 | Andrew Jess | Ards CC | 1:03:27 | |
30 | Steve Core | Ards CC | 1:07:56 | |
Kelly Murphy | Storey | Puncture | ||
Hilary Hughes | Westport | DNS | ||
Ian O’Hare | Lucan | DNS | ||
Paul Kennedy | Spellman | DNS | ||
Stephen Harkins | Madigan | DNS |
Thanks to all the marshals and timekeepers for running the event, and to everyone who turned up to compete or watch – although we had to socially distance, it was still a memorable morning.

Ciaran McVeigh, Phoenix

Kelly Murphy (Storey) started well, but unfortunately punctured.

Daniel Daly (Phoenix)

Laura Campbell (Ballymena) was second lady.

Jonathon Taylor – former Ards CC rider now with North Down

John Madden (inspired) – another inspiring M50 rider

Ever green Michael Rowan (Northern)

Niall Brown (Ards CC)

Kevin Briggs (Ards)

Steve Core (Ards CC)

Andrew Jess (Ards CC)

Thanks to the Belgian Project media team for covering the event today – check out their website later for lots more photos

And finally – great to see Dave Kane still getting in the miles today – stay safe.