In spite of the restrictions, Ards CC members still did a lot of cycling this year. Here are some of the highlights in 16 pictures. If you have any other memories you’d like to share, please email, or share them on Facebook.
And if you’ve any ideas for other articles you’d like to see over the coming months – particularly things to try in lockdown or inspirational ideas to look forward to after lockdown is lifted – please let us know.
The season started well for the new Ards CC racing team, with Peter McLean taking third in the main A1/2 race at the Phoenix GP at the start of March.
Simon Brien Residential generously agreed to sponsor this year’s Tour of Ards, but unfortunately the race became one of the first cancellations due to Covid-19.
The cancellation of this year’s ToA gave us an opportunity to publish some great photos from earlier years, like this echelon near Conlig from 1981.
There was lots of riding alone. Here’s a picture of the Mournes from Rossglass in Lecale, taken in May.
Some members also turned to Strava Art. Here’s one of the most ambitious creations
As the days lengthened, some members became more ambitious – here’s Barry Mitchell’s 200 mile “lap of two loughs” from June. And three members also completed the Everesting challenge.
We were able to start a limited series of cub races on 21st July. We finally ran 6 club races, plus the Champion of Champions 25 and the Christmas 10. Click here for a list of the events and the results.
Limited club runs were also able to go ahead again (but observing social distancing guidelines where possible).
Highlight of the year for many was when George Peden (Prologue) beat Chris Boardman’s 27 year old Champion of Champions course and event record by 7 seconds with the amazing time of 49:29 on 9th August.
Ivan Robinson won the Ulster M60 10 and 25 mile time trial championships.
In September the young Rocket brothers took part in the Ulster Youth Championships in Tyrone. Karl picked up his fourth Ulster road race win in the under-13 category and took second in the time trial. And Jamie was second in the under-11 road race, and just 12 seconds off a medal in the time trial.
In September, we were saddened by the passing of Debbie Barclay – an inspirational figure in Irish cycling with life long links to Ards CC (pictured here at the club’s 75th anniversary dinner last year with husband Stephen).
All three grand tours went ahead this year, and Ards CC had a particular interest in La Vuelta – Martin Salmon (Sunweb, and son of former Ards CC guest rider Nick Salmon) was a late call up to the event. We followed his progress closely, with updates here and here. This picture shows him on the notorious Angliru climb.
In December we encouraged members to have a go at cyclo-cross, but only a couple of events were able to go ahead this year.
The season wouldn’t be complete without the Christmas 10.
And we couldn’t leave out this great photo of Baby Zara. Stay safe out there, and let’s hope for a better year in 2021.