Van's the man

Van's the man

24 July 2013

FOR the first time in its history, Dromara Cycling Club has an Irish champion amongst its members.

Barry Van Kellett won the Masters category at the Irish XC MTB Championships hosted by Carn Wheelers in Garvagh Forest on Sunday.

Up against the majority of Ireland’s top Masters XC riders, Barry put in a sterling performance throughout the race, putting in pretty consistent lap times to come in over 30 seconds ahead of his nearest rival.

This is a result that Barry definitely deserves as throughout the season he has travelled throughout Ireland to compete in the Irish XC NPS series, which he also won, and it was clear that his consistent performances paid off to make him the Irish champion.

Also competing in the Masters category alongside Barry were John Shanks, who finished 14th, and Peter Ritchie, who came 24th.

On Thursday night round 16 of the the Dromara club’s summer club league was held and took the form of a 16-mile and 25-mile time trial.

Riders had a choice of what distance they could do. The 25-mile time trial started just below the Horseshoe bend outside Castlewellan, heading towards the turn at Banbridge and back via Ballyward, Moneyslane and Katesbridge.

The 16-mile time trial started in the same place, this time turning at McCoy’s garage before the return leg home.

The fastest 25-miler on the night was Marcus Magowan in a time of 1:03:36, with Conor Rice nine seconds slower in 1:03:45. Third was Nathan Mullan in 1:06:36.

Ronnie Smyth was the fastest of the 16-milers with a quick time of 39:20. Zak Hanna was second with 43:33 and David McClurg was third with 45:33.

The next round of the club league takes place tomorrow night (Thursday). Riders are asked to look at the message board on www.dromaracc.co.uk for a confirmation of venue and start time.