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Pre Entry Now Open For Annaclone

The first race of the season kicks off on Saturday 27th February with Banbridge CC's promotion of the Travers Engineering Annaclone GP. As the first race of the road season this event is always well supported. To enable the organisers to plan ahead they have decided to have pre-entry only. There will be two races
1. Handicapped ‘A’ race open to A1, A2 and A3 cat riders.
2. ‘B’ race open to A4 Cat only.
Races start at 12 noon. Sign-on Open 10:20 till 11:45.
The entry form is available for download by clicking the link below. They should be returned to Wilbur Aikan. All contact details are on the Entry Form.

Travers Engineering Annaclone GP Entry Form

Mc Menamin wins Omagh Duathlon

On Saturday 30th January the new Omagh Triathlon Club held its inaugural event. The event saw two Omagh Wheelers on the podium. The off-road duathlon took place in Areleston park and consisted of a 2 lap run (2miles) followed by a 4 lap bike (4 miles) and finished with another 2 lap run (2 miles). This was always going to be a tough event but the snow and frost which fell overnight left the course in treacherous condition for the 17 athletes who took to the start line. As the first run got underway and the athletes settled into their pace it was Peter Skeffington who made a small break at the front followed by Pete Neill, Mark Mc Aleer, JJ Mc Cullagh and Paul Mc Menamin. When the bike leg started Paul Mc Menamin came into his own and the former Irish Mountain Bike champion powered his way to the front passing Skeffington half way round the second lap to take the lead. Meanwhile Mc Aleer was also making up ground and slotted into 3rd place. Mc Menamins lead grew steadly over the remaining 2 & ½ laps and had about 2minutes going into the 2nd run. Skeffington worked hard in the second run to close the gap but to no avail. As Mc Menamin and Skeffington crossed the line things were really hotting up for the final podium position as Mc Aleer was being hunted down by strong running performances from JJ Mc Cullagh and Pete Neill. Mark just held off JJ by 4 seconds and JJ just held off Pete by another 4 seconds.

Important Information Re 2010 Grading System and Licences

Cycling Ireland and the Road Commission have isssued important guidelines for event organisers for the 2010 season. The new Category System for 2010 has caused some confusion so hopefully the new guidelines will help riders and organisers to plan ahead for the incoming season.

The system for obtaining one day licences has also changed and once again race organisers need to plan ahead to ensure that they have copies of the A3 One Day licence sheets. It will now be down to the race promoters to check licences and return all documentation and one day licence fees to Cycling Ireland.

The guidelines for both are available to download below.

2010 Category System Guidelines

2010 CI One Day Licence Policy

East Antrim Reliability Trial
This Sunday 7th February, East Antrim CC run their annual reliability trial. Sign-on for the event takes place as usual in the car park next to Carrickfergus Castle between 9:00 and closing at 9.45am sharp. The event will consist of two routes – the first will be 70 miles and aimed at riders preparing for the forthcoming racing season. The second route will be 55 miles and aimed more at the leisure rider. Both groups will enjoy a tea-stop at Ballygalley car park before the run back home – routes be will announced on the day.
The 70 mile group will depart at 10am sharp, with the 55mile group departing at 10.01am. All riders must wear helmets, and obey the rules of the road at all times.

Island Wheelers Reliability Trial
Island Wheelers CC Reliability trial will be held on Sunday 7th February. Sign on is at Gortgonis Sports Hall from 9 am and starting at 10am. There are two routes 100 km and 60 km. Entry fee is £10 and there will be refreshments afterwards and shower facilities. The routes for these runs can be found on the Island Wheelers website – islandwheelers.co.uk. With any luck the weather will be more favourable than it has been in recent years.

Monthly Draw

A monthly draw was suggested at Monday's Meeting to raise funds for club.

It would take all members and others to contribute to work.

A £5 Monthly Direct Debt would be set up with 50% going to prize fund and 50% to club.

Could people please let their interest be known as to whether or not the club should proceed with this.

Members can email the club or tell any committee member if they are willing to particapate.

2010 Club calendar

A DRAFT for the 2010 club racing calendar is available to view on the racing page, Please note this is subject to change of dates regarding the interclub series.

If any member's marshalling date does not suit could they make arrangements with others to swap and inform Sean by email or phone to change online.

A break of 2 weeks has been included around the 12th for holidays and members will notice a more mixed schedule, all comments welcome.

Monthly Meeting.

Next meeting is on Monday 1st Feb @8pm in Silverbirch Hotel

Touring

To all of the touring ' Wheelers' the season has well and truly started as you can see form the photo. Can I encourage all riders who have not made it out yet to take the plunge and make it out on a Sunday at 10.30, at Omagh Leisure Centre.The touring competition has started with some strong riders already showing, despite the inclement weather. However its not too late to get going and aim for up and coming tours. New club members welcome.

Accredited Steward Training Opportunity

Anyone interested in a training opportunity for a OCN NI Level 2 in
'Understanding Stewarding at Spectator Events'

could they please forward their names ASAP.

This programme is offered free of charge by Omagh District
Council and will be run within the district on two occasions throughout
2010.Below is some more information which should provide some
clarity on the programme.

The four modules within the qualification are;
Unit 01 – How stewards prepare for spectator events
Unit 02 – How stewards control the entry, exit and movement of
spectators at events
Unit 03 – How stewards monitor crowds and respond to potential crowd
problems at spectator events
Unit 04 – How to respond to injuries, illnesses and other emergencies
in active leisure and learning.

They have indicated that it will involve 16 hours of direct tutorial time.
This could be delivered over 8 sessions * 2 hours, or there may be a full
day which could account for approximately 6 hours – I would imagine it will
be a combination of the above, however the final decision will be made by
the training provider in conjunction with the participants. The training
will be assessed via the completion of workbooks throughout the duration
of the training.

Dave Kane RT Cancelled But Maryland Run open to Cyclists

The Dave Kane Reliability trial is cancelled this Sunday. Due to Davy Kane's unfortunate accident the Dave Kane Reliability Trial will not take place on 31st January as planned. Should a suitable date be found later in the year they will try and run it then. This is a one off cancellation and Dave Kane assures us that the event will continue as normal in 2011.
Maryland Wheelers has issued an invitation to any cyclists out there who would still like to have the opportunity to ride a 50 mile route this weekend with an organised group. Maryland Wheelers are inviting those cyclists to join them on their normal club runs on Saturday 30th Jan and Sunday 31st Jan.
There would be no charge for this of course but contributions to the David McCall Cycling Foundation are always welcome. Last year the proceeds from the Dave Kane reliability trial were kindly donated to the Foundation.
The Saturday run starts at 9.30am at the junction of Knockmore Rd and Ballinderry Rd on the outskirts of Lisburn (at the old Down Royal Inn site).
The Sunday run starts at 9 am at the Lisburn Mall in the centre of Lisburn.(bottom of Chapel Hill).
Both runs will be approx 50 miles and will be split into groups depending on numbers and the pace to suit riders. There will also be the option of a coffee stop after 30 miles.
For futher information please contact Hamilton on h.topping@btopenworld.com or 07834600858
Maryland Wheelers cycling club looks forward to your company this weekend.

Reliability Trial Sunday 21st Feb

Omagh wheelers has had reliability trial approved by Cycling Ulster, full details will follow soon.

Racing cyclist's are been urged to attend other club's trials in the hope our own will be supported in return.

Up Coming events

Training run from Omagh Leisure centre at 10.30 on Sunday.

Orchard Wheelers will be running a leisure event on Saturday 23rd January in aid of the Clarke Clinic of the Royal Belfast Hospital and Heart Beat. These are the organisations which provided care and support to Stephen Gallagher's son Cody. Stephen, who won the Rás in 2008 wants to thank both groups for all their help and support during Cody's young life.
The event will start in Richhill Recreation Centre with the riders being set off in two groups between 9.45am and 10.00am.
There are three routes on offer so there is something for the whole family. The short route is 25miles/40km with 50mile/80km and 70mile/110km routes on offer for fitter cyclists. All routes will follow the same course initially. Sig-on is from 9.15am in Richhill Recreation Centre.
All routes are relatively flat with only the longest route having a few hills towards the end.
There will be shower and parking facilities at the Richhill Recreation Cente as well as soup and sandwiches after the event. The price is £10 for adults and £5 for Youth riders.

The road racing season is fast approaching when we post details of the Reliability trials. There are two on this Sunday so there is plenty of choice. In county Antrim, Ballymena RC/Scott Tiles promote their event with two routes on offer. Full details are posted below.
Start Venue Ballymena Club Rooms BT42 2AF
Date Sunday 24th January 2010
Sign on from 9am
Start Time 10 am
Approximate Distance 50miles and 75 Miles
Entry Fee £7 with tea and sandwiches afterwards at clubrooms
For more information contact Tommy Wilson on 02894461954 / tommy67@talktalk.net

In Armagh, it is Apollo CT who kick start the season. Their Reliability will be run the over the same course as last year. The route will teat fitness level and allow riders to see if the winter training has been worthwhile. The event will be run at a controlled pace and will allow everyone a chance to ride at the front (If you want to that is!).
Sign on is open at 08:45, with roll out about 09:45/10:00 at the Goodyear Social Club, Lurgan. Apollo will have decided to run two groups if numbers suffice, however if the numbers are small enough, there will be a single run. Food will be supplied at the end of the event, along with changing facilities.

The club wish local cyclist's Damien Crowne and Ciaran Mc Callion a speedy recovery following their accident on Sunday.

Which reinforces the point that helmets should be worn at all times, as Damien's helmet was badly cracked. The specialist which seen him in the Erne Hospital said if he had not been wearing his helmet he would have been very seriously injured or worse.

Congratulations Ondrej

Well done to Ondrej who took silver in the Ulster TT Championship last Aug.

The twice National Slovakian TT champion was narrowly beaten by full time pro David Mc Cann.

The Awards Night for Ulster members will take place in the Massereene Golf Club in Antrim on Friday 22nd January.

10 Mile TT - Elite
David McCann Ride Sport
Ondrej Slobodnik Omagh Wheelers
John Madden Bann Wheelers

2010 Membership forms

Can anyone requiring a Cycling Ireland or Omagh Wheelers Membership form please email www.omaghwheelers@live.co.uk and it will be forwarded to you.

Please Note - Cody's Challenge Postponed until 23rd January

With a heavy fall of snow last night and a forecast of freezing temperatures over the weekend the club have been left with no option other than to cancel the Saturdays's Cody's Challenge Charity Ride. Pending approval Juiced Orchard plan to run the event on Sat 23rd January by which time the weather will have hopefully warmed up.

Those involved in organising the event would like to thank all those have already pledged their support. Juiced Orchard hope to see everyone on the 23rd this time with wall to all sunshine and 23 degrees on the thermometer!

FINAL ORDER OF CLUB KIT.

The FINAL order of club kit is being taken, Please make order with full payment

with Brian at Xtreme Cycles Derry Rd before 5pm on SAT 9th Jan.

Please let others know.

Top-£40

Shorts-£45

Jacket-£100

Tights-£60

10% will be refunded to Club members, Please bring receipt to Hugh Mc Cann 07836617975