____________________________________________________________________________________

Congratulations to all who took part in the above events. With the 100 mile event having 35 entrants and the 50 mile event having 45, the day was certainly a great success with well over £1000 raised for our two selected charities-Marie Curie Cancer Care and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Thanks is extended to the Club's main sponsors-SALLYS for the complimentary drinks and the excellent spread of food laid on at the end of the event. Thanks are also extended to the many volunteers who made the event such a success including Maria Harpur (food at the half-way stop), Declan McGrath (support vehicle), Laura McAleer (sign-on) and a warm welcome back to the experienced hand of Hugh McCann (sign-on, road marking, etc).

Photos to follow soon.

____________________________________________________________________________________

Club Road Race 6: Thursday 30th July

The Club road race originally scheduled for Tuesday 28th July will now take place on Thursday 30th July. At 42 miles, it is the longest event of the Club road race calendar, starting at the mart site on the Drumquin Road, Omagh and taking the competitprs through Drumquin and Castlederg before the climb over Scraghey into Ederney and onto Lack before the finish at Drumlish.

Head marshalls on the night are Colin Boyle and Joe McLaughlin. The time gaps have been set at 4.5 minutes between the first and second groups and 4.5 minutes between the second group and scratch.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Club Road Race 5: Tuesday 21 July 2009

The next Club road race takes place on Tuesday night starting from Youth Sport, Omagh. It takes the Creggan - Greencastle - Gortin circuit with the finish at the 40MPH speed limits on the Gortin Road, Omagh. Head marshalls on the night are Ondrej Slobodnik and Mark Sweeney. Time gaps have been set at 3.5 minutes between the first  and second groups and 3,5 minutes between the second group and scratch.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Wheelers' take top spots at Fintona Inter-Club Event

Teamwork and tactics enabled the Club to maximise its A-Race points tally in the Inter-Club series with three Omagh riders finishing in the top 5 positions at the latest Inter-club event.

Five miles into the event, Seamus Keenan and Fintona's Patrick Withers broke away from the remainder of the first group on the road. Fellow Omagh riders - Paul  McMenamin and Sean McLaughlin then played their part in disrupting the flow of the chasing pack, enabling Keenan and Withers to reach Creggan Crossroads with a minute and eight seconds to spare. 

By the time scratch and the first group merged at Greencastle, the gap had almost doubled and so the chasing Omagh riders had no reason to set the pace from there on. On the climb to the finish at the top of the Glens Brian Mimnagh shadowed the attacking Lakeland's Robbie Bryson before surging ahead himself to take second place just behind Keenan and ahead of Withers. Provisional results as follows:

1                  Seamus Keenan           OW

2                  Brian Mimnagh            OW

3                  Patrick Withers             FCC

4                  Robbie Bryson             LCC

5                  Ondrej Slobodnik         OW

6                  Raymond Dunlop         LCC

7                  Dane Dunlop                LCC

8                  JP Connolly                  OW

___________________________________________________________________________________

Provisional Results from Club Road Race on 14 July 2009

The fourth round of the Club's road race calendar took place on 14 July. The time gaps of 5 minutes and 3.5 minutes proved successful as the second and scratch groups came together on the Omagh side of Ederney and the merged group then caught the front group less than a mile from the finish line, leading to the closest finish of the season so far. Provisional results as follows:

1                  Paul Mulligan                                   

2                  JP Connolly                                     

3                  Eugene Power                                 

4                  Richard Lyons                                

5                  Seamus Keenan                              

6                  Tom McGread                                

_______________________________________________________________________________

Club Road Race 4 on 14 July 2009

At a Committee Meeting held on Monday night last, the time gaps for future club races were discussed and it was unanimously agreed that the gaps for next Tuesday night's race (14th July) would be set at 5 minutes between the first and second groups, and 4 minutes from the second group to scratch. Gaps for races thereafter will also be reviewed in due course.

Next Tuesday night's race is 34 miles long with the start at Drumquin Mart, then taking the riders through Castlederg, Ederney and Lack before the finish at Drumlish. Head marshalls on the night are Richard Lyons and Ernie Sproule. 

Riders are urged to exercise caution on the exit from the mini-roundabout at Castlederg where a solid island is positioned in the middle of the road. 

____________________________________________________________________________________

Time Trial on Tuesday 7th July

Tuesday 7th July saw the 7th TT of the Wheelers Club Racing Championship sponsored by Curran Optometrists. It was a 10 mile Time Trial on the Lack Road course. 

Results are as follows:

_______________________________________________________________________

Road Race - 30th June 2009

The forthcoming Road Race has been moved from Drumquin Mart to Seskinore and finishing on top of Fivemiletown mountain. Starting at 7pm, sign-on from Seskinore village.

_______________________________________________________________________

25 mile Time Trial

Please note that the Club Calendar has been changed in that the 25 Mile Time Trial that was to run on Tuesday 23rd June has been put back until Thursday 25th June.  The start time will be 7pm sharp from Youth Sport Omagh.

_______________________________________________________________________

St. Endas GAC Annual Cycle and Barbecue - 27th June 2009.

St. Enda's GAC Annual Cycle will be leaving Bundoran at 1.30pm on the 27th June, the meeting place is at Waterworld.  There will be a bus leaving from Omagh St Endas Car Park all those cyclists who require transport should be at the club at 12.00 noon.

Transport will be provided for cycles also. Helmets are a must (no helmets, no cycle). Registration fee for cycle is £10.00 payable at Bundoran before setting off on cycle. There will be refreshments available on route. Back-up vans will accompany the cycle on the day. Shower facilities will be available upon return to the club.

There is also a barbecue/dance in the club that night and tickets are available at a cost of £10.00 per ticket. This has proved to be a very enjoyable night if last year is anything to go by. Tickets are available from the bar or by contacting Paul on 07809680488 or Peter on
07756713141. All proceeds go to the provision of equipment and facilities for the youth of the club.

_______________________________________________________________________

Road Race - Tuesday 16th June

Tuesday the 16th June sees the 2nd Road Race of the Wheelers Club Racing Championship sponsored by Curran Optometrists. It is a 30 mile road race from Omagh (starts just above ASDA) - Lack - Ederney - Irvinestown - Dromore (the finish is just before Dromore). This is a new circuit for the wheelers championship. Marshalls for the night are M Gallen and G Callaghan. Racing is to get underway at 7pm sharp and sign on will be open from 6.30pm.

_______________________________________________________________________

Time Trial - 9th June
Tuesday 9th June saw the 5th TT of the Wheelers Club Racing Championship sponsored by Curran Optometrists. It was a 7 mile Time Trial from Omagh to the top of the Gortin Glens.

Results are as follows:

_______________________________________________________________________

Interclub Road Race - 4th June

Thursday the 4th June see's 2nd Road Race of the Interclub series.  Again this event will be run with 2 races 'A' and 'B'. 

Sign on for the event is in the Rock village at the GAA grounds and will be open from 6.30pm.  Racing is to get underway at 7.30pm sharp.  All Omagh Wheelers racing cyclists are asked to attend.

N.B.  This is a change to the current racing calendar.

_______________________________________________________________________

Road Race - 2nd June

Tuesday 2nd June see's the 1st Road Race of the Wheelers Club Racing Championship sponsored by Curran Optometrists. It is a 28 mile Road Race on the Seskinore Circuit.  Sign on is at Seskinore and the entry fee is £2.

_______________________________________________________________________

Time Trial - 26th May
Tuesday 26th May saw the 4th TT of the Wheelers Club Racing Championship sponsored by Curran Optometrists. It was a 10 mile Time Trial on the Cookstown Road, Creggan.
 

Results are as follows:

_______________________________________________________________________

Tour Of Donegal - 13th & 14th June

A tour of Donegal has been organized for the 13th & 14th June.  The plan is to drive to Downing's, Donegal on the Saturday morning and to get the tour underway for 10.30am.  The riders will then stay down in The Beach Hotel, Downing's and a rate of €65 B&B has been negotiated. 

Can anyone who is interested please contact Barry Curran on the email address below:

barry.curran@curran-optometrists.co.uk

_______________________________________________________________________

Mick Donnelly Memorial Road Race - 14th May

Well Done to Eugene Power who won the Mick Donnelly Memorial Road Race as hosted by Fintona CC.

_______________________________________________________________________

Interclub Team Time Trial - 12th May

At last Tuesday's inter-club team time trial, hosted by East Tyrone, Omagh Wheelers four man teams came first in the C section, B section and were runners-up in section A.

Well done to all who competed and many thanks to East Tyrone for putting on an excellent event.

_______________________________________________________________________

Time Trial - 5th May
Tuesday 5th May saw the 3rd TT of the Wheelers Club Racing Championship sponsored by Curran Optometrists. It was a 10 mile Time Trial on the Castlederg, Drumquin Road.
 

Results are as follows:

1 Kenny Boylan 25.42
2 JP Connolly 27.13
3 Eugene Power 27.57
4 Joe Morris 29.00
5 Kenny Donnell 29.32
6 Paul McAleer 29.36
7 John Quinn 30.19
8 Vincent McCarron 30.27
9 Michael Bond 31.13
10 Declan Cairns 31.28
11 Conor Eanetta 31.30
12 Simon McCarron 32.14
13 Julie Mulligan 32.30
14 Stephen Burns 33.07

_______________________________________________________________________

Tour Of Ulster

Good luck to Gavin and Mark in the Tour Of Ulster.  Unfortunately Ondrej is sick so will not be taking their ride.  With this event on the club's door step and being one of the top stage races in the country as much support as possible would be appreciated for all riders participating as the majority of Ireland's top riders will be on show in this prestigious stage race.  For a detailed breakdown of the stages check out Cycling Ulster.

_______________________________________________________________________

Time Trial - 28th April
Tuesday 28th April saw the 2nd TT of the Wheelers Club Racing Championship sponsored by Curran Optometrists. It was a 10 mile Time Trial on the Drumquin Road.

Results are as follows:

_______________________________________________________________________

Mc Cann Cup - Sunday 26th April

Well done to all who supported the Mc Cann Cup.  A big thank you to all 112 competitors; Cycling Ulster Officials; Race sponsors; Motorbike Marshall's; OW Marshall's; Halfway House Bar and Filling Station; Tattyreagh G.F.C, for making this years McCann Cup a very sporting and safe success.

Well done to Julie in winning the women's race and Mark who managed 5th the 'A' race.  The results are as follows:

A Race

1. Richard Watters Harps C.C
2. Cathal Smyth Phoenix
3. Rory Devlin North Pole C.C
4. Leo McAllister Ballymena R.C
5. Mark Sweeney Omagh Wheelers
6. Raymond Dunlop Lakeland C.C

B Race

1. Kyle Cromie Roe Vally
2. Colm Lynn East Tyrone
3. Gordon Scott East Antrim
4. David Neill Team Madigan
5. Paul McMinn Curran Racing Team
6. Jason Henry Unattached

1st Unplaced Vet George Graham Juiced Orchard

Women's Race

1. Julie Mulligan Omagh Wheelers
2. Rachel Boyd Meryland
3. Tonya Moran Phoenix

For a full race report check out Cycling Ulster.
_______________________________________________________________________

Racing Calendar Update: Inter Club Time Trail
All racing members should take note that the 2009 Racing calendar has been updated today (23 April) to take account of the Inter Club Time Trial which is now scheduled for the 7th May and hosted by the East Tyrone Club.

After next week’s Club time trial on the Drumquin Road, Omagh, the ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ teams for the event, together with further details on the venue will be posted.

There is no restriction on the number of teams, so the Club will aim to involve as many Club members as possible.

Note that for the purposes of the Omagh Wheelers Overall Club Championship, those who compete in Inter Club events will be awarded 10 points PER EVENT, up to a maximum of 40 points.

The calendar update also now includes a full list of the head marshalls appointed for each night.
 

_______________________________________________________________________

Lakeland CC Race on 22 April
Congratulations to the Omagh Wheelers racing cyclists who dominated the latest round of the Lakeland CC Racing Calendar, taking 8 of the top ten overall positions: Adrian Mimnagh-1st; JP Connolly-2nd; Mark Sweeney-4th; Seamus Keenan-5th; Eugene Power-6th; Sean McLaughlin-7th; Mickey Gallen-9th; and Paul McAleer-10th.

_______________________________________________________________________

Aero Helmet

Ernie Sproule lost his Aero helmet last night at the Dromore Road Time Trial, if anyone has it or seen it please contact Ernie on 02881671933

_______________________________________________________________________

Table Quiz

A table quiz has been arranged for Friday 24th April for 8 pm in Sallys.  The proceeds of the event are for Open Racing Club Funds so we would appeal to all Club members to come together for this event.

Tables are £25 per table and can contain a maximum of 5 members.

There will be an additional draw on the night with various spot prizes on offer.

_______________________________________________________________________

Time Trial - 21st April
Tuesday 21st April saw the 1st TT of the Wheelers Club Racing Championship sponsored by Curran Optometrists. It was a 10 mile Time Trial on the Dromore Road.

Results are as follows:
 

_______________________________________________________________________

Tour Of The North

Well done Ondrej and Gavin, who competed in the Tour of the North four day race.

Former Slovakian national champion Ondrej, was the star performer for OW finishing sixth overall in the opening time trial, as well as taking third in one of the stages which is the most significant race result the club has achieved to date.

For a full report go to www.cyclingulster.com.

_______________________________________________________________________

Four Masters CC Sportive - Sunday 19th April

The Four Masters CC host their 65-mile Tour of Knockalla this Sunday. This is a most scenic part of north Donegal and should prove to be a challenging cycle for any participant. The tour starts at 9.30am from Letterkenny Community Centre.

_______________________________________________________________________

Derossa Race Bike

A Derossa Race Bike has been added to the For Sale page.  If anyone has anything to add then please forward through a description and any images to rickylyons@googlemail.com

_______________________________________________________________________

Table Quiz

A table quiz has been arranged for Friday 24th April for 8 pm in Sallys.  The proceeds of the event are for Open Racing Club Funds so we would appeal to all Club members to come together for this event.

Tables are £25 per table and can contain a maximum of 5 members.

There will be an additional draw on the night with various spot prizes on offer.

_______________________________________________________________________

Club Racing Calendar Revealed

The Omagh Wheelers Racing Calender for 2009 is now available on the Racing page. This year brings a number of exciting changes to both the courses selected and event management. There are new time trial courses on the Drumquin Road, Omagh and Drumquin Road, Castlederg, and an all new road race event taking competitors from Omagh to Lack, Ederney, Irvinestown and back to Dromore.

This year the starting groups and allocated time gaps will be pre-determined by the Committee and announced on the web site before the first road race takes place. The head marshal on the night will only have discretion to add or subtract a half minute from these pre-determined time gaps. The head marshal will not have discretion to change a rider’s group on the night.

Note that the time gaps currently shown on the race calendar are indicative only, and subject to change. Nominated marshals will be announced in the coming days.

Note: Newcomers are welcome to all events but must be in possession of an ICF competition licence to take part.

Youth Competition

The Club is pleased to announce that this year the first 3 time trials will have parallel events for juniors who will complete half of the designated course. Should demand dictate, junior events will continue throughout the season. Trophies will be awarded to juniors, separate to the Senior Events. All those interested in the junior events should register their interest now with Enda Harpur at 07739909851.
_______________________________________________________________________

Tour Of The North

Ondrej and Gavin will represent the OW's at this year's P&O Tour of the North four-day stage race, which takes place this coming Easter weekend.

The first of the five stages starts with a one mile prologue time trial at Stormont, followed by three very tough road race stages around north Down during Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

_______________________________________________________________________

Gorey 3 Day

Mark and Richard will be representing OW's and will travel down Co Wexford this weekend to compete in the 'Gorey' three-day race.  This race with its 180 field is ran over 4 stages from Saturday to Monday.

The opening stage is a 60 mile road stage on Saturday.  Sunday see's 2 stages with a 4 mile Time Trial in the morning followed by a 50 mile road stage in the afternoon.  The final stage on the Monday is a 60 mile road stage.

N.B.  A backup driver is urgently required as Stages 1 & 4 are point to point.  If anyone can help please contact Richard on 07773335394.

_______________________________________________________________________

Sweeney Promoted

Mark Sweeney, has been promoted to 2nd Cat status following his recent series of good results, including fifth placed finished at both of last weekend's events - the East Tyrone Ciclisport Grand Prix and the Island Wheelers' PJ Logan Road Race.

_______________________________________________________________________

Cicli Sport Grand Prix - 28th March

On Saturday East Tyrone RT Auto Parts promote the Ciclisport Grand Prix. This will also include the first of the Youth races this year. Sponsored By S Lindsay & Son Cycles, Cookstown there will be events for U16, U14 U12 & Youth Beginners From 10am-11am(Parent Or Guardian Signature Reqd. for Beginnier Youths.)

For seniors there will two separate events so everyone should be catered for. The Cicli Sport Grand Prix – Moneymore will cover the Springhill- Tamlaght-Loup Circuit.

The first Senior event is a 90km “A” Handicap Road Racefo S1, S2, Vets Under 50 and Selected Juniors.

The second event is over 75km. The “B” Road Race will cater for S3, Vets Over 50, Women and Newcomers

_______________________________________________________________________

PJ Logan Cup - 29th March

This race is always very popular. promoted by Island Wheelers it is run on a 10km figure of eight circuit which makes it very interesting. Sign-on is from the Gortgonis Centre from noon with the race due to start at 1.30pm.

Island Wheelers C.C. confirmed today that entries for the PJ Logan Cup Road Race, sponsored by Chieftan Trailers, have well-exceeded 60 and as such there will DEFINITELY be TWO races on the day.

Everyone who has pre-entered will be able to race and further entries for the event will be taken on Sunday at the sign on (from midday) at the race headquarters at the Gortgonis Sports Complex in Coalisland.

Start time: 1.30 pm
Sign on: From midday
Race HQ: Gortgonis Sports Complex, COALISLAND
Entry fee: £10 (£5 for juniors and women)
Prize fund: £1000
Categories: S1, S2, S3, V, J, W

Changing facilities, showers and post race refreshments will be available.

Details can be obtained at: www.islandwheelers.co.uk

_______________________________________________________________________

Four County Tour - Sunday 29th March

Promoted by Lakeland CC this is just the cup of tea for those of you who prefer a more leisurely ride on a Sunday morning. Sign on is at the Clogher Valley Golf Club in Fivemiletown at 10am.

The Tour leaves at 10.30am. heading via Brookeborough, Lisnaskea, (stop at New Bridges for refuel and toilets.) Derrylin, Ballyconnell, Belturbet, Clones/Butlers Bridge road, Clones, (Stop at filling station on Monaghan Rd to refuel and toilets.) Smithborough, Scotstown, over Knockatallan Mountain. (Regroup top of Mountain) back over the border, Cooneen. (regroup @ cross) for a steady run back to the golf club via Fivemiletown for a well earned shower, soup, rolls and chips. Total run 75 miles (speed will be controlled) as this is not a race. Cost £10.
_______________________________________________________________________

North - South Trial - 22nd March

OMAGH Wheelers first cycle tour of the 2009 season, the 50 mile North/South Trail, proved to be a huge success with over 55 cyclists signing on for Sunday's challenge.

The vast majority of the cyclists were Omagh Wheelers members, alongside a few from neighbouring clubs, Fintona, Foyle, Lakeland and East Tyrone.
The large group left Youth Sport Omagh and cycled through Beragh, Eskra, Fintona, Dromore, Drumquin, Drumleagh, and back to the Youth Sport complex for much deserved food, showers and certificates.

Some of the cyclists chose to race around the course, while others rode at a more leisurely pace, but all seemed to enjoy their spin immensely. The weather was favourable for cycling apart from the strond head-wind which persisted around most of the circuit.
"It was great to see so many cyclists on the road together, especially those wearing the bright and colourful Omagh Wheelers kit," said a spokesperson.
The spokesperson continued: "Well done to all the cyclists who took part and supported the club."

The club wish to thank the following for their help in making the event such a success: Fran O'Doherty, main organiser; Carmel O'Doherty, post cycle refreshments; Ray McCann, route markings; Terry McCabe, support driver; Paul Devenney, lead motorcycle; Mickey Gallen, van and sponsor; Laura McAleer, sign-on and licenses; Eugene Montague, Costcutter, Dromore, half-way break; Colm Boyle, lead car; and Youth Sport Omagh.

_______________________________________________________________________

Cycling Ulster Armagh-Downpatrick Team

Well done to Gavin and Mark who where selected to ride for Ulster in the Armagh - Downpatrick Classic.  This is testament to the hard miles put in over the winter months and the good form that they have shown at the start of the season.

For a full selection report check out Cycling Ulster

_______________________________________________________________________

Club Membership.
Local cyclists can join Omagh Wheelers / Cycling Ireland on the morning of the North/South Trail cycle.,between 9.30am to 10am.(ONLY)

Current members can collect their (CI) licenses and 2009 handbooks @ Youth Sport
on the morning of the N/S trail Sun 22nd March or they are available for collection or at Treanor Meats, 86a, Old Mountfield Rd, Omagh, County Tyrone BT79 7ET .

N.B.  A leisure license does NOT allow club members to take part in Time Trials or Club Racing.  If any rider has the leisure license and wishes to ride the Club Time Trials or Club Road Races then they must upgrade their license to Club Competition license.

Enquiries to Laura MC Aleer OW club secretary/ 07894533077 or to www.cyclingireland.ie

_______________________________________________________________________

Club Kit - 23rd March
OW's Club kit ordering, fitting and payment night has been arranged for MONDAY 23rd march @ 8pm in Youth Sport.

All enquiries to Colm Boyle 07762721141.

_______________________________________________________________________

John Haldane Memorial - 8th March

This year’s John Haldane RR promoted by Newry Wheelers, will start in Hilltown on Sunday 8th March. The race is a 1.00pm start, not 12 noon as in the handbook. The sign on will be at the Hilltown GAA Club from noon onwards. It will be on the Hilltown, Kilcoo, Rathfriland, Hilltown Circuit.

The club will run two races and final decisions regarding the breakdown of the races will be taken on the day based on the entry list. It is envisaged that it will as follows:-
Race 1 :S1,S2,(possibly vets and juniors with points)Will make decision later in week.
5 laps circuit . 62 mile
This race will be run on a short handicap.
Prizes for 1st six plus unplaced S2 and Vet

Race 2 : S3,J,Vets, Women
3 laps .38 mile
Prizes for first six
Again this race will be run on a handicap basis,

Vets over 50, Women will get start on S3s and remaining vets.
This is a 1pm start not 12.00 as it states in the handbook.

_______________________________________________________________________

Phoenix GP - 1st March

OW's once again had success over the weekend with Julie getting her season off to a fine start with a 2nd place in the Woman's Race.  Mark again showed good form in the sprint to take 5th place to take his points tally to 6 for the weekend.  Stephen Burns, Enda Harpur, Barry Mc Kenna and Richard Lyons donned the club colours  for the 'B' race.  Gavin represented OW's in the 'A' race.

For a full race race report check out Cycling Ulster. _______________________________________________________________________

Annaclone GP- 28th February

Well done to Mark who picked up his first points of the season at Annaclone with a fine sprint to take 3rd place in the 'B' race.  OW's was represented in the B race by Shaun Mc Laughlin, Barry Mc Kenna, Richard Lyons and John Paul Connolly. 

For a full race report check out Cycling Ulster.

_______________________________________________________________________

Tour of the Broad Lough - Sunday 1st March
Lakeland CC are holding their first tour of the season on Sunday 1st March.  The tour is 70 mile and leaves Irvinestown Leisure Centre at 10.30am.  This tour is suited to all who have trained regularly over the winter months.

_______________________________________________________________________

Road Race Season Kicks Off This Weekend

Annaclone GP- Saturday 28th February
The first of the road racing events this season in Ulster takes place on Saturday with the promotion of Annaclone by Banbridge CC. If entries for the Annaclone Race on 28th February exceed 60, Banbridge CC will run two separate "A" and "B" races instead of one handicapped race . The "A" race would normally be for S1 and S2 categories, with the "B" race for J,V and S3 categories.
In previous years the total entries for Jun, Vets and Sen 3 has exceeded 60, so it may be necessary to include one or two of these categories with the ""A"" race in order to comply. Obviously we cannot say which until the normal sign-on closes.
Banbridge CC recognise that this may not be ideal; but we would prefer to give riders a race rather than disappoint.

Phoenix GP - Sunday 1st March
This year the Phoenix GP will take place on Sunday 1st of March with sign on and changing facilities at Crumlin Football Club. Access to the club is via the lane beside the old petrol station on the Mill Rd in the town, copy and paste 54.622062, -6.217232 into google maps for further details. The neutralised roll out from the club is scheduled for 12:45 with the A race to start at 1 o’clock, the B race shortly afterwards and a woman’s race shortly after that again. The entry fee will be £8 for senior men and £5 for juniors and women. Tea, biscuits and showers will be available back at the football club after the race where the prizes will be presented.

Phoenix CC are proud to host the first Woman’s League race which will be a handicapped event over three laps (aprox 24 miles). The Woman’s League will provide a coach to offer inexperienced riders advice on the day.

The A race will be handicapped with two bunches to be decided on the day, but these general rules will be applied. The scratch bunch will consist of S1 riders, while the first bunch will consist of S2 riders, any vets with four or more points a the end of last season and any riders who were juniors at the end of last season and had fifteen or more points at that stage.

The B race will consist of S3 riders and all other vets and juniors and will be a scratch race. If the B race reaches 60 riders excess riders will be offered a place in the A race.

_______________________________________________________________________

Reliability Trial - 22nd February 2009

This Sunday Phoenix CC promote their annual Reliability Trial starting at the House of Sport in Upper Malone Road, Belfast. The sign-on will be open from 8.45pm with the fast group heading off at 9.30. The second group will follow ten minutes later. The fee is £4. The course is approximately 60 miles.

For more information check out Cycling Ulster
_______________________________________________________________________

Club Meeting
The next Omagh Wheelers committee meeting is on Monday, 2nd March, at 8pm in Sally's.

_______________________________________________________________________

Reliability Trials - 15th February 2009
 

Emyvale Reliability Run

Emyvale C.C are holding their annual Reliability Run on Sunday15th February, Sign-on is at 9am at the Community Centre Emyvale Departing 10am.The route is Emyvale, Monaghan, Middletown, Armagh, Killylea, Caledon, and Aughnacloy and back to Emyvale, the Route is predominantly a flat course with a drag of about 1 mile out side of Armagh just before Killylea. Total Distance is 45 Miles.

There is a shorter route planned of 10 miles for the Youth and the beginner cyclists on the day. There will be refreshments and showers afterwards

Maryland Reliability Run
Maryland Wheeler’s annual reliability trial takes place around south Down this Sunday 15th. This year, the trial will revert to its original start and finish place at the Lisburn Square car park adjacent to the new bus station.

The entrance fee is £5 and all riders are expected to hold a valid Cycling Ireland licence. All entrance fees will be donated to the David McCall Cycling Foundation.

This year, like last year, the ‘A’ group will leave at 9.30 am sharp, followed by the ‘B’ run at 9.40 am. The initial route will be the same as in previous years, heading directly out the A1 carriageway to Banbridge before turning left for Castlewellan. Once into Castlewellan, the groups take right and head down to Newcastle where they then veer left towards Dundrum stopping at the picnic site at Murlough bay for refreshments. Moving swiftly on, the groups will move to Downpatrick via Clough.

Due to major roadworks between Temple and Lisburn, there will be a change to the route from Downpatrick. From Downpatrick the route will proceed directly to Saintfield through Crossgar. At Saintfield the route will take the Temple Road but will then turn left at the mini roundabout exiting Saintfield to head to Ballynahinch. From Ballynahinch the route will head to Annahilt via the Hillsborough Road. At Annahilt there will be a right turn to drop down into Lisburn town centre, using part of the traditional Tommy Givan Memorial road race route.

The club committee would request that all riders obey the Highway Code, respecting other cyclists and road users and wish everyone a fantastic day of cycling.

The current long range weather forecast is indicating more favourable riding conditions than of late but this will be monitored closely with information provided through the Cycling Ulster website if the weather conditions require any change to the arrangements.

_______________________________________________________________________

Inter-Club

Richard Lyons won the Inter-Club overall points championship for the 2008 season and he received the accolade at the inter-club prizegiving dinner dance hosted by Emyvale CC in Co Monaghan.

Club-mate, Phillip Caldwell won the equivalent title in the B championship, while Omagh Wheelers won the overall club championship for the year.

Other prize winners are:

Julie Mulligan - 2nd B championship

Eugene Power - 5th B championship

Seamus Keenan - 4th A championship

Paul Mulligan - 5th A championship

B Mimnagh - 1st Unplaced Omagh Rider

All prizes are available for collection from Caldwell Motor Factors.

_______________________________________________________________________

Touring

Many of the Omagh Wheelers touring cyclists are currently preparing for the club's first official cycle event of 2009, which is the annual 50-mile north/south trail on Sunday, March 22.
 

Before that, Lakeland CC hold their first tour for 2009 on Sunday, March 1. This will be the 110km cycle around Lough Enre's 'broad' lough, starting from Irvinestown from 10.30am.
 

This tour should be ideal for those touring cyclists who have been training steadily over the winter months.

_______________________________________________________________________

Inter-Club Dinner Dance 31st January 2009
The ever-popular inter-club racing competition involving five local clubs - Fintona, East Tyrone, Emyvale, Lakeland and Omagh - will once again be one of the main events during 2009.

The inter-club prizegiving dinner dance will be held on Saturday night in Monaghan, hosted by Emyvale CC.

A number of Omagh cyclists are among the main prizewinners including overall club champions. Tickets available from Enda Harpur on 82251960.

_______________________________________________________________________

Ballymena Reliability Trial

Some of the club's racing cyclists got their first taste of action on Sunday when they took part in Ballymena's reliability ride. They apparently finished the 65-mile course with an average speed of 23mph.

_______________________________________________________________________

Time Trial

Fintona Cycling Club will promote a 10 miles time-trial on St. Stephen's Day. Sign-on will begin at 10:15am, opposite St. Lawrence's Primary School, on the Tempo Rd (Fintona) with the first rider off at 10:45am. Entry fee £3.

_______________________________________________________________________

 For Sale

A For Sale Section to both Club and Non Clubs members has just been released. Items can be put on the Omagh Wheelers site for a fee of £2 per item to Club Members and £3 per item for none club members. All money collected is donated to Club Funds.

To advertise an item then please forward a description, condition, price etc etc, along with any photo's and contact details. You can also post WANTED, EXCHANGE and SERVICE'S ad's for the same fee.

Can you please forward any advertisements to rickylyons@googlemail.com and they will go online at the earliest opportunity.
_______________________________________________________________________

Wheelers Registration Evening - Monday 5th January

The Registration Evening for Omagh Wheelers will be held on 5th January 2009 at Youth Sport Omagh with proceedings starting at 8pm.

Members are encouraged to download the Cycling Ireland Membership form and fill it in prior to the meeting. The form can be downloaded by following the link below and then clicking on Download:

Cycling Ireland Membership form

Good news for those who have not previously taken out a licence with Cycling Ireland (or those who have been away from cycling for a considerable period of time) as Cycling Ireland have this year announced a special introductory rate for new members of just £8.70 or €10. This will get a rider the equivalent of either a Standard (non-cycling) licence or a Cycling Licence (as listed below). It will cover for all touring events but not competitive events.

Below is a list of the Cycling Ireland Membership Fees for the 2009 season. Please note that there is an additional fee of £10 on top of the Cycling Ireland Membership Fee for Omagh Wheelers membership.