home

Dublin International Track Meeting

Saturday 11 July saw the official opening of the resurfaced track at Sun Drive Track in Dublin and Dublin's Lady Lord Mayor, Emer Costello was on hand to cut the ribbon to get the Sneem Hotel International Grand Prix underway.

Wales fielded two top Sprinters and two Dutch Womens teams added to the international flavour of the event. Cycling Ulster also entered a five rider squad comprising Jonny Beers (East Antrim-Audi), Rachel Withers (Fintona CC), Rachel Mitchell (North Down CC) and Ballymena brothers Conor and Leo McAllister.

The days programme was run as a 4 event Omnium for each of the categories of Men, Women and Tanden and three events were held in all categories before the weather closed in and brought the programme to an early conclusion.

Despite the fact that some of our top Junior riders were away preparing for this weeks European Track Championships in Russia, Jonny Beers nonetheless flew the flag for Ulster and was in the thick of the action in the early Sprint Heats, taking 3rd, 2nd and 4th in the final against all senior opposition.

The opening Scratch event some good tactical riding from the Ulster trio, with Leo McAllister opening a useful gap in the opening laps, only to be caught with three laps to go, when older brother Conor took up the race and looked like he would pull off the win, only to be pipped on the line, with Jonny beers taking 4th.

Rachael Withers was the star of the Ladies races, producing good rides in the Scratch and Sprint events to finish up 7th overall in the competition in a field of 22 women.

Mens Omnium after 3 events.

1. Brendan Whelan (Leinster)

2. John Lynch (Bray) 5pts

3. Jonny Beers (Ulster) 6pts

Ladies Omnium after 3 events.

1. Anneloes Stvelwinder. Holland 6pts

2. Ilona Meiring. Holland 7pts

3. Jenifer O'Reilly. Ravens 13pts

4. Sanne Busman. Holland 18pts

5. Lisanne Al. Holland 20pts

6. Melissa Slewe. Holland 20pt

7 Rachael Withers. Ulster 22pt

Tandems

1. David Peelo & Michael Delaney. Ireland

2. Rhys Thomas & Rhydian Page. Wales

3. Caroline Ryan & Catherine Walsh.Ireland

Women on Track for National Records

Last weekend the Cycling Ireland Track Commission ran a selection event in Dublin to pick a development team to compete in the Meadowbank Grand Prix in Edinburgh next month.

Rain delayed the start, but the new surface at the Sundrive facility, the track dried quickly enough to commence racing.

The headwind on the back straight did hamper the riders in their efforts, but an outstanding ride by Rachel Mitchell (North Down CC) saw her equal the standard set by Cycling Ireland for the distance recording the fastest time of the day with 14.60 sec, to put her name in the record books as the first holder of the Junior National Womens Record.

Next off was the Standing Start 500m Time Trial where Ailbhe Ivory (Bray Whs) set a new Irish Record when her time of 45.84 was one second inside the standard set by Cycling Ireland. Her joy however was short lived however as Rachel Mitchell again set the fastest time of the day taking a full 3 secords off the standard.

The final event of the day was the 15 lap scratch race, which included some senior women in the field. This was one of the most closely contested womens races witnessed at Sundrive with strong riding and attacks throughout the 15 laps. Fintona`s Rachel Withers was one of the most active throughout, launching her attack with five laps remaining. It looked like she was going to hold her advantage to the line, but Bray`s Ailbhe Ivory, put in a late burst to deny Rachel the win. The last lap was timed at 32sec and that is pretty fast for the 460metre track.

Ulster Track Coach Brian Cardy was delighted with the Girls performance, paying tribute to their commitment and effort on the day. With Rachels two National records, and ones set by Jonny Beers and David Neill respectively in the Junior Flying 200 metre time trial this year, it indicates that the work being put in by the athletes and coaches at Orangefield is paying dividends, and with Jonny Cole, David Neill and Aaron Baines all in training with the National Track squad at present Track Cycling in Ulster is going from strength to strength.

The five women selected for the Meadowbank Grand Prix are –

Rachel Mitchell North Down CC

Rachael Withers Fintona CC

Ailbhe Ivory Bray Whs

Fiona Guihan Navan RC

Heather Beirne Navan RC

City of Edinburgh Grand Prix 13-14 June 2009.

An Ireland Development team managed by Orangefield Coaches Brian Cardy & Anthony Mitchell travelled to the Edinburgh GP on 13 & 14 June as the first of a series of Racing opportunities identified by the National Track Commission. The squad, selected at events in Sun Drive last month were

Michael Mulcahy. U23. National Sprint Champion

Ivan Casey U23

David Neill Jun National Jun 500m TT Record Holder

Jonny Beers Jun National Jun Flying 200m Record Holder

Aaron Baines Jun

Jonny Cole. Jun.

The team arrived at Edinburgh on Friday evening in time for a half hour familiarisation ride. Ivan & Michael flew direct from Shannon and joined the remainder of the team at the Track. Accommodation was arranged by the organisers, at the nearby Edinburgh University halls of residence.

On Saturday the competition got underway with the Flying 200m TT do decide the heats of the Sprint event with Irish riders recording the following times –

Michael Mulcahy 12.26

David Neill 12.45 (New National Junior Record) More Pix in Gallery Page.

Jonny Beers 12.98

Ivan Casey 13.01

Michael went through in to the Sprint heats, whilst David narrowly missed the top 12 that went through to the heats, although his National Record was compensation, and it should be remembered that he was riding against Senior International competition, and was possibly the fastest Junior rider.

Michael went on to ride the Sprint heats, performing well although he was eliminated before the quarter finals.

In the Devil, almost 20 riders competed in the A event with our riders inexperience showing in the line-up procedure which saw them 25-30metres from the front when the event started. Aaron Baines was unfortunately the first to be eliminated, with Michael Mulcahy and Jonny Cole making it in the last dozen. Again this was an encouraging performance in top class company.

In the Keirin events, Ivan Casey and Jonny Beers were drawn together in the first heat, although as rain started to fall the event was re-run on Sunday.

Sundays forecast was not good, however the programme started in fine weather with Ivan and Jonny Beers unfortunatley not making it through the Keirin Heats.

Michael and David Neill were also drawn together, and David showed great tenacity, from drills regularly practiced at Orangefield, where he attempted to make his way in to the line. An Edinburgh rider `moved him out`, and as David responded, the heat was stopped and both riders were eliminated from the restart. This is an unfortunate development in track racing where physical contact is outlawed, however with this rule both the perpetrator and respondent are both `DQ`d`

Michael had better luck in his heat, making his way on to first wheel and despite being overtaken fought his way through to take the win, narrowly beating British & World masters champion Ivor Reid. This excellent result progressed him to the final, where he just missed the podium, ending up in 4th place – a bike length off 3rd.

The Derny race, with 7 Dernys on track is an amazing sight, and one which did not overawe our riders, most of whom have little experience of riding behind a Derny, let alone racing with 6 others. Jonny Cole drew an experienced `Pacer` and rode a stormer in his heat, taking half a lap out of the field in the 20 lap heat, only to fade in the closing stages and finish 4th.

Aaron Baines also benefited from an experienced pacer, to also finish 4th in heat, and later in the day Jonny and Aaron rode in the Minor final. Once again Jonny rode a good race, but his inexperience along with that of his Pacer saw the two lose company as Jonny `blew` with five laps remaining. This allowed Aaron to come through to take 4th.

Overall this was a good solid performance from all riders, with all appreciative of the opportunity and effort which went in to the planning stages.

Both managers also benefited form the experience, with good contacts made for possible future inclusion.

We were lucky with the weather, with only a small part of the programme cancelled due to the rain. Meadowbank is a 250metre outdoor wooden track, made form African Hardwood, which if wet dries out in around one hour - somewhat quicker than Orangefield !

2009 Cycling Ireland Track Commission Selection Event

Results from Saturdays Track Omnium event in Dublin to select U14/16 Youth and Junior/U23 development teams to compete in selected outdoor track meets in the UK. The aim of this venture is to expose young track talent to the next level of competition. There will be a selection event later in the year for a female track development team to travel to a UK meet in August.

In the Under 14 category Banbridge rider Mark Downey finished second in the Sprint and Scratch events and 3rd in the Time Trial to end up second overall.

Results Under 14.

1 Craig Arrigan

2 Mark Downey

3 Darragh Long

In the Under 16s Jack Wilson took a clean sweep of all three events to secure his place on the squad.

Under 16.

1 Jack Wilson

2 Ross Grogan

3 Enda Ryan

The above riders will copmete in the Mainday Youth Omnium in Cardiff at the end of the month.

In the combined Junior and Under 23 events Jonny Cole was best of the Northern contingent, winning the 25 lap scratch race and finishing second in the Kilometre to finish second overall. Jonny Beers was second in the Sprint, but fastest Junior, closely followed by David Neill and, along with Aaron Baines all qualified for the Edinburgh Grand Prix event next month.

Combined Junior and Under 23

1 Ivan Casey (U23)

2 Jonny Cole (Jun)

3 Jonny Beers (Jun)

4 David Neill (Jun)

5 Michael Mulcachy (U23)

6 Aaron Baines (Jun)

The above will compete in the Edinburgh GP on 13 & 14 June.

2009 Training Gets Underway

30 April 2009

Track activities will resume at Orangefield this Sunday afternoon 3 May (weather permitting) with a re-introduction to the track following the winter lay-off.

The session will get underway at 1pm, and all Youth, Junior and Under 23 Male riders should especially take note, as this will be an opportunity for some track time ahead of next Saturday (9th) where selection events will be held at the Sun Drive Track in Dublin for the upcoming British Track meetings. Cycling Ireland will be sending various age groups and disciplines to 4 selected British Tracks throughout the Summer, with riders selected on next Saturdays timed sessions in Dublin.

Contacts for this Sunday are-

Brian 07718 894 570

Anthony 07843 561 084

Orangefield Womens Track Day.

15 March 2009

The Ulster Track Commission along with the Ladies Association organised a well supported women-only track familiarisation day at Orangefield on Sunday.

Girls from as far away as Derry and Portrush made the trip to Belfast for what for many was their first sight of a banked Cycling Track.

Most were daunted by the thought of riding on 40 degree banking, however after circulating for a few gentle laps most were overcoming their initial fears, however only a few were brave enough to have a try out on a track bike on their first visit, once they realised there was no brakes and no freewheel!

Coach Brian Cardy had organised some exercises including general track etiquette, riding in a group, flying 200 metre time trials and standing start practice.

Experienced track riders Rachel Mitchell and Ciara Mulholland were on hand to demonstrate some of the finer points of track riding including Madison hand-slings.

Anthony Mitchell acted as `pied piper` leading the group around the track to help their confidence in riding at the top of the banking and also general close proximity cycling.

The enthusiasm and interest shown by the girls was commendable, and hopefully future training sessions will be organised throughout the year.

It is the Track Commissions intention to run accreditation sessions in May in advance of the Track League getting underway in June.

Velodrome Training

Last weekend 27-8 Feb 2009 saw a squad of 9 Youth and Junior athletes head to the Manchester Velodrome for a weekend's track training. Despite the long journey down from Stranraer, all riders were fired up at the prospect of sharing track time with the British Cycling Olympic Development Squad.

Thanks to links made by the Track Commission, it had been arranged for our best two `sprint` athletes, David Neill (Team Madigan) and Jonny Beers (East Antrim) to train along with Multi World Masters champion Geoff Cooke, who had his British ODP squad gathered for the weekend.

This was a tremendous boost for these two lads who show great promise in Sprint discipline events, and despite being apprehensive, the two riders performed exceptionally well in this company, with Cooke well impressed with their efforts and attitude.

Some of the drills included 500 metre Time Trials, Flying 200 Metres, Standing Start 100 metres as well as lengthy spells behind Cooke`s 125cc motorcycle.

The most daunting test was when each rider was taken individually for a three lap `spin` behind the bike, with the speed gradually built up to a maximum in excess of 60kph. Despite it being their first experience of this type of session, both Ulster lads performed at least as well as the more experienced English and Scottish riders in the squad, and in the timed exercises were regularly posting top three results.

Prior to each days activities, Cooke led a 20 minute stretching session which included all Ulster athletes, before breaking in to two groups for the remainder of the day, when Brian Cardy and Anthony Mitchell looked after the 7 remaining Ulster riders.

Our time on track was put to good use, with various timed sessions as well as `track craft` lessons led by Manchester resident Louise Satherly, a native of Derry and an experienced Track Sprinter who came down for the weekend to train with our riders. Jonny Cole and Rachel Withers also posted times for the 3k and 2k individual pursuit respectively, as both have an eye on National selection for these events later in the season.

In all, it was one of the best workshop weekends Ulster has attended in recent years, thanks in no small way to British Cycling and Geoff Cooke being extremely accommodating in terms of track time and inclusion.

The invitation has been left open for further similar joint training sessions, and with both our riders and coaches coming away having learned a great deal, it is an experience that can hopefully be repeated. AM.

29 June 2008

International Track Meeting

Eamonn Ceannt Park, Sundrive Road, Dublin

Saturday 12th July

Featuring Elite, Ladies and Tandem against Cross-Channel opposition. Ideal warm up event for the Nationals later in the month and some International opposition for anyone considering entering the European Masters in Manchester in August. We would like to encourage some of the many ladies who are now accredited to participate. It is also an opportunity to see our finely tuned Paralympic riders in action before the head to Bejiing.

Although there are no races for youth, we would like to see them come along and learn from watching the experts.

Event timetable

11.00am – 11.45am - Sign on

11.45am – 12.25pm - Open track

12.30pm – Racing Starts

Event 1 : Tandem – Flying lap

Event 2 : Elite – 10 lap scratch

Event 3 : Women's – 10 lap scratch

Event 4 : Tandem – qualifying for sprint (flying 200m)

Event 5 : Elite - 1km dash

Event 6 : Women's sprint (heats will be drawn randomly)

Event 7: Tandem – sprint final & semi final

Event 8: Elite – Sprint (heats will be drawn randomly)

Event 9: Women's – sprint final & semi final

Event 10: Tandem - 2km dash

Event 11: Elite – Sprint final and semi finals

Event 12: Women's – 12 lap points (points every 3 laps – 5 3 2 1pts)

Event 13 Tandem - 12 lap points (points every 3 laps – 5 3 2 1 pts)

Event 14: Elite – 12 lap (win & out laps – 6 9 12)

Event 15: Women's 1km dash

Event 16; Tandem – 3km pursuit

Event 17: Women's 6km scratch

Event 18: Elite wheel 10km scratch

This International meet will be run by the Track Commission of Ireland in conjunction with Cycling Ireland. This programme is subject to change and will be run on as an omnium. (Events 17 & 18 will not be part of the omnium.)

All Sprints are the best of one heat.

Entry Fee €10

For info contact Will Byrne, Tel: 086 8047839, E-mail: will@kingscroft.ie.

Pre Entry not required but we would appreciate an e-mail indicating your intention to participate to help us with our planning

Tuesday 10 June 2008.

With track markings newly painted courtesy of Belfast City Council, some top times were recorded during a training evening on Tue 10 June.

Phoenix man John Neill, already holder of the unofficial 1 lap standing start record, bettered his figures to edge closer to breaking the 30 second marker for the 396m killer lap.

Other riders recorded personal best times for the distance on what was a cool sunny evening. The evening was marred slightly by an accident in the Team Pursuit event which saw Marty Henderson taken to hospital with a broken collar bone.

All those present, and the Ulster Track Commission, wish Marty a speedy recovery.

396 metre standing start lap TT 10 June 2008

John Neill

Sen

Phoenix cc

31.14 new unofficial lap record

Jack Wilson

U16 East Antrim

33.18 personal best

David Neill

U16

Madigan

32.17 personal best

Jonny Beers

Jun

East Antrim

33.59 personal best

Jonny Cole

Jun

Madigan

34.96 personal best

Anthony Mitchell

Vet

North Down

35.07

Paul Swenarton

Vet

North Down

35.12

Geoff Swann

Vet

Madigan

35.50 personal best

Richard Alexander Jun

Madigan

35.67

Marty Henderson Sen

Phoenix

36.15

Simon Stockton

Sen

Madigan

36.32 personal best

Rachel Mitchell

U16

North Down

36.84 personal best

Stephen Moffat

Phoenix

37.02 1st ride

John Runciman

Banbridge

37.45 1st ride

Laura Casey

U14

Clann Eireann 37.70 personal best

Martin Hagan

Madigan

38.21 1st ride

Ciara Mulholland U14

Clann Eireann 38.72 personal best

Stuart Ballintine U14

XMTBCC

39.37 1st ride

Ryan Orr

U14

Old Bleach CC 41.04 1st ride

Kyle Mc Erlane

U14

XMTBCC

41.04 1st ride

David Runciman U14

Banbridge

41.32

Chris Oakley

U14

XMTBCC

41.54

Claire Oakley U14

XMTBCC

42.72

Declan Mulholland U14

Clann Eireann 43.72 1st ride

Aimee Ogilby

U12

XMTBCC

47.31 personal best

Emma Gordon U10 Ballymena RC 53.18 personal best

Training times 2008

Flying 200m tt

John Neill 13.10 8 June

David Neill (U16) 13.89 3 June

Rob Watterson13.92 3 June

Jonny Beers (j)14.10 8 June

Jack Wilson (U16) 14.14 8 June

Paul Swenarton (V) 14.17 8 June

Mickey Murray 14.20 3 June

Jonny Cole (J) 14.26 3 June

Aaron Baines (U16)14.59 3 June

Brian Nugent 14.72 3 June

Keith Krymble 14.89 3 June

Simon Stockton 14.93 3 & 8 June

Richard Alexander (J) 14.96 3 June

Andrew Bradley 14.96 3 June

Anthony Mitchell (V) 15.39 3 June

Joe Henry 15.45 8 June

Anthony Clearn 15.68 3 June

Eddie Beard 15.82 3 June

Rachel Mitchell (U16) 15.95 3 June

Ciara Mulholland (U12) 16.37 8 June

Claire Oakley (U14) 16.91 3 June (gears)

Laura Casey (U14) 17.28 8 June

Mark Downey (U12) 17.62 3 June

Chris Oakley (U14) 17.62 3 June

Declan Mulholland (U12)18.81 8 June

Aimee Ogilby (U12) 21.58 3 June (gears)

Emma Gordon (U12) 24.09 8 June

250m Standing Start TT

John Neill 20.82 8 June

David Neill 21.67 8 June

Jack Wilson 22.02 8 June

Jonny Beers 22.28 8 June

Jonny Cole23.40 8 June

Simon Stockton 23.53 8 June

Joe Henry 23.58 8 June

Ciara Mulholland 24.26 8 June

Paul Swenarton 24.50 8 June

Rachel Mitchell24.51 8 June

Laura Casey 25.42 8 June