The Executive and Road Commission of Cycling Ulster would like to thank our riders and support staff for their excellent efforts at the Tour of the North, the Rutland/CiCLE Classic and the recent Tour of Ulster. these three events are the first part of a planned programme of events for 2017
Cycling Ulster are committed to the development of our riders from Youth, Junior, U23 and Senior to help them to a competitive standard not just domestically but at recognised International events wherever it is felt our riders will gain experience and performance improvement. We recognise that we are building from the basement and on good work that has gone before. But there is no time to sit back and allow complacency to hinder our progress in the years ahead.
The Tour of the North
The opportunity at this popular event to field a team of youth and a bit of experience was the order of the day. The team of Peter Hawkins a top 5 stage finisher at the Tour of Britain along with top 10 stage finishes at the An Post Ras, juniors, Lindsay Watson, Liam Wilson and Adam Ward from the Powerhouse team and France base Cameron McIntyre, all was looked after by Bryan McKinney, Melissa Irvine, and Eddie McKinney
The Team finished in the top 10 in GC. Cameron was the highest placed finisher in 12th.
Ulster’s Cameron McIntyre at the head of the field on the climb of the Springwell
Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic 2017
The UK’s Only True Spring Classic as described by the race promoters was the next event for the Ulster team of Chris McGlinchey, Jake Gray, Lindsay Watson, Angus Fyffe and Craig Rae. This was another event for Bryan McKinney along with Lindsay Gamble and Melissa Irvine to get the riders through eventful 189km/117 miles. The 179 starters from which only 54 finishers, saw mechanicals along with puncture after puncture on a course designed to emulate the conditions to the famous “Paris-Roubaix – Tour of Flanders” albeit on a very much smaller scale … UK style. Nevertheless, a worthwhile experience despite the mechanicals it was a weekend to reflect on… make adjustments and go back again in 2018.
All credit must go to riders despite the crashes and mechanicals, Chris McGlinchey was well placed in the top 40 (37th)
Ulster’s Lindsay Watson at the CiCLE Classic
Ambergreen Tour of Ulster
With the upcoming An Post Ras in May the Ulster team took the 3rd step in their 2017 programme by selecting another strong team for the Tour of Ulster, The 2004 Ras winner and Ulster manager David McCann announced his team as Marc Potts, Angus Fyffe, Lindsay Watson, Ryan Reilly and Chris McGlinchey, with support team of Soigneur Ken Blanche and mechanic just back from the Tours of Morroco and Taiwan, Peter McBride.
This was another opportunity for the ever active Ulster executive to not only add to the already growing livery of Team logistics van but the NEW CU team car was in support of the riders over the 3 stages.
Based in the Moy the three stages with climbs of Sion Finn and in the Mournes over Spelga. the overall winner was Eoin Morton from UCD with the all the Ulster riders finishing. Highest placed for the Ulster team were Chris McGlinchey and Lindsay Watson. Lindsay was also runner-up in the KOM category with Chris 4th and Angus 5th. The final stage saw Ulster rider Marc Potts take 3rd place.
Simon Ryan pips Ulster Marc Potts on the final stage –
Picture credit: Stephen McMahon / Tour of Ulster
The next race is the AnPost Ras where the Ulster team will have an eye on a possible stage win.
NEW Ulster Team Kit to be launched soon…
