Kay Hack Breaks 100 Mile Record

Twenty one starters turned out early this morning at Woodgreen to enter the first 100 mile Time Trial organised in Ulster for many years. Promoted by Bann Wheelers the event was well organised with Bann Wheelers members out in force to hand up bottles and gels from the sidelines. Kay Hack of the promoting club and one of the main instigators of the event was the only woman to compete.

However it was well worth her time as she beat the standard set by Cycling Ireland for this distance and thus set a new record with a time of 4.56.24, over three and a half minutes off the standard.

The winner of the event was Jim McConnell of East Antrim Audi with a time of 3.59.35, and the only man on the day to go under four hours. Jim also lifts the gold medal as this event was classed as an Ulster Championship; Silver medal position went to Simon Stockton (Team Madigan) with a time of 4.08.38 and bronze to John Heverin (Clann Eireann) with 4.11.07.

It was a day of mixed fortunes for some of the riders with mechanicals and punctures at the wrong time. Kay Hack had to jump off her bike with a faulty block when she was on her last circuit. Hewever due to quick response by Ronnie McKeegan and others she was soon back on her bike again. John Heverin also suffered mechanicals and the recent injury he sustained to his back began to cause a lot of pain in the last few miles.

Peter Jack from Roe Valley thoroughly enjoyed the day and even stopped for a quick coffee en route. For the North Pole contingent who travelled up from Donegal there was also mixed fortunes with Jim Doyle pulling out with a puncture.

Carl Fullerton was delighted with his time although an extra kick in the last few miles would have seen him break evens as he was only 41 seconds off the five hours. Oldest competitor on the day was 67 year old Willie John McLaughlin who summed it up when he said, "Sure the 60 mile run from home to Letterkenny is harder. That was just a nice wee run over flat roads. "

For many though, the achievement of completing the '100' was enough in itself and for some they now will be their club's 100 mile record holder which may coax other riders to come along and give it a go next year.

Team Madigan's Simon Stockton, Nigel Laffin and Mel McCann's combined times were enough to give them the team Medals in the event.

Billy Smyth (Phoenix CC), otherwise known as Timelord, who decided to celebrate his birthday by timing the event was presented with a birthday cake in the shape of a stop watch.

It seemed to be a day for bikes on the A26 as well over 100 motorbikes passed the riders. The line of motorbikes stretched to over a mile.

Cycling Ulster would like to congratulate Bann Wheelers on the promotion of this event and hope that it will become a permanent fixture in the calendar for years to come.

As we arrived late, apologies if any of the pics are mis-named or if I have left anyone out of the pics or results.

Jim Lavery was out on the course earlier in the morning and his photos can be viewed by clicking the gallery link below.

VIEW GALLERY OF THE ULSTER 100 MILE TT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009 BY JIM LAVERY


I hope the pictures in my gallery will give you some idea of what a wonderful day it was.
To view the gallery click the link below.

VIEW FULL GALLERY OF THE ULSTER 100 MILE TT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009 BY MARIAN LAMB


Report and Pics Marian Lamb

Results 100 Mile Time Trial 2009 - Woodgreen

Jim McConnell East Antim Audi 3.59.35
Simon Stockton Team Madigan 4.08.38
John Heverin Clann Eireann 4.11.07
Brendan McCourt Nothern Dave kane 4.15.28
Nigel Laffin Team Madigan 4.16.15
Dominic Drumm Bann Wheelers 4.29.54
Mel McCann Team Madigan 4.29.58
Colin McCluskey Team Madigan 4.37.23
Martin Robb Bann Valley 4.40.06
Robert Downes Bann Wheelers 4.48.57
Kay Hack Bann Wheelers 4.56.24
Carl Fullerton North Pole CC 5.00.41
Willy John McLaughlin North Pole CC 5.04.39
Jim Burns Ballymena Scott Tiles 5.25.22
Neil Clarke Bann Wheelers 5.25.28
Peter Jack Roe Valley 5.34.01