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Four Masters Cycling Club

jasonblack — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:25:26 CST

Four Masters racing...
This weekend, Sunday March 14th, Four Masters race team are away to the PJ Logan Cup in Coalisland. The following weekend, Saturday March 20th, it's the Markievicz Cup in Sligo. The following day, Sunday March 21st, Four Masters will be hosting the national event, Tinney John Deer Classic. (please note all club members are expected to be on hand to help run this event)

Four Masters race team win @ Navan...

last weekend saw foumasters race team have an excellent day in the sadle @ navan gp.
300 riders signed on to the event,with the A1&A2 s setting of first and A3 ,vets & juniors racers next ,the race was 80kms and it started with a real bang,with average speeds of 24.5mph,and 4 masters team setting the pace .the race was a real as they say"road race",with unreal duckin & divin pushin & shovin,it was not for the faint hearted.the course was very aggressive with narrow roads ,cars and hilly terrain. Eddie sweeney , jasonblack ,ciaran o sull ,pat gill were still in the top 15 as the race headed into the final 20miles,attack after attack came from several teams and sucessfully were reeled in again ,it was obvious that the pelleton wasnt in the mood to let a break away .the tempo was very high and riders were bein dropped everywhere .with five mile to go all four x 4masters riders were still very active at the head of the bunch and it all looked like it was comming down to a sprint finish ,with all teams lining there sprinters up ,pushing and elbowing avoiding cars and jocking for position,2 miles to go eddie sweeney broke off the front of the peleton and ciaran o sullivian went with him,to there pleasent supprise they got 500 yrds up the road with no reaction from the lead bunch who were looking at each other to see whos leading out the counter attack,allowing both 4 masters riders more time to extend there attack "and they didnt need to be asked twice " as they put there heads down" and went for it.with jason black and pat gill now helpin to block at the front of the pelliton,the chase was now on ,and the speeds were super fast and closing very quickly .with eddie looking like he was gettin caught ,the sprint began ,ciaran got several meters on eddie and it proved enough for him to take his first cycling race win "and what a sucess " eddie got 5th jason got in 9th and pat in top 20.
what a feeling the "team" were over joyed with there results and were very strong all day.
so with two races done with super results in, now the team progresses with there feet firmly on the ground to "pj logan cup @ coalisland" this sunday......congrats to ciaran and the team,and a huge thank you to service support seamus michael & michelle from cycle pursuits 4 masters .

Please note all riders need to wear there full Fourmasters clothing at races, now available @ cycling pursuits raphoe (ask michael).all club clothing is sold at cost price to members.

Injured Cyclist's Benefit Fun Run
On Sunday 21st February we will hold an injured cyclist’s benefit fun run from Letterkenny Read More

International Cycling Event Launched In Ireland
Ireland is set to become home to an annual international cycling event organised by the world's Read More

Maryland Wheelers Reliability Trial Report
Four riders from Four Masters left their warm beds on St Valentine’s Day to venture up to Maryland Wheelers Reliability Trial...
Read More

Four Masters Perform well at Island Wheelers Reliabilty Trial
Approximately eighty riders showed up this morning at Gortgonis Centre for the Island Wheelers Reliability Read More

Training Run Report Sunday 8th Febraury
13 Cyclists turned up for training this morning. Leaving the Aura we headed for Glenswilly and Read More

Annaclone GP Pre Entry Now Open
The first race of the season kicks off on Saturday 27th February with Banbridge CC's Read More

Four Masters Race Ready
With one the strongest racing groups in the Four Masters CC for many years Read More

2010 Gorey 3 Day
Entries are now open for the 2010 Gorey 3 Day. The event will take placeRead More

2010 Grading System and Licences
Cycling Ireland and the Road Commission have isssued important guidelines Read More

New Meeting Venue
As from March on all Four Master club meeting will be held up-stairs in Bar Ella, next Read More

2010 off season preview
The National Off Road Commission have compiled an excellent Off Road Preview for the 2010 Season Read More

Check your licence category Here
Cycling Ireland have released the a of some members with their category for the 2010 season Read More

Discussion Forum Changes
The discussion forum has now been re-opened to everyone included un-registered site Read More

Enties Now Open For Tour Of The North
Entries have gone on release for the P&O Irish Sea Tour of the North International stage race Read More

Road Bike Set Up
Those new to cycling are often surprised by the impact an apparently small change in Read More

Interested in Youth Training?

As part of Cycling Ulster's commitment to safeguarding we have registered as Read More

Competitive Cyclist Meeting on 2nd February
Anyone who is interested in racing this year is asked to come to a "Racers Meeting" Read More

Four Masters CC welcomes new members
New members are always welcome -just contact one of the names on the contact page or Read More

2010 Cycling Licence
If you have not already applied for your 2010 Cycling Ireland licence, we would Read More

Ballymena RC/ Scott Tiles Reliability Trial, Jan 24th
4 Club Members ventured to Ballymena yesterday to test their early season Read More

2010 FBD Rás
What is arguably the toughest FBD Rás route for many years has been Read More

Termon Charity Cycle Report
Nine Four Masters members ventured out on this cold frosty morning to take part in the 4th Read More

Newtown Reliability Trial Sunday 31st
As the Dave Kane Reliability trial has been cancelled next Sunday a few member from both Read More

Details of National Youth Training Camp
The National Youth Training Camp will take place on 20th and 21st Febuary Read More

Dave Kane Reliability Trial
Due to Davy Kane's unfortunate accident the Dave Kane Reliability Trial will not take place on 31st January as Read More

Termon Charity Cycle 24th January
There is a charity cycling taking place this Sunday 24th January in Termon just outside Read More

Club Meeting There was a very successful meeting last night (19/01/10) where they were over 35 people Read More

Calender 2010

The 2010 calender will be available within a few days. At present the January Section is up loaded, but I am just Read More

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Whats on in March
1st March - Club Meeting 8pm
2nd March - Racers Meeting
6th March - sat training spin
7th March - navan gp
13th March - Saturday training run
14th March - pj logan gp coalisland
20th March - markievicz cup sligo
21st March - Tinney John Deere

Classic

27th March - tour of ards
28th March - aghagallon cup lurgan
3nd-5th march-gorey 3 day (4 stages)

Cycling News

keeney — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 04:50:34 CST

Maryland Wheelers Reliability Trial Report
Four riders from Four Masters left their warm beds on St Valentine’s Day to venture up to Maryland Wheelers Reliability Trail. Over 130 riders signed on with more than 80 opting for the challenge of the A run. This group maintained a steady pace throughout eventually covering the rolling 75 mile course at an average speed of around 24mph. Maryland’s trial said by many to be the toughest of the northern trials proved to be tougher for some than for others! Although, Jason McHugh showed again that he was in stellar form by finishing in the top group, with Pauric McClafferty rolling into Lisburn shortly after him.

Emyvale Reliability Trial 28th Feb
There have been many inquiries regarding the Emyvale RT which was in the draft calendar for this Sunday. However Emyvale CC decided to stick to their original date of the 28th February to promote this event. Unfortunately this clashes with the Phoenix GP in Crumlin. The only Reliability Trial this Sunday is Maryland's. Full details of this can be seen by scrolling down the News page.
International Cycling Event Launched In Ireland
Ireland is set to become home to an annual international cycling event organised by the world's largest sports, entertainment and media company. The Event was lanched yesterday in Clare and will take place on 22nd August 2010. See below for full press release.

Sky Ride ETAPE Hibernia

In partnership with Sky, Fáilte Ireland, Shannon Development, the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, Clare County Council, announced details of the country's first closed road cycle event.

The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia will take place over an 80-mile (approx) course in scenic County Clare on Sunday, August 22nd 2010.

The event organisers expect to attract 2000 entrants from throughout Ireland and abroad this year, bringing significant economic benefit into the local economy, with numbers increasing considerably over the next five years. The mass participation event, which is being marketed internationally and nationally, is open to all standards of cyclists, aged 18-80. The cycle will start and finish in Ennis and travel through County Clare, taking in part of West Clare's spectacular coastline.

Sky, the UK and Ireland's leading entertainment company behind the Sky Ride series of events, is the title sponsor of The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia. The sponsorship supports Sky's aim to encourage one million more people of all ages and abilities to get cycling by 2013. Sky Ride consists of a range of initiatives to get people back on their bikes, with activities like mass city cycling events on traffic-free streets through to local group rides.

As well as Sky Ride Etape Hibernia, IMG have extensive experience organising mass participation events including the internationally renowned events the Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia, Tour de Suisse, Melbourne Marathon, The London Triathlon, Triathlon de Alpe d'Huez and UK Challenge

Speaking at today's event launch in Spanish Point, County Clare, Jo Dytch of IMG said: "The popularity and growth in road cycling is very exciting. Along with our partners we are looking to lead the way in providing a prestige event for cycling in Ireland and to establish a major fixture on the Irish sporting calendar delivering a significant boost to the local economy. This event will bring a welcome boost to the tourism in Clare annually and will see the most scenic parts of the County and its coastline exposed to the world's cycling enthusiasts and media."

Ms. Dytch continued: "Sky Ride Etape Hibernia is Ireland's first closed road cycle event and is open to the general public. It affords cyclists with the unique opportunity to cycle safely on closed roads, whilst rising to the physical challenge at the same time. We expect to draw enthusiasts, the health conscious, challenge-seekers, charity fund-raisers and lapsed cyclists. For the inaugural Etape Hibernia, we hope to attract as many as 2000 entrants and plan to grow this number considerably by 2014. IMG are grateful for the support of the title sponsor Sky, and regional sponsors Fáilte Ireland, Shannon Development, Clare County Council, and the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, without whom staging this event in Ireland would not be possible and we look forward to making it a legacy event for the region".

Mark Deering, Director, Sky Ireland said, "We are proud to be the main sponsor for the Sky Ride Etape Hibernia. Our Sky Ride initiatives last year encouraged thousands of people to get on their bikes. We hope, through events and sponsorships such as this, that 2010 will provide more opportunities and inspiration for people to get cycling."

Speaking about today's announcement Keith McCormack, Fáilte Ireland's Head of Business and Sports Tourism, emphasised: "As a national tourism authority, we are glad to be 'in the saddle' for the Sky Ride Etape Hibernia. This event is a perfect fit for Fáilte Ireland's sports strategy and our commitment to promoting all of Ireland's regions as tourism destinations. This event allows us to harness the growing popularity of cycling to the natural charms and allure of County Clare and the Mid West. As well as bringing visitors and revenue to the area, the event will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the Shannon Region as both a cycling destination, in particular, and a tourism 'must see' in general."

Welcoming the event John King, Assistant Chief Executive of Shannon Development said, "Shannon Development, along with its partners, is delighted to have helped secure this very prestigious event for the Shannon Region for the next five years. Winning this event helps us build on our campaign to promote the Region's growing reputation as a leading sports and events destination. Etape Hibernia is one of a number of international events we are working on this year to bring additional visitors to the Shannon Region which have the potential to generate 10 million euro in new revenue for the Region. This new cycling event complements our strategy to secure more mass participation events, in particular sports events, which can be firmly rooted in the Shannon Region for many years to come."

Mr. King noted that the Lonely Planet 'Best in Travel 2010' guide's inclusion of Clare in its top 10 list of 'Super Cycling Routes in the World' was a great endorsement of the County's cycling product. "This endorsement is a testament to the amount of work that has gone into the development of the tourism cycling product in Clare in recent times. We look forward to working with IMG and our partners to ensure the success of this event in terms of delivering additional visitors and revenue", concluded Mr. King.

Karen Brosnahan of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau noted: "Sports Tourism generates approximately 60 million euro for the Shannon Region annually. We, along with Shannon Development and Failte Ireland, have recently launched a Sports Ambassador Programme to capitalise on this lucrative market even further by getting local people involved in sport to help bid for events like Etape Hibernia that can become legacy events for the entire Shannon Region."

Mayor of Clare Councillor Tony Mulcahy said the economic and tourist benefits associated with the event for County Clare and the wider region were significant. "I have no doubt that the people of Clare will support the event by joining Clare County Council in welcoming thousands of cyclists to the County, which will allow us to showcase all we have to offer. I especially welcome IMG's commitment to working with local people to maximise the economic return of the event for all local people", stated Mayor Mulcahy.

The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia was launched today at an event in The Armada Hotel, Spanish Point, Co Clare, which was attended by media outlets from throughout Ireland the United Kingdom. A number of attending journalists also took part in an arranged cycle of a 10-mile stretch of the proposed event route.

Details of The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia are available from www.etapehibernia.com or info@etapehibernia.com

Annaclone GP Pre Entry Now Open
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

2010 Gorey 3 Day
Entries are now open for the 2010 Gorey 3 Day. The event will take place over Easter Weekend 3rd - 5th April.

The event is open to A2/A3 riders ONLY and is restricted to a maximum of 180 riders.

The Cycling Ireland Road Commission have informed us that the categories riders were advised of were advisory categories. Anybody can still apply for a licence above the recommendation but licences below the recommendation will require representation to the National Grading Officer.

No entry will be taken without the application form and appropriate fee.

Application forms also be downloaded from www.irishroadclub.com

All further details including accomodation are included on the application form.

Best Regards,
Gary McIlroy
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 and also in the Download Section on the left.

2010 Category System Guidelines

2010 CI One Day Licence Policy

Marian Lamb Club Development Officer

2010 Off Season Preview
The National Off Road Commission have compiled an excellent Off Road Preview for the 2010 Season. The document is full of interesting information and links to various sites. For anyone who wants to plan their off road season, this is the document to read. Congratulations to the hard working Off Road Commission.

To download the information please clck the link below.

Off Road Season Preview

Marian Lamb Club Development Officer
Check Your Licence Category Here
Cycling Ireland have released the a of some members with their category for the 2010 season. Please check which category of licence you have been issued with by clicking the download link below.If you feel you have been issued with the wrong category you may appeal the decision. The list only contains those who held an Open Racing licence last season and will be updated as soon as I have all the information.

Click here for download NEW CATEGORY LISTINGS

Tommy Lamb

Entries now open for Tour of the North
Entries have gone on release for the P&O Irish Sea Tour of the North International stage race which takes place over the Easter weekend, now just nine weeks away.
The 4-day event will get underway from its traditional starting point at Stormont on Good Friday evening, April 2nd, and will be followed by 75 mile stages on Saturday, Sunday and Monday in Castlereagh, Limavady and Ballymena respectively.

Interest has already strong from overseas, with teams from Belgium, Holland and Germany expected in the 100 rider field. Last year's winner, local man Martyn Irvine is expected to return to defend his title, as is three time winner Ryan Connor from Ballymena who has won the event in 2004, 2006 & 2008.

With 2010 being Commonwealth Games year, top local riders will be on top form for the Tour in the hope of catching the selectors eye in the run up to Delhi in October.

A4's and First Year Juniors will not be permitted to ride.

The Tour of the North 2010 Entry Form can be downloaded by clicking the link below.

Tour of the North Entry Form

Vetted to work with children
As part of Cycling Ulster's commitment to safeguarding we have registered as an umbrella organisation to administer AccessNI checks to assist clubs in their safe recruitment procedures. The following list of individuals have undergone an AccessNI check and Cycling Ulster can confirm that there is no information returned via AccessNI on any of these individual that would deem them unsuitable to coach/instruct children or vulnerable adults.

Vetted Youth Leaders 25th January 2010

Clubs must understand that the responsibility to appoint an individual still remains with them. Where necessary clubs should request references before allowing volunteers to work with young children in order to ascertain their suitability for such a post.

Where clubs are submitting forms on behalf of their volunteers a letter should be submitted declaring that the ID has been checked. The documents required for ID Check are listed on the application form. Alternatively there is a form available from AccessNI to validate ID. Please click the link below to download the ID Check List.

AccessNI ID Validation Form

AccessNI Application Forms can be downloaded by using the Downloads LInks to the left. Forms can also be accessed directly from Access NI and are now writable. You cannot save the data but you can complete it on line and then print it off. The link to this form is below.

AccessNI Online Application Form

Once volunteers are recruited they should be informed about Cycling Ulster's policies, procedures and guidelines and be provided with appropriate training, support and supervision. This will minimise unintentional harm of children through lack of knowledge or skills and should pick up on possible intentional harm of children.

Cycling Ulster's Code of Ethics can be downloaded by clicking the link below or via the Download Section on the left.

Cycling Ulster Code of Ethics and Safeguarding Policy

Marian Lamb Club Development Officer
Dave Kane Reliability Trial
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.

Please pass the ...word to anyone who had been planning to do this event.

Marian

Details of National Youth Training Camp
The National Youth Training Camp will take place on 20th and 21st February in Castlebar. Riders eligible are boys born between 1994-1997 and girls born between 1992-1995. Any eligible Cycling Ulster members interested in attending this year’s training camp should contact either Kenny Dunlop (028 89 521681/07884234570, ken.dunlop@nihe.gov.uk) or Mickey McKenna (+353 86 329 8860, michaeljmckenna@hotmail.com) by 30th January.

Patrick Withers (Admin Officer)

Deadly Mexican Bike Crash Report on the horrific bike crash in Mexico
Tour Of Ulster 2008 News from the 2008 Omagh Sports Forum Tour of Ulster. All info obtained from Cycling Ulster

Cycle Routes

weegee — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 09:20:58 CST

We have mapped out several routes for all level of cyclist around Donegal. If there is a route that you like and that you would like to share go to
Map My Ride and send your route to info@fourmasterscycling.com.

We have graded all these routes

1 = Very Easy, 2 = Easy, 3 = Moderate, 4 = Difficult, 5 = Very Difficult.

If you disagree with the routes grade please let us know.

Grade	Route Name	Start Point	Map Link	Miles
4	Muckish Gap	Kilmacrennan, Co Donegal	www.mapmyride.com/ride/ireland/donegal/472835242	56 Miles
2	Newmills 15 Loop	Community Centre, Letterkenny	www.mapmyride.com/ride/ireland/letterkenny,-co-donegal/1130500367	15 Miles
4	Knockalla	Community Centre, Letterkenny	www.mapmyride.com/ride/ireland/letterkenny/167053610	58 Miles
2	Time Trail Course	N15 Newtown, Donegal	www.mapmyride.com/ride/ireland/newtown/574932385	10 Miles
4	Road Race Course 2007	N15 Curran Pub Manor	www.mapmyride.com/ride/ireland/manor/819026677	26 Miles
3	Road Race 5 laps 2008	N15 Burt Chapel	www.mapmyride.com/view_route?r=426627713	25 miles
4	Poison Glen Tour	Letterkenny Community Centre	www.mapmyride.com/route/ie/donegal/496551436815	73 Miles
3	Poison Glen Tour Short Loop	Letterkenny Community Centre	www.mapmyride.com/ride/ireland/donegal/670117143593	33 Miles
2	Ray Bridge	Aura Leisure Centre Letterkenny	www.mapmyride.com/route/ie/letterkenny/159125240421294265	36 miles
3	Comeen loop	Aura Leisure Centre Letterkenny	www.mapmyride.com/ride/ireland/letterkenny/271125241290454605	46 miles
3	convoy/raphoe	Aura Leisure Centre Letterkenny	www.mapmyride.com/ride/ireland/bridge-end/541125310109543281	47 miles
3	Menaroy/Stranorlar	Aura Leisure Centre Letterkenny	www.mapmyride.com/ride/ireland/letterkenny/171124343372463924	45 miles
2	convoy/raphoe short run	Aura Leisure Centre Letterkenny	www.mapmyride.com/ride/ireland/letterkenny/991124297754051856	29 miles
5	JOHN DEER 2010	Termon	www.mapmyride.com/ride/ireland/-letterkenny/203125423329354082	150 km
2	injured cyclist fun run 2010	market square letterkenny	www.mapmyride.com/route/ie/letterkenny/439126581488642644	54 miles

Club News

tinney4m — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 13:31:21 CST

Four Masters Perform well at Island Wheelers Reliabilty Trail
Approximately eighty riders showed up this morning at Gortgonis Centre for the Island Wheelers Reliability Trial. Riders from Four Masters in Donegal, East Tyrone, Omagh, Dromara, Phoenix and Roe Valley made the journey to Coalisland to line up for the run. Many said that they were only there for the famous Wheelers spread of food which follows all their events.

For the first time in many years the day, though cold, was free from rain and snow and everyone was in good spirits. Unfortunately Sheena O'Neil suffered a mechanical at the start so offered to drive me around instead. Many thanks Sheena.

The route took the riders through Moneyneena, Cookstown and Toome with the long drag up past Lough Fee where it turned misty for a while.

The event was well patrolled by James McLaughlin and Eddie Polin among others although the pace was high. The climb up by Lough Fee saw the bunch split up as the draggy road took its toll. According to Marian Lamb of Cycling Ulster the Four Masters men from Donegal will be ones to watch this season as they were fighting fit. Martin Tohill (Spires CC) was well up among the leaders and it may not be too long before he exchanges his brand new A4 licence for an A3.

Great to see a full racing team for Four Masters in such good shape for the 2010 season with 6 of them club members finishing in the top 10. Roll on the race season.

Back at Gortgonis, the real workers had a magnificent spread of food on offer with the by now traditional pavlova. The riders certainly appreciated it and were quick to express their thanks.

Tommy Lamb managed to get around sixty miles in his new 'granny block' fitted as a priority job yesterday by Andy Slane of Slane Cycles who was afraid he would have a heart attack with anything less. The fact that the Centre was locked up by the time Lamb returned is neither here nor there. He blames Darren Boyd of Juiced Orchard, who insisted he in call into his house for a cup of coffee before they finished. The coffee must have been good for them to take so long to come back......

Many thanks to Island Wheelers for a good day out.

Four Masters Race Ready
With one of the strongest racing groups in the Four Masters CC for years, this year is looking promising for the club. Headed by Jason Black the Four Masters CC racing team will be competing at various events throughout the country in the coming season.

At the meeting tonight ( Tuesday 2nd February) the Four Masters competitive cyclists confirm that they would take part in the following races as a team.

Sunday 28th Febraury - Phoenix GP
Sunday 7th March - John Haldane, Newry
Sunday 14th March - PJ Logan Cup, Coalisland
Saturday 20th March - Markievicz Cup, Sligo
Saturday 3rd April - Gorey 3 Day, Tallaght
More Events to follow once the complete Cycling Ireland Calender is released

Any Club member competing in any open races must wear the full team gear. Anyone interested in racing should contact Seamus O Donnell

New Meeting Venue
As from March on all Four Master club meeting will be held up-stairs in Bar Ella, next to Voodoo in Letterkenny. Thanks to Jason for the use of this venue. These club meetings will take place the first Monday of every month.

Discussion Forum Anonymous Post
The discussion forum has now been re-opened to everyone included un-registered site users. For the past 4 months only registered users could post comments due to abuse on the forum previously. This forum will be closely moderated and anyone mis-using the forum will be banned from the forum. Please remember that once you post a comment that your computers IP address is available to site moderators.
So please have your say, but please don't use this forum for personal attacks!

Competive Cyclist Meeting on 2nd February
Anyone who is interested in racing this year is asked to come to a "Racers Meeting" in the Mount Errigal Hotel at 8pm on Tuesday 2nd Feruary. Items for discussion will be training plans, the possiblity of holding a 3 day training camp for the racing cyclists, and which races will be done as team events. Competitive cyclists are still ask to attend the general club meeting on Monday 1st February also.

2010 Licence

If you have not already applied for your 2010 Cycling Ireland licence, we would advise you to do so as soon as possible. Your 2009 licence expired on 31st December and anyone without a licence at present is not insured. A minimum of a club competition licence will be required to take part in any events organised in the county by the four current cycling clubs. Forms are available from Castle Cycles in Raphoe, or from Eamonn Tinney & Sons in Letterkenny. Liam will also have forms available at the Saturday and Sunday training runs.

Ballymena RC/Scott Tiles Reliability Trial, January 24th.

4 Club Members ventured to Ballymena yesterday to test their early season form at the Ballymena RC/Scott Tiles Reliability Trial, in quite wet conditions the 4 club members (Jason McHugh, Jason Black, Eddie Sweeney & Shaun Stewart) undertook the daunting 75 mile trial in a group of approximately 50 riders. The pace was high throughout and the group split on a long climb approximately 15 miles from the finish, I am happy to report that all 4 of our riders made the break and finished with the leading group, this was a great achievement given the number of first Cat riders that they finished along with, and the 22.5 mph average! It looks like the hard Winter training has been paying off and it augers well for the racing season, well done to the boys, keep it up!

Newton Reliability Trial Sunday 31st

As the Dave Kane Reliability trial has been cancelled next Sunday a few member from both the Four Masters CC and the North Pole CC have decided to meet at Kiernans Centra in Newtown at 10am next Sunday 31th January to hold their own trials. This is not a club organised event and is just a bit of training and fun amount cyclists. The plan is to leave Kiernan's and cycle to Bridgend roundabout and then turn and cycle back to the Manor roundabout and then back to Kiernan's. For more information contact Rory Devlin from the North Pole CC or Pat Gill from the Four Masters CC.

Cycling Ireland Members Awards Vote Now For the awarda starts 14th Sept 09

Adrian Mc Dermott 5th in Ulster Carrigans man takes 5th place in Ulster TT championships
John Deere Classic News from the 2008 John Deere Classic, added 30/04/08
Knockalla Tour 2008 News from the 2008 Knockalla Tour 2008, Added 30/04/08

Training run reports

tinney4m — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:20:49 CST

SUNDAY 8TH FEBRUARY
13 Cyclists turned up for training this morning. Leaving the Aura we headed for Glenswilly and then for the Meenaroy climb. There was a nice steady pace to the foot of Meenaroy, where everyone took the hill at their own pace. Taking the descent towards Fintown everyone re-grouped before turning back towards Brockagh. Now faced with a head wind the group worked well together, and waited for the back makers, myself included. We then cycled to Welshtown and took the back road to Stranolar. Hard run but well controlled . Thanks to Weegee and big Adrian for the push on the hill. Good to see Ray back out again. Was a lovely morning so would like to see more out from now on.

SAT / SUNDAY 30/31ST JAN
Due to very poor weather conditions Four Master CC decided to cancel all training spins both days over the weekend, we appoligise for any inconvience caused, however it was done for riders safey. Training as normal next Saturday / Sunday morning leaving aura @ 10am , everyone welcome. Keep training enjoy the miles.

SUNDAY 24TH JAN
BALLYMENA ROAD TEST........jason eddie sean jason,headed to ballymena for a road test over 75miles,weather conditions were very very wet and cold,yet approx 50/70 riders signed on .the pace was hot from the off with each rider comming through for there turn up and over spending approx 2 min at the front and back to recover,the terain was rolling with gradual climbs and drops built in,the route took us to belfast from ballymena out past jordanstown university and on towards to larne by the coast road where the headwind put manners on us,we continued through some unknown villages ,with approx 20miles to go the group was reduces to 30 riders ,where we met a five mile cat3 climb things really boiled over as the pace was very aggressive from the 15 first cats lead out by mark kane ,all formasters riders rode very well and were there at the summit ,approx 20 riders were left to fight out the final 15 miles.where all 4 fourmasters riders got into the break and handled the pace well ......average speed was 22.5 mph and the club can be proud of a very good showing for the fourmasters club.the good winter training programme is paying off......futher tests to be posted and all riders please make them selves available........ as these tests will really improve ur cycling level....

SATURDAY 23RD
fourmasters cycling club have decided to increase club training time ,by introducing sat mornin training sessions (SUNDAY MORNING IS STIIL ON SAME PLACE SAME TIME) both leaving AURA at 10 am SHARP.so saturday last seen 7 riders head off from letterkenny towards bridgend ,derry and back to letterkenny.the run was mixed with different level cyclists,but as the club has requested all riders stuck together ,the spin had enough speed/power for all levels ,nobody was dropped and sprits were great.the sat spin has proven very benefical to riders looking to ride with support and looking to get in extra training miles,can all avilable riders attend this extra session as fitness /power will really improve .....sunday 24th sees club riders heading to termon to support a charity spin,sign on @ 10am (40 mile spin)....4 of the fourmasters team are heading to ballymena for a 75mile test.

SUNDAY 13TH DEC
oh what a day ,very cold to start but beautiful sunshine all the way ....................great spin 50 miles done both groups toured together ,done ramelton fanad over shanky mt down to kerrykeel stopping for hot coffee and bikys ..great job..on to milford over to kilmacrennan,churchill and flat at 30mph home to aura..........great 2 ride as a club great to c young guys enjoy the spin cu all next week as its our xmas spin santa hats on and maybe a wee hot tottee after ?????????????....cya aura 10am sharp

sunday 6th december
its with regret that professional cervelo team rider philip diegnan couldnt join todays training spin ,due to a knee injury he picked up on friday "nothing major" but physio advised him not to train,which we respect.he appoligises,and hopes to get out with the club very soon

GREAT NEWS ALL
THIS SUNDAY THE 6TH DECEMBER FELLOW FOUR MASTERS CYCLIST,AND TURNED PRO CREVELO TEAM RIDER "PHILIP DIEGNAN" WILL BE JOINING OUR SUNDAY MORNING SPIN @ 10AM ,PHILIP IS JUST ABOUT TO RETURN BACK TO TEAM TRAINING CAMP ON TUE NEXT ,BUT BEFORE HE DEPARTS WILL JOIN US ,THIS IS AGREAT OPPERTUNITY FOR ALL ESPECIALLY OUR YOUNG UPCOMMING CYCLISTS TO AS ANY TRAINING/RACING TIPS OR JUST ASK HIM HOW THE PRO CIRCUIT IS.....DONT MISS THIS RARE OPPERTUNITY TO RIDE WITH 75TH TOP RIDER IN THE WORLD ........SEE YOU ALL 10AM@ AURA SUNDAY..ALL FOURMASTERS TEAM CLOTHING TO BE WORN PLEASE.

Sunday 8th November
16 cyclist turned out for todays training on what looked to be a morning of dark skys and heavy rain. However after the light shower before we left the Aura the sun came out and turn the morning into a lovely winters morning with no breeze. 3 of the elite cyclists of the club headed for Doohary and Glenveagh while the rest of us more moderate cyclist headed for Lifford, Ballindrait, Raphoe, Convoy, and back home via Drumkeen. Covering a distance of app 37 miles in 2.5 hours a nice steady pace was held all day, with everyone re-grouping again at the top of any hills. Today average speed was 15.5mph.
For next week we would ask ALL CYCLISTS TO PLEASE FIT A MINIMUM OF A REAR MUDGUARD TO YOUR BIKES. It keeps you drying and also means the guy riding behind you is not getting mouthfuls of dirty road water.

Sunday 1st November
LET ME SET THE SCENE ,SUNDAY MORNING 10AM ,DARK GREY,NO SORRY BLACK SKYS OVER HEAD A RAIN,NO SORRY FLOODS AND FLOODS OF RIVERS .
15 OF FOUR MASTERS LOYAL RIDERS SPOOKTACTULARLY TOOK TO THE HIGHWAY,AS NUMBERS AGAIN WERE LOW AGAIN WE DECIDED TO BATTLE TOGETHER.THE ROUTE CHOSEN WAS LKENNY>BRIDGEND>DERRY>KILEA>NEWTON>LKENNY.
GOOD PACE ON WAY OUT WITH TAIL WIND AND DID IT RAIN ,IT RAINED RAINED AND RAINED ,THE YOUNG RIDER WERE GREAT .HEAD WIND ON WAY BACK AVERAGE SPEED 16 MPH....NOT MUCH MORE TO REPORT ONLY JUST GLAD 2 C THE SHOWER...C U ALL NEXT WEEK ........
Sunday 25th October

Approx. 15 cyclists met at the Aura, given the less than perfect weather and the fact that the number of riders was less than usual it was decided that there would only be one group for the duration of the cycle. Aided by a very strong tail wind the group headed towards Ramelton and then on towards Rye Bridge, from Rye Bridge the group headed back towards Milford and the tail wind was now replaced by a very strong headwind, some cyclists found the going tough due to the strong nature of the wind but the group remained together and made their way towards Kilmacrennan and then Trentagh, some attempts were made to get some "up and overs" going but these did not prove successful, this is something that the B Group should practice on every session to get used to riding in a group and get comfortable riding close to the cyclist in front, this can be intimidating to begin with but with practice it soon becomes second nature. From Trentagh in towards the Aura it was "flat out" and everybody gave a good account of themselves. The group covered approx. 40 miles at an average speed in excess of 16 mph. Well done to everybody and hopefully we will see everybody again next Sunday, thanks also to Seamus for doing the support car.

Sunday 18th October

Over 20 cyclists met at the Aura on Sunday morning at 10 a.m., this was a great turn out given the weather. From the Aura, the group headed up the Cullion Road, at this point the two groups separated, indeed by the top of the Cullion Road the B Group had also fragmented, after a few minutes and a bit of organising the B group reformed and headed towards the Kilross junction, the pace was steady with everybody doing their turn at the front. From Kilross the group turned towards Convoy, from there until Ballinalecky the group encountered a strong head wind. The group maintained a good tempo and the miles flew by with the usual good banter. From Ballinalecky the group headed back to Letterkenny and in the final few miles the pace increased nicley and in no time the group found themselves safely back at the Aura. The group covered approx. 32 miles at an average speed of just under 16 mph, perfect for this time of year. A special mention to the new cyclists who turned up this week and managed to ride with the group at a good tempo the whole way round, I believe one or two had only been on the bike for a few weeks, so watch out! Again thanks to Seamus for driving the support car, it really is great to have club members who give of their time like Seamus does every week. Hopefully we will see everybody next Sunday and maybe the rain will keep away too.

SUNDAY 11TH OCTOBER
met as normal @ 10 appox 15 riders.weather light showers and gusting winds from the nw.set off towards churchill as a complete group,turned right before churchill routing towards kilmacrennan,left towards muckish mountain.all together at this stage and group b choise to route back to lk,group a contiuned to muckish ,we tackeled the climb agressively and all regrouped at small shrine at top,at this stage pace was good and controlled ,new members to the club delt with the climb and indeed spin with great attitude,complements must go to the more seasoned club members for holding up and allowing regrouping "congrats".at the sumit at muckish we turned and head for churchill,"more climbs".on the return leg the pace really increased,yet not enough to bust riders.
churchill was tight and agressively tackeled and once again we regrouped.as we approached the TT course we really turned it up to 30 mph "as usual".and fantastically the new riders hung in and finished as a bunch at aura.....time in saddle..3 hrs ,average spped 17 mph " good considering the head wind on way out to muckish.....approx distance covered 50miles .hilly training spin ,but in donegal where isnt.up and overs worked well and we must continue to work on this.....over all weather fine no rain ,light showers head wind towards muckish tail windish on way home.if all riders would continue to encourage others & new members to club spin every sunday at 10 sharp,it would be greatly appricated...............

Sunday 4th October
Approximately 20 cyclists turn out today for the clubs Sunday training spin. Leaving the Aura the group headed for Kilmacrennan via Churchill and Trentagh. Splitting into the A and B groups on the Trentagh road the A group cycled ahead at a steady pace. ( Full report on the A group to follow shortly).
The B group cycled on towards Kilmacrennan where we plagued with a few punctures on the course. First to punctures was Liam Devenney ( nice to see you out again Liam) and second to be hit was Micheal Curran. The B group then headed for Ramelton and back towards Letterkenny where we all had to stop at Gary Mellon's request for a nature review as he collected conkers for his wee man.
Great ride by the two young guys Conor and Ciaran. Average speed for the B group was 15mph.

REPORT A GROUP.............as above group split approx trentagh rd routing towards kilmacrennan the pace nicely picked up with regular up and overs at the front ,routed through kilmac towards milford where again pace increased to a nice endurance pace ,again regular up & overs applyed ,right in milford strong climb out of town ,regrouped
and turned left at whats called mickadoos corner ( dont ask) and routed towards rathmullan,at this stage all group together and all riding very well "espec new riders"welldone.along this road group turned left towards ray wind farm where a nice bit of climbing began ,not 2 serious yet enough for winter work ,turned right at wind farm down through ray and on to the main rathmullan rd ,routed 2 rathmullan good steady pace 18/ 20 mph approx, turned in rathmullan and headed back to letterkenny by rathmelton,tight wee climb out of rathmelton and regrouped at top and onwards home "2 hr spin ",key features of spin good steady winter pace ,good honest riding "up & overs",and regrouping by the group.dont know average speed approx 18/20 mph??....welldone on turn out, encourage more out next week ,all levels very welcome.......thank you to seamus in the service car (eating his fryed chicken) for giving up his time to ensure rider backup.....c u all next week please mail your preference for next weeks route/s.........

Sunday 27th September
Approximately 15 cyclists were in the A Group on Sunday, the route upon leaving the Aura Leisure Centre took us over to Oldtown and then up the Cullion Road, from there we went to Kilross junction, Convoy, Raphoe, St. Johnston, NewtownCunningham and then back to Letterkenny. The pace was fairly gentle until Kilross and then aided by a tailwind it gradually increased as we headed towards St. Johnston. We were once again blessed by a dry mild morning and the miles flew by quickly. As we turned for home at Newtown we were presented with a fairly strong headwind but everybody took their turn at the front which eased the burden considerably. I am not entirely sure of the avergae speed as my speedo was on the blink but the pace remained fairly comfortable and steady throughout. I believe in total we covered approximately 50 miles. Thanks again to Seamus O'Donnell for his support, it is very much appreciated by all members.

Sunday 20th September
Approximately 30 cyclist turned up at the Aura Leisure Centre this morning for the second Four Masters training club run of 2009. Keeping to the same route as last week we heading for Ramelton with a nice tail wind pushing us up the hills. Finding the pace a bit hard some of the new comers were taken a shorter route by by a few club members. This group cycled from Ramelton to Kilmacrennan, to Churchill and back to Letterkenny covering a total of 21 miles.
the main group lengthened today's run by traveling over Carradoan and into Kerrykeel before turning for Milford and Kilmacrennan.
With an average speed of app 17 miles the pace was well controlled.
Thanks to everyone who turned up and special thanks to Seamus O Donnell who travelled behind in the club car ensuring everyone was ok.

Sunday 13th September
What a morning to start the "Winter" Sunday morning training runs. Possibly one of the best days weather wise we had this year. Well 12 Four Masters members left from the Aura Leisure centre , and were joined by another cyclist as we went through Letterkenny.
Starting of with the climb on the Ramelton road we lost one of the gang, with Micheal's Knee playing havoc once more leaving him with no option but to turn back. With not a breeze to be felt, and the sun splitting the rocks we headed into Ramelton and on for Rathmullan.
Altering the route slightly we cycled into Rathmullan before turning back and cycling to Milford. The first punchure of the day hit on the Kilmacrennan road, but it was not long to all were back together again. Going through Kilmacrennan we headed for Churchill were the lack of training started to take it toll on some off us, but in true Four Masters style the fitter members held back to give a push and a few word of encouragment.
A real enjoyable ride and looking forward to next Sunday already. Anyone wishing to join us on the Sunday runs, be at the Aura Leisure centre and ready to leave at 10am on Sunday mornings.

Average speed was 15-16mph

If you would like to join us but you are not sure if you would be able or what you need, go to our Frequently asked questions page

Leisure Cycling

tinney4m — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 04:35:57 CST

Injured Cyclist's Benefit Fun Run

On Sunday 21st February we will hold an injured cyclist’s benefit fun run from Letterkenny to Buncrana and back. This event is being organised to raise money for cyclists in Donegal who have been injured in the past year.
With a total distance of just over 52 miles this is a nice flat run, with just a couple of short inclines. For anyone who does not fancy the 52 mile route the course can be cut shorter by turning right at Burnfoot, and not travelling to Buncrana, which would give you a run of 37 miles.

The events HQ will be Voodoo on the Main St. in Letterkenny, with thanks to Jason Black. Sign on will open in Bar Voodoo at 9.15am with the event leaving from the Market Square in Letterkenny at 10am. The event will finish at the Market Square again, with refreshments served in Bar Voodoo after.

As this is a fun run there will only be one group. The pace will be controlled and there will be a rolling re-group from Newtowncunningham on the return leg of the cycle to have all cyclists return into Letterkenny and up the main street with a Garda escort.
Termon Charity Cycle Report
Nine Four Masters members ventured out on this cold frosty morning to take part in the 4th Annual Termon Charity run in aid of the Ramelton town hall. Prosponed for one hour due to the icy road conditions the group off app 50 riders left the Termon centre and headed for Kilmacrennan and then on to Milford. Most of the group held together until just before Milford but after this the faster men in the group heated up the pace and left us mere mortals chewing on their grit from the roads. The run took us on into Carrigart and then on to Cresslough before turning left and heading back for Termon. Well done to Four Masters CC new comer Pauric Mc Clafferty from Termon who was first over the line on home turf. He will be one to watch for the future. All in all this was a very enjoyable run, well organised and extremely well marshalled. There was plenty of grub provided in the Lagoon Termon after the run which went down a treat. On a personal note thanks to weegee who helped me around this short but tough course.

Termon 24th January
There is a charity cycling taking place this Sunday 24th January in Termon just outside Kilmacrennan. The run starts in Termon at 10am. Leaving Termon the run goes to Kilmacrennan, turning left for Milford, then on to Cranford and Carrigart, and then to Cresslough. Out of Cresslough the run climbs the drag at the glen and back to Termon. At 50km this would be a nice training run for the Club and as many members as possible as asked to come along and cycle as a club. Anyone that needs a lift from Letterkenny can meet at the Aura leisure centre at 9am ready to leave at 9.15am. Liam will be taking the van for bikes and Gary will give give anyone a lift. Hopefully we will also have the club car available for backup.
Route Map

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Club Meetings

tinney4m — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:22:27 CST

The Four Masters Cycling club meetings take place on the first Monday of every month in the Bar Ella, next to Voodoo at 8.00pm. All club members are asked to attend these meetings to air their views and help develop the club for the future.

Next Meeting Monday 1st Febuary

Details of Meeting held on Tuesday 19th January ( Date changed due to weather)

There was a very successful meeting last night (19/01/10) where they were over 35 people attended some good points were brought up.
1. Have a cycling coach every 6-8 weeks for a questions and answer session
2. Organise Coaching course for our club members and members of other clubs in the area.
3. SATURADAY TRAINING RUNS STARTING @ AURA AT 10.00AM SUNDAY RUNS AS NORMAL.
4. Youth development within the club.
5. Events added to the website 1 week before they start to cover all events in Ireland so people can organise trips with other club members.
6. Club members mobile numbers are been put together on a list and will be passes out to all club members to help with organising training, lifts, E.T.C.
7. We have combined with Roe Valley, North Pole, Foyle, for a interclub race leauge (handicaped) we would like all members to take part in this (details will be posted later)
8. Donal Clancy was elected Club chairman, Paul Gallagher was elected Club Press Officer, Seamus Conolly retains Club Tresurer, and John Curran retains Club Secertary.
9. Jason Black in keen to take up the position of Youth Officer which the club organising with training courses etc.

Road Bike Set Up

tinney4m — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:08:14 CST

Setting Up a Road Bike

Those new to cycling are often surprised by the impact an apparently small change in, for instance, saddle height can have on ride efficiency and comfort particularly over a longish ride.
Here follows a beginners guide to setting up a road bike, although much of this is also applicable to an MTB:

Firstly set your saddle to roughly the middle of its fore-aft adjustment and set the top "spirit level flat". Female riders can get away with a very slight upwards tilt but blokes need it to be absolutely flat. This is usually achieved by loosening the allen bolt under the saddle, jiggling the saddle around then re-tightening the bolt; it needs to be fairly tight as there are some significant forces at play out on the road.
Next set the saddle height. There will be a clamping bolt in the lug or collar where the seat-pin enters the frame. As a first approximation the saddle height should be set so that, when you're seated on the saddle with the pedal at the bottom, you can rest your heel on the pedal with your knee straight. Thus, in normal pedalling with the ball of you foot on the pedal your knee will be slightly bent. With experience you may find your preferred position is a few mm higher or lower than this, but this approximation is a good place to start.
Now, back to the fore-aft adjustment of the saddle; this is the trickiest to explain. The importance of getting this right is to get your knee in the correct position relative to the pedal axel during the downward power stroke. If your saddle is too far back relative to the pedal axel then your knee will be too far back and the joint too extended putting unnecessary strain on your knee ligaments. Cyclists, mercifully, do not generally suffer from too many injuries (unless we fall off) but this is one area that can cause trouble. If you have small feet then push your saddle well forward, this will ease the strain on your knees. This is particularly the case if you have an old frame with a relaxed seat tube angle (one that slopes back a long way).
The next job is to get the handlebars in the right place. Most road riders will set the tops of their bars maybe a couple of cm below the saddle height. If you have long arms then the bars can go lower. Positions like this may be a little uncomfortable when you first start until you get used to it and a good starting point maybe to put the bars level with the saddle. The adjustment is achieved by and large in one of two ways. Traditional quill stems have an allen bolt in the top actuating a clamping device down inside the head tube. Loosen the bolt and give it a tap with a small hammer to release the clamp, slide the quill up or down in the head tube then retighten the bolt. The newer "A-head" systems have clamping bolts on the side. Loosen these. The stem can then be moved up or down on the steerer swapping the spacers above and below. There are a couple of other rules of thumb to get the fore-aft adjustment set correctly. Put your elbow against the nose of the saddle and you fingers on top of the stem; your middle fingertip should be 2-3 cm behind the front edge of your handlebars. Alternatively ride the bike with your hands in the drops; you shouldn't be able to see your front hub - it should be obscured by the handlebars. Unfortunately the fore-aft adjustment is achieved by spending money on either a shorter or longer stem, so make sure you've got everything else right first.

To fine tune the above you should get out on a clubrun and ask your clubmates what they think of your position, they will be able to advise then on further small changes.
The above will give you an efficient riding position and protect your tendons and joints from unnecessary punishment. You will of course still be a little sore on your first long ride as your body is really not used to it. Indeed there is more that can be said about general comfort:

There are five pressure points; two hands, two feet and a bum on the saddle. Relief can be achieved by spreading the load appropriately between these points. You will see many novice riders on "sit-up and beg" bikes pedalling serenely through the countryside. This looks comfortable but all the pressure is on the saddle and it's only a matter of time.. Lowering the bars shifts some weight to the hands. Pedalling a bit harder shifts some weight to the feet.
Wear mitts
Wear cycling shorts with a chamois (nothing underneath)
Don't overtighten shoes or toe-straps

Training Runs

tinney4m — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:49:09 CST

The club's morning training runs leave from the Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny every Satruday and Sunday, weather permitting. The runs will be leaving at 10.00am sharp so everyone is asked to be there at least 10 minutes earlier and be ready to leave at 10.00am.
Each week we will be taking a different route depending on numbers and ability.

These training runs are open to everyone, even non club members. Cycling helmets must be worn by all. Four Masters club members are kindly asked to wear the club gear to try to increase the clubs profile.

To see all routes please click here If you have another route you would like added please let us know and we will add it

The Aura Leisure centre is offering us the use of shower and changing facilites. This would cost €50.00 per week, so we will look into this when we know how many are looking to use these facilities

News Archive

tinney4m — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:45:08 CST

Paddy Delap Presentation Paddy Delap recognised for contribution to cycling in Donegal, Added 13/11/05
Poison Glen Tour 05 Leisure cycle to raise funds for club member Ian Mc Loughlin, Added 18/09/05

Knockalla Tour 2009

tinney4m — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:43:22 CST

The fourth annual Four Masters cycling clubs Knockalla Tour takes place this year on Sunday 19th of April. Covering app 65 miles this event will be based at the Letterkenny Community centre with sign on open from 8.30am on the morning of the run, with the first group of at 9.30am. This first group will be for those cyclist looking for a nice leisurely run, and also for new comers to cycling events. Group two will leave at 10.00am and this group of riders will be made up of experienced cyclists and novice racers. This event is an ideal training run for anyone new to cycling and taking part in this years Sligo to Letterkenny cycle run in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. Starting in Letterekenny the run will take the following course Churchill – Kilmacrennan – Milford – Kerrykeel – Portsalon – Knockalla – Ramelton – Kilmacrennan- Churchill and back to Letterkenny The event will be well covered with support vehicles on the route and a feed station at Knockalla. Showers, Tea and Sandwiches will be provided at the finish. Anyone interested in this event can download the route map from www.fourmasterscycling.com. Entry fee is €10.00 and is payable on sign on. As with all Four Masters Cycling events helmets as compulsory.

Donegal 3 Day 2009

tinney4m — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:42:37 CST

Race Report

The 2009 Ras Dhun na nGall cycle race is confirmed to take to the roads around Killybegs over the June bank holiday weekend this year.

Keeping to the same race structure as the past two years the race on Friday 29th May with a short 34 mile stage. Saturday morning kicks of with the short and fast time trail follows by a 54 mile afternoon stage.
The final stage, at lunchtime on Sunday, is by far the most difficult as the riders race through Ardara, Glenties, Clooney and Ardara again before tackling the famous Glengesh Pass and on through Meenaneary and Carrick to finish in Killybegs. Glengesh is known throughout Irish cycling circles as being one of the most difficult climbs in the country, spectator- friendly but much less so for the cyclists themselves at the end of three hard days of racing. While the overall winner will take the plaudits on Sunday evening in Killybegs, all the riders will be content in the knowledge that they will have just completed one of the hardest stages in Irish cycling. The racing will be hard and fast for the entire weekend, and while some traffic delays may take place in the south west of the county over the weekend, the public has always been hugely supportive of the race, and the riders appreciate the courtesy and appreciation shown to them by all along the route.

Some comments from competitors and spectators of the 2008 event

The roads were really safe with excellent marshaling and I had absolutely no hairy moments with traffic, what a luxury. The countryside, for the few hurried, sweat filled glimpses I had of it, was absolutely incredibly beautiful and we were so blessed with the great weather.
It finished on Sunday, which meant no bank holiday traffic coming home either. It's left me wanting more, and I would really love to do this race again, but to be stronger next time - next year! And I hope more of you will do it too! All in all a great weekends racing. And we even got a tan!

At this point I'd like to say that this was one of the best organised races I've ever done, and although it has a reputation of being really hard, the fact that the stages are kept very short makes it really manageable.
We girls had a good handicap, our own lead car and motorbike marshal, and the prizes were generous. The organiser, John Curran has said that he would love to see more women in the race, and he will give us a good handicap again next time. Results of stages were out quickly and the hotel which was race HQ did great food.
I was thinking, well this hill(Glengesh) isn't soo bad when I turned a corner - and the tarmac rose like a wall in front of me, rising around a couple of horrific hairpins.
I could see Fiona was bent double over the front wheel to keep traction as she went around the bend. Oh Sh*t, I thought, I am actually going to have to get off and walk, in front of all these people..

Glorious sunshine, spectacular scenery and a warm Donegal welcome made this weekend's Rás Dhun nGall, promoted by the Four Masters, an event to remember. With almost 135 riders registering on Friday night the organisers had their hands full. John Curran, Liam Tinney and Seamus Connolly along with their extensive team of helpers had thought of everything even down to the fact that the harbour wall at the finish line was heated!

Entry List

FOUR MASTERS A TEAM
1	Martin Mc Devitt		V
2	Adrian Mc Dermott		2
3	Danny Logue		V
4	Jason Mc Hugh		3
5	Eddie Sweeney		3
FOUR MASTERS B TEAM
6	Sean Mc Bride		3
7	Dinny Doherty		3
8	Pat Dunnion		3
132	Sinead Jennings		W
BRAY WHEELERS
9	Darren O Toole		2
10	Tighernach Murphy		2
11	Ronan Kearney		2
CLANN EIREANN
12	John Heverin		2
13	Martin Mc Conville		3
14	Conor Grimes		3
15	Micheal Murray		2
16	John McAuley		3
CURRAN RACING
17	Ray Brownfield		2
18	Lewis Ferguson		2
19	Alan Graham		2
20	Kieran Mc Kenna		2
DAVIN MCCALL ULSTER WOMENS
21	Orlagh Watters		W
22	Kay Hack		W
23	Heather Wilson		W
24	Cathy Thompson		W
25	Tonya Moran		W
26	Hannah Francis		W
DONEGAL HARVEST / NPCC
27	Rory Devlin		2
28	Jim Doyle		V
29	Kieran Ecceles		3
135	Martin O'Loughlin		V
JUICED ORCHARD
31	Shaun Gray		V
32	Adam Rayner		J
33	Allister Fiddes		3
LAKELAND CC
34	Dane Dunlop		2
35	Raymond Dunlop		2
36	John Mc Manus		2
37	Kenny Boylan		V
38	Robbie Bryson		V
LAKESIDE WHEELERS A TEAM
39	Steven Franzoni		2
40	Craig Sterrett		2
41	Peter Rimmer		2
42	Mairtin Savage		3
43	Stuart Cox		2
LAKESIDE WHEELERS B TEAM
44	Sarah Piner		W
45	Paul Crowley		3
46	Dave Fagan		3
47	Wendy Bates		W
48	Robbie Kenny		2
LIMERICK CC A TEAM
49	Tom Shanahan		V
50	Brian Quinn		V
51	Aidan Gallery		2
52	Alan Loftus		3
53	Bob Murray		2
LIMERICK CC B TEAM
54	Owen Ryan		3
55	Peter Bane		3
56	Stephen T Lynch		3
57	Adrienne Mc Carthy		W
NEWRY WHEELERS
58	Peter McConville		V
59	Mark Campbell		3
60	Nathan Morgan		3
61	Conor Quinn		3
62	Desi Foley		2
NORTH DOWN CC
63	Duane Mc Creadie		3
64	Matty Blayney		3
65	Noel Boyce		V
66	Philip Marshall		2
67	Richard Mc Cullough		3
OMAGH WHEELERS
68	Mark Sweeney		2
69	John Paul Connolly		3
70	Eugene Power		3
144	Richard Lyons
ORWELL WHEELERS A TEAM
72	John Dillion		V
73	Eddie Lynch		V
74	Myles Kirby		2
75	Michelle Geoghan		W
76	Orla Hendron		W
ORWELL WHEELERS B TEAM
71	Martin Cadow		2
77	Lloyd Berry		V
78	Graham Thomas		2
141	Declan Quigley		V
PHOENIX CC A TEAM
79	Cathal Smyth		2
80	Fergus Rooney		3
81	Marty Henderson		3
82	Mert Thompson		2
83	Nick McGrath		3
PHOENIX CC B TEAM
84	Joe Henry		3
85	Paul Harbinson		3
86	David Tweed		3
110	Niall Shannon		2
ROE VALLEY CC
87	Peter Cromie		2
88	Kyle Cromie		3
89	Declan Mc Cartney		3
STAMULLEN RC
90	Alan Clogher		2
91	David Molloy		2
92	Mark Kiernan		V
SWORDS CC
93	Andrew Meehan		3
94	Sean Tierney		V
95	Mick Mc Carthy		3
96	Jason O'Callaghan		2
97	Philip Sugden		V
WEST COAST WHEELERS
98	Brian O'Donnell		2
99	Pat O'Donnell		3
100	James O'Donnell		2
WESTERN LAKES CC
139	Joe Marrey	Western Lakes CC	3
104	John J Flaherty		2
105	Mark Quigley		2
143	Mark Dowling		2
INDVIDUAL
101	Donal Kelly	Un-attached
102	Brendan Twomey	Castlebar CC	3
103	Ciaran Clarke	Castlebar CC	3
30	Marcus Christie	Usher IRC	J
106	Tony Boyle	Castlereagh CC	V
107	Martin Graham	Island Wheelers	3
108	Mark Gill	Murphy & Gunn	3
109	Peter Mullholland	Foyle CC	3
111	John Mc Garrity	Harps CC	3
113	Karl Donnelly	Murphy & Gunn	3
114	Noel Wilson	East Tyrone	3
115	Richard Watters	Harps CC	2
116	Martin Birney	SportActive CC	V
117	Paul Mulligan	Un-attached	V
118	Thomas O'Flaherty	Earl of Desmond	2
119	Thomas Lavery	Comeragh CC	2
120	Finbar Power	Comeragh CC	3
121	John Gargan	Kilcullen CC	3
122	Alan Burke	Kilcullen CC	2
123	Warren Francis	Ards CC	3
124	Stephen Farr	Team Madigan CC	2
125	Laurent Dumoulin	Kanturk	V
126	Brian Canty	Kanturk	3
127	Domhnaill O'Sullivan	South East Road C	3
128	Ger Madden	Team Sports Med	V
129	John Oram	Usher IRC	V
130	Gary Kendall	Bann Wheelers	V
131	Alastair Bratten	Bann Wheelers	V
134	Simon Gill	Foyle CC	3
136	Micheal Devlin	Eire Og	2
138	Sean Halpin	Swords CC	3
140	Basil Freeman	Eire Og	V
142	Ted Mc Caffrey	Ulster U/A	3

THANKS TO

Bayview Hotel

Killybegs Chamber of Commerce

Castle Cycles

Eamonn Tinney & Sons

North Pole Cycling Club

Cycling Ulster

BizzCard Ireland

Arc Bedroom Center

John Deere Classic 2009

tinney4m — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:41:47 CST

Armstrong in Yellow in Slane League

Report By Marian Lamb, Cycling Ulster
The John Deere Classic promoted by the Four Masters CC in Donegal today truly lived up to its name providing the toughest and most hotly contested race held so far in Ulster this year. After just 10 miles the bunch was blown apart on the climb at Muckish Pass with Simon Williams (Juiced Orchard), Paul Vaughan (Kilcullen CC) and Ryan Conor (Usher IRC) forging ahead. On the descent into Falcarragh they were joined by Adam Armstrong (Curran Racing), Conor McAllister (Ballymena RC), John Neil (Phoenix), Fraser Duncan (Curran Racing) and Belfast's Peter Hawkins competing for the Belgium based Decock-Capino outfit. Vaughan led the break over Errigal Mountain but as the race approached the finish at Kilmacrennan it had split into small groups. On the line Armstrong just managed to pip Hawkins with Connor in 3rd place. Duncan was the next man home almost a minute down on the winner. As this was the opening round of the Slane Cycles/Ulster Classic League, every position was hotly contested. Simon Williams took the sprint for 5th place edging out John Neil , Paul Vaughan and Dundrum's Stephen Surdival.
Stuart Henry was the first Junior home ahead of Jonny Cole (Team Madigan) and Peter Williams (Juiced Orchard) with Martin McDevitt (Four Masters) first veteran. Gavin Callaghan (Omagh Wheelers) was the best of the 2nd category riders. Phoenix CC scored a double by lifting the 3rd category and women's prize through Fergus Rooney and Tonya Moran.

Full Report and Pics to follow

Provisional Top Twenty

1. Adam Armstrong S1 (Team Curran Racing) 2.22.59
2. Peter Hawkins S1 (Decock Capino)
3. Ryan Connor S1 (Usher IRC)
4. Fraser Duncan S1 (Team Curran Racing)
5. Simon Williams S1 (Juiced Orchard)
6. John Neil S1 (Phoenix CC)
7. Paul Vaughan S1 (Killcullen)
8. Stephen Surdival S1 (DTC Orwell Wheelers)
9. James McMaster (Team Curran Racing)
10. Daniel Kirwan (Usher IRC) ?
11. Conor McAllister S1 (Ballymena RC)
12. Stuart Henry Jnr (North Down CC)
13. Jonny Cole Jnr (Team Madigan)
14. Fergus Rooney S3 (Phoenix CC )
15. Gavin Callaghan S2 (Omagh Wheelers)
16. Thomas Martin S2 (Clann Eireann )25
17. Martin McDevitt V (Four Masters)
18. Rory Devlin S3 (North Pole CC)
19. Mark Sweeney S3 (Omagh Wheelers)
20. Neil McKenna (North Down CC)

Dave McCall - A Tragic Loss

tinney4m — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:41:07 CST

The entire cycling community throughout Ireland has been shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic death of Davy McCall (Maryland Wheelers). Davy was killed last night while competing in the Phoenix CC – Maryland Wheelers Inter-club league event at Nutts Corner.
The big man was a stalwart of the sport in Ulster. He was a top class international cyclist winning many honours on the road and track. When he retired from international competition he continued to promote the sport he loved serving on the Executive of the Ulster Cycling Federation (Cycling Ulster) for many years. He was a man prepared to put a lot back into cycling qualifying as a commissaire and a top coach. He was also the driving force behind the motor-cycle marshall training scheme which he launched a few years ago.

As a mark of respect tonight’s Northern Ireland Hill Climb Championship and tomorrow’s Ulster 25 TT Championship have been postponed.
The Executive of C.U. offer their deepest and heartfelt sympathy to Dave’s family circle.

A full tribute will follow later.

A Book of Condolence has been opened on the Phoenix CC Messageboard. Tributes to Davy may be left by clicking the following link Dave McCall – Book of Condolence

Tommy Lamb
Chairman
Cycling Ulster

Dave Kane Time Trail 3rd August

tinney4m — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:40:22 CST

16 cyclist took part in this round of the Dave Kane time trail league hosted by Donegal's Four Masters cycling club. John Heveran took first place with a 39 second advantage over Thomas Martin. Johns main contender in the league took 3rd place with a time of 22:11.

The rain held for most of the event, and the competitors had the advantage of a tail wind on the first half of the course to the Bridge-end roundabout. Once around the roundabout the cyclist where faced with strong head winds, which left alot suffering on the final leg.

Once again it was a disappointment to see only two cyclists, Ivan Wray and Adrain Mc Dermott from the Four Masters cycling club there to compete. Who ever said on the discussion forum about the Four Masters having wash day on a Sunday must of been right.

Place	Name	Min	Sec
1	John Heveran	21	28
2	Thomas Martin	22	07
3	Paul Brady	22	11
4	Adrain Mc Dermott	22	57
5	Kieran O Doherty	23	25
6	Davey Quinn	23	32
7	Vincent Mc Carron	26	11
8	Harry Martin	26	47
9	Trevor Reid	26	55
10	Owen Mc Kinney	26	55
11	Ed Boyle	27	11
12	Stephen Burns	27	40
13	Karl Fullterton	28	9
14	Tommy Burns	28	42
15	Ivan Wray	28	51
16	Elle Forrest	29	03

This Sunday 3rd August sees the Dave Kane Time Trail league coming to Donegal. The 10 mile Time Trial is being hosted by the Four Masters Cycling Club. Starting below Newtown on the main Derry road, the competitors will compete against the clock, leaving at 1 minute intervals cycling to the Bridge-end round about and back towards Newtown. A large field of Ulster’s top cyclist are expected to travel to Donegal for this round of the league. Sign on will be open from 11.00am on Sunday morning with the first cyclist of the line at 12.00 midday. This race is open to all cyclist who hold either a Cycling Ireland or a British Cycling licence and entry fee is €5.00 or £4.00. If not competing please come out and watch Ulster’s top cyclists who will be completing this 10 mile course in about 21 minutes.

Donegal 3 Day 2008

tinney4m — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:37:01 CST

Race Report
Race Report from Heather Boyle - www.womenscycling.ie

Ireland's newest and hardiest stage race! Entry List

With the FBD Insurance Ras having just passed through the Irish countryside, and Letterkenny rider Philip Deignan competing professionally in the Tour of Italy, cycling is in the news and it is now the turn of the Ras Dhun na nGall cycle race to take to the roads around Killybegs over the bank holiday weekend. Sponsored by the Bay View Hotel and various other local businesses, this exciting and colorful event will see 130 of the country's best young riders take on some of Ireland's most difficult cycling terrain. The race has always been an important stepping stone for riders with ambitions of going to the highest levels of the sport, and several of our previous competitors have gone on to win big races in Ireland, Britain and Europe. Mark Scanlon from Sligo, who won the race in 1998, went on to win the Under- 18 World Championship in Holland a couple of months later, while Letterkenny rider Philip Deignan,, was a member of the Ireland Under- 18 team that took part in 2001. The last two winners of the race, Isaac Speirs from Navan and the Norwegian Wold Svein, both went on to compete successfully in last year's professional Tour of Ireland. The 2008 Ras Dhun na nGall takes to the roads this coming Friday evening, leaving Killybegs and heading through Carrick and Glencolmcille, and returning to Killybegs via Meenaneary and Carrick again. This stage will take the riders through some of the most spectacular scenery that the county has to offer, although the riders themselves will be more concerned about the large number of small but steep hills that they will encounter, not to mention the long climb out of Glencolmcille towards Meenaneary. Last year it was here that the move went away that eventually decided the race. Saturday morning sees the riders in a time- trial between Bruckless and Killybegs, which while short, will see maximum effort from each rider as time lost or gained here may prove to be critical to the overall result of the race. Each rider starts on his own and will ride at speeds of between 25 and 30 mph towards Killybegs, and the fastest riders will cover the distance in around six and a half minutes. After a short recovery period, the riders leave Killybegs again in the afternoon on a 54-mile stage that takes them through Bruckless, Dunkineely, Ardaghey, Kilraine, Ardara, Clooney, Glenties and Ardara again before heading back to Killybegs via the Nick. The final stage, at lunchtime on Sunday, is by far the most difficult as the riders race through Ardara, Glenties, Clooney and Ardara again before tackling the famous Glengesh Pass and on through Meenaneary and Carrick to finish in Killybegs. Glengesh is known throughout Irish cycling circles as being one of the most difficult climbs in the country, spectator- friendly but much less so for the cyclists themselves at the end of three hard days of racing. While the overall winner will take the plaudits on Sunday evening in Killybegs, all the riders will be content in the knowledge that they will have just completed one of the hardest stages in Irish cycling. The racing will be hard and fast for the entire weekend, and while some traffic delays may take place in the south west of the county over the weekend, the public has always been hugely supportive of the race, and the riders appreciate the courtesy and appreciation shown to them by all along the route.

Weather Set to be fabulous for weekend. Check it out here

Approximate time schedules:

Friday 30th May:

Stage 1 Depart Killybegs: 7.30pm Carrick: 8.01 Glencolmcille: 8.17 Meenaneary: 8.30 Carrick: 8.40 Arrive Killybegs 9.09pm

Saturday 31st May:

Stage 2 First rider starts Bruckless: 9.00am Last rider finishes Killybegs: 11.10am

Stage 3: Depart Killybegs: 2.30pm Bruckless: 2.44 Dunkineely: 2.49 Ardaghey: 2.58 Ardara: 3.36 Clooney: 3.54 Glenties: 4.10 Ardara: 4.26 Finish Killybegs: 4.

Sunday 1st June:

Stage 4 Depart Killybegs: 12.30pm Ardara: 12.59 Glenties: 1.15 Clooney: 1.32 Ardara: 1.48 Glengesh: 2.00 Meenaneary: 2.17 Carrick: 2.26: Finish Killybegs: 2.55pm

Adrian Mc Dermott 5th in Ulster

tinney4m — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:36:06 CST

Adrian Mc Dermott takes 5th place in the Northern Ireland Time Trail championship with an impressive time of 22.37 for 10 miles.

The Northern Ireland '10' mile TT Championships took place on Sunday morning on the Woodgreen course promoted by the NICF. There was a large turn out and although conditions were dry there was a strong buffeting wind which continually changed direction. Clann Eireann's John Heverin was in top form and won the senior event from Martyn Irvine (Pezula) in a time of 21.38. However John was magnanimous enough to say after the event that Martyn was still suffering sore legs fronm his excellent performance on the previous day in the Red Hand Trophy. John Madden (Bann Wheelers) showed that he is returning to form following a recent accident when he lifted the Vets prize in a time of 22.05. Jonny Cole was the fastest Junior on the dat with a time of 22.53.

Results NI '10'TT Championships 2008
1 John Heverin Clann Eireann/Linen Green 21:38
2 Martyn Irvine Pezula 21:44
3 John Madden Bann Wheelers 22:05
4 Thomas Martin Clann Eireann/Linen Green 22:33
5 Adrian McDermott Four Masters 22:37
6 Gordon Scott East Antrim Audi 22:40
7 Ivan Robinson Ards 22:44
8 Jonny Cole Team Madigan 22:53
9 Gary Cranston East Antrim Audi 22:54
10 Simon Stockton Team Madigan 23:08
11 David Barton South Derry Road Club 23:12
12 Ernie Magwood East Tyrone/RT Autoparts 23:14
13 Warren Francis Ards 23:24
14 Paul McMinn Ards 23:39
15 Mel McCann Team Madigan 24:09
16 Peter Mulholland Foyle 24:14
17 Kieran O'Doherty U/A 24:14
18 Sammy McFadden Foyle 24:30
19 Paul Swenarton North Down CC 24:43
20 John Neill Phoenix CC 24:44
21 Davy Quinn Apollo CT 24:48
22 Albert Douglas Team Madigan 24:50
23 Simon Gill Foyle 24:55
24 Colm Lynn East Tyrone/RT Autoparts 24:57
25 Brendan McCourt Nothern Dave Kane 25:03
26 Campbell Armstrong Apollo CT 25:04
27 Enda McDaid Apollo CT 25:15
28 Russell Callaghan Bann Wheelers 25:34
29 Robert Kennedy Bann Wheelers 25:40
30 David McCann Ards 25:47
31 Henry Lynn East Tyrone/RT Autoparts 25:47
32 M Smyth U/A 25:53
33 Daniel Logue Foyle 26:01
34 Warren McNeill Clann Eireann/Linen Green 26:02
35 Harry Martin Clann Eireann/Linen Green 26:30
36 David Neill Team Madigan 26:42
37 Philip Bremner Ballymena Scott Tiles 27:41
38 Craig Swenarton North Down CC 28:41
39 Gary Jackson Apollo CT 29:00
40 William Orr Ards 29:06
41 Gillian Orr Ards 31:07
42 Mandy Cormican Phoenix CC 31:23
43 Sean Wright Ballymena Scott Tiles 43:21

Team - Ards CC 1:09:47
Ivan Robinson Ards 22:44
Warren Francis Ards 23:24
Paul McMinn Ards 23:39

Knockalla Tour 2008 Report

tinney4m — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:35:42 CST

65 cyclists signed on for the third annual Four Masters Cycling club Knockalla tour which left Letterkenny community centre in two groups. This year saw the cyclists taking on the knockalla hill climb from the opposite site, and also doing an extra 11 miles from previous years due to a last minute route alteration.
Starting of at Letterkenny the groups heading for Churchill, the Kilmacrennen, followed by Milford and Kerrykeel. With over 40 riders in the first bunch things where held pretty steady for the first 15 miles but then the pressure started to show with the field spreading out and a few riders falling of the back. Heading the field for most of the ride was Foyle cyclist Jim Doyle, and incase his doctor is reading this, it’s not the Jim Doyle who was injured on the Tour of the North and not the same Jim Doyle who had an operation last week.
Reaching the bottom of the Knockalla hill climb cyclists had a welcome break at the feed station before tackling the gruelling 1.5 mile hill climb, but when you reach the top and look out to the left its worth its. Nothing between you and a 2000 ft drop into the Atlantic Ocean but a crash barrier, what a view. Strong side winds kept cyclist alert on the descent again and everyone heading back for the flatter roads into Rathmullen, Ramelton, Kilmacrennan and back into Letterkenny for a well earned bowl of soup and sandwiches put up by Seamus and Michelle Connolly from Castle Café.
Well done to everyone who took part and finished.

Poison Glen Tour 2009

tinney4m — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:34:41 CST

Route MapSponsorship card can be downloaded from bottom of page

The event will start at Letterkenny Community Centre at 9.30am, with sign on open from 8.45am. There will be two groups with the leisure cyclists off at 9.30am and the racing cyclists off at 10.00am. The event is open to all levels of cyclists, and there will be plenty of support vehicles on the route. Starting at Letterkenny the run will go to Kilmacrennan, Termon, Cresslough, Falcarragh, Dunfannaghy, Gortahork, Dunlewy, Poison Glen, Glenveagh National Park, Churchill and back to Letterkenny, where all cyclists can avail of a welcome shower and tea and sandwiches. This years event is in aid of Ryan Connor, a cyclist who is in need of a heart procedure. Safety helmets must be worn by all cyclists. The minimum entry is €10.00, but we would ask you to please raise as much as possible for Ryan. Ryan Connor is an international class cyclist from Northern Ireland, who cycles for the Usher Road Club. One of the top cyclist’s in the country Ryan has won the Ulster Road Race Championship for the past two years. He is also one of the only two cyclists to get under 19 minutes for a 10 mile TT. During the 2008 racing season Ryan noticed an irregularity in his heart rate. Ryan now has to get a loop recorder inserted into his chest to record what his heart is doing. This operation is expensive and is not available through the NHS, so as fellow cyclist’s we have decided to help him out. As a club we feel very strongly that when a fellow cyclist gets into some hardship whether it’s for health reasons or an accident we should all pull together as cyclists to help.

This year we have decided to run our Poison Glen tour to help out Ryan, who as a rider has supported us in Donegal in every race we have held and has won the Four Masters John Deere Classic.
As a club we are asking you to support this event with as many riders as possible to show your support for a fellow cyclist.
Route Map

2010 FBD Rás

tinney4m — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:08:59 CST

What is arguably the toughest FBD Rás route for many years has been announced today, and will see the riders cover 1219 difficult kilometres between the start in Dunboyne and the finish in Skerries. Running from May 23rd to 30th, the world-ranked race will subject the riders to 24 categorised climbs, including one summit finish on Seskin Hill in Carrick on Suir, and will feature a strong international and domestic field.

“I think that this year is going to be the toughest in quite a while. It is going to be a good all rounder who will win out,” says race director Dermot Dignam. “It gets progressively harder as the days pass, with the first two stages suited to bunch sprints, the following ones likely to see breakaway groups stay clear, and then the climbers coming increasingly to the fore.

“It means that the final outcome should be in question right up until the end of the race, prolonging the suspense and making for a superb contest.”

The race will begin on Sunday May 23rd with a mainly flat 149 kilometre stage from Dunboyne to Dundalk, which features three Hot Spot Sprints (with important time bonuses), plus the categorised climbs of Slane and the Long Woman’s Grave in the Cooley Mountains.

Day two travels 155 kilometres to Carrick on Shannon and, despite the inclusion of the second category Bellavalley Gap some 45 kilometres from the finish, is also expected to see a big bunch sprint.

Stages three and four head to Oughterard and Tipperary, and are the longest of the race at 171 and 169 kilometres respectively. Dignam feels that heavy roads plus a total of four categorised ascents could enable breakaway groups to stay clear.

The most difficult finish of this year’s race follows on Thursday May 27th, with the 157 kilometre stage concluding at the summit of the category one climb of Seskin Hill. Sizeable gaps will begin to open in the general classification, and the overall standings are likely to be shaken up once again 24 hours later when the riders cover seven categorised climbs and 127 kilometres en route to Gorey.

The penultimate stage is another one for the uphill specialists, with some of the toughest roads in Wicklow taking the riders past the Shay Elliott memorial at Drumgoff and over the Wicklow Gap. Two more climbs follow before the finish in Kilcullen, making it a day of dynamic racing, certain aggression and one of great danger for the race leader.

The race then concludes on Sunday May 30th in Skerries, with the seaside town’s usual huge crowds expected to turn up and hail the winner after 140 kilometres of flat-out racing. Four category three ascents keep the outcome up in the air right until the final sprint.

“The last couple of stages of the FBD RÁS are going to play a huge part in the final outcome of the race,” promises Dignam. “Last year there were one or two comments from riders that the second and third last stages weren’t hard enough and didn’t give them an opportunity to attack the race leader. That certainly won’t be able to be said about this year’s final few stages”.

“The route should make for a very exciting race, and so too the field that will be taking part. There are some very interesting teams lined up, and we will be giving out details about these in the weeks ahead.”

The 2010 FBD Insurance RÁS will once again be sponsored by FBD Insurance and the Irish Sports Council, and is classified as a 2.2 event in cycling’s world rankings.

----- FBD Insurance RÁS (2.2), May 23 -30:
Stage 1, Sunday 23 May: Dunboyne – Dundalk, 149 km
Stage 2, Monday 24 May: Dundalk – Carrick on Shannon, 155km
Stage 3: Tuesday 25 May: Carrick on Shannon – Oughterard, 171km
Stage 4: Wednesday 26 May: Oughterard – Tipperary, 169km
Stage 5: Thursday 27 May: Tipperary – Seskin Hill, Carrick on Suir, 157km
Stage 6: Friday 28 May: Carrick on Suir – Gorey, 127km
Stage 7: Saturday 29 May: Gorey – Kilcullen, 151km
Stage 8: Sunday 30 May: Kilcullen – Skerries, 2 laps of 13.7km circuit, 140km

For further details: Dermot Dignam 087 2459562 or Sally Ryan 01- 6496416 or log-on to: www.fbdinsuranceras.com

Detailed analysis:

Day one of the race on Sunday 23rd May will begin in Dunboyne, home of one of the greats of Irish cycling and twice FBD RÁS winner Philip Cassidy, and traces a mainly flat, 149 kilometre route towards Dundalk. The first wearer of the mountains jersey will be determined after 33.1 kilometres when there is a category 3 KOM/Hot Spot Sprint in Slane. The sprinters will be to the fore again going through Collen at 42.5kms where valuable time bonuses are up for grabs in the second Hot Spot Sprint of the day. The riders will then pass the location of the finish line in Dundalk for the first time after 78.7 kilometres, heading out on a 70 kilometre finishing loop.

This includes the day’s third Hot Spot Sprint in Carlingford (km 104.9) and then, after Omeath, the second category climb of the Long Woman’s Grave (km 121.8). A flurry of attacks is expected there but, as race director Dermot Dignam says, things could well come back together.

“Despite the fact that there is a category 2 climb included, this stage should see a sprinters’ finish,” he states. “While I am sure that the Long Woman’s Grave will very possibly cause an upset, there should be a mass bunch gallop into Dundalk. “The day also includes three Hot Spot Sprints and with time bonuses up for grabs, these will have a bearing on the general classification that evening.”

The following day is another mainly flat stage. Speeds will be very high between the start in Dundalk and the finish, 155 kilometres later, in Carrick on Shannon. The route twice passes across the border, moves through towns such as Castleblaney, Clones and Belturbet, and features the second category Bellavalley Gap after 110 kilometres of racing. The finish comes 45 kilometres after that.

“Bellavalley Gap will cause problems as it is a category two – it is a long, gradual climb that, if there’s pressure on at the front, could have guys going out the back from early on,” Dignam explains. “The strongest should be there together at the top. However it should all come together before the end for a mass bunch finish into Carrick on Shannon.”

The race organiser is more sceptical about a big sprint at the end of the third stage, a 171 kilometre race from Carrick on Shannon to Oughterard. After heading through Castlerea, Claremorris, Ballinrobe and Cong, home to former FBD Rás stage winner David O’Loughlin, two climbs crop up inside the final 35 kilometres. These are the category three ascent of Gowlaun (km 137.2) above Lough Nafooey plus the tougher, second category Tir na Cille (km 150.9) and, when coupled with the general sluggishness of what is the longest stage, could well fracture the peloton.

“This is a stage where the race is going to break up,” he predicts. “I am sure there will be a breakaway group as there are a lot of heavy roads and plenty of opportunity for riders to escape up the road and disappear out of sight. “This will be very much a stage for a breakaway group, followed by a couple of chasing groups and then the bunch, which will lose some time. It should be the first real shake-up of the race.”

More of the same is envisaged for stage four, with narrow, tricky roads likely to cause splits. There are also two category three climbs, that of Killanena (km 77.6) and Knockanena (km 85), the latter coming almost exactly halfway through the 169 kilometre race to Tipperary.

“It is a strange stage in so far as the first third of it is very much on good, fast roads,” Dignam continued. “The middle third is on narrow back roads, tricky roads up from Gort to Killanena and all the way down through Killaloe into Birdhill and Newport. There are plenty of drags.

“It is only then in the last 25 kilometres that the riders will get back on a big, open fast road. Again, I feel that the race will probably split up and you will have breakaway groups and chasing groups before the main bunch arrives in.”

Tougher second half:

Time gaps should, until this point, be relatively small, but all will change from this point on. Stage five on Thursday May 27th may well bring about a change in the race lead, and should significantly thin out the list of the overall contenders. Beginning in Tipperary, the route heads for Fermoy and Lismore, crosses the category three The Pike (km 125.7), then concludes with the ferociously steep ascent of Seskin Hill (km 157.1). David O’Loughlin won here in 2004 and will aim to do so again for the An Post Grant Thornton Sean Kelly team, particularly as Kelly is from the nearby town of Carrick on Suir.

Dignam says that this stage marks a turning point in the race. “This stage will definitely play a big role. Guys who are not as confident in the mountains are going to be attacking early on and trying to get clear to win the stage, rather than leaving things to the climb. Once onto the slopes, the mountain specialists will definitely be coming to the fore, tearing things apart.”

If stage five is marked by an extremely tough climax, the subsequent 127 kilometre race from Carrick on Suir to Gorey will do the damage via a long wearing-down process. A relatively flat early part brings the riders through Thomastown and Knocktopher, then once past halfway the first of seven categorised climbs rear up. These are the category three hills of Knockdramagh (km 71.2), Corragh (km 89.8), Carnew (km 99.5), Monaseed (km 106.4) and Laraheenhill (km 112.3), the second category ramp of The Heights (km 74.1) and the first category legbreaker of Corrabutt (km 77.1).

“I think this is going to be one of the toughest stages in the FBD Rás for a long, long time,” says Dignam. “There is a lot of climbing, but also heavy, lumpy roads. Even though some are not classified, there are climbs at regular intervals.

“Corabutt Gap is a difficult climb, and so is The Heights. At the latter end of the stage, when tiredness from that day’s racing and also from the previous number of days will be settling in, I think the riders will be arriving in Gorey pretty much all over the place. It is going to be a very, very difficult stage.”

The same assessment could well apply to the penultimate leg of the race, a 151 kilometre race from Gorey to Kilcullen. Scaling some of the biggest climbs in Wicklow, it will take the riders over the category one climbs of Drumgoff (km 100.7) and Wicklow Gap (km 115.2), and then the second cat Slieve Corragh (km 129.6) and the third category ramp in Tober (km 135.8). The accumulated fatigue of seven day’s racing will make things even more decisive, and the battle for yellow will be raging.

“The pressure doesn’t ease up any way at all on the penultimate stage as it is very tough,” says Dignam. “Most of the Irish lads know Drumgoff and the Wicklow Gap only too well. They are serious climbs and will play a major part into who takes the yellow jersey into the Sunday.”

Whoever is atop the leader board on Sunday May 30th will still have 140 tough kilometres to cope with before being crowned the 2010 FBD RÁS champion. As has been the case in recent years, the race will conclude with two laps of a difficult finishing circuit in Skerries; before then, the riders will skirmish on the Pluckhimin (cat 3, km 85.1) and Cross of the Cage (cat 3, km 104.4) hills.

Once on the circuit, the category three ascent of the Black Hills (km 117.6 and 131.4) will be climbed twice, providing a final springboard for attacks. “The final day’s stage to Skerries is another very difficult one,” Dignam states. “It’s certain that there will be plenty of aggression, and the battle will rage right until the end. We again expect huge crowds in Skerries, which really gets behind the FBD RÁS, but should also see a lot of support on the roads during the previous week. The numbers of people turning out to watch has jumped considerably, and we are confident that they will have another great race to see this May.”