CYCLING: Richard romps to first win

Richard Boyd saw off his nearest challenger by 18 seconds to claim a first victory in Bann Wheeler colours. Richard only began competitive cycling last year but, having recently increased his mileage and with the assistance of a top local coach, his dedication has now paid off.

Riders headed out into a strong headwind from Bushmills towards Dervock, but Richard recorded a new PB of 28.08 giving him an adjusted time of almost 40 seconds better than his handicap allowance. Quite a feat in the conditions!

In second place in both the actual time and adjusted handicapped time was Robert Kennedy. Robert is one of the best all round cyclists in the area and is currently in an upward curve formwise. In the gross time in this race he was only beaten by close rival Sharman Crawford by 17 seconds.

The gap between the two has been narrowing over the past few weeks. In fact Robert’s time on this course improved from one month ago by 23 seconds whilst Sharman’s only improved by merely two seconds. After two races in the League Robert sits comfortably on top on 14 points.

In third on 24.09 came triathlete Carl Russell who is concentrating on the bike these days. This was 13 seconds better than his last time out on this course. Fellow triathlete the ever steady Ronnie Kidd was in fourth on 24.33 and Roe Valley Time Trial specialist James Mullan in fifth on 24.35.

In sixth and again improving by some six seconds on his last outing on this track was Derek McMenemy followed by Mark Wilkinson in seventh on 25.02, Stephen Logan eighth on 25.47, Gary Kendall ninth on 25.51 and Graeme Montgomery tenth on 26.45.