Tour of the Lakes..........Road Race.....105k.

Sunday August 31st at 12 noon at The North Pole Bar,Drumfrees, Clonmany.

Categories....Senior 1,2,3. Vets,Vets over 50,Ladies,Juniors and Youths.

Also 64k.Leisure Run starting 12.30pm.




ALL IRELAND HILL CLIMB CHAMPIONSHIP at Mamore Gap Saturday 23rd August




Ronan Mc Laughlin is presented with the Donegal Harvest Trophy by Darina Friel.
Ronan also won the Gold Medal in the All Ireland Hill Climb.......Also Dylan Gill,Cyclist of the Day.





North Pole Racing Team won the All-Ireland Gold Medal for the fastest team at the All-Ireland Hill Climb Championship held at Mamore Gap on Saturday 23rd August. L/R Patrick Mc Callion,Patrick Doherty and Rory Devlin.......Also.. Mairead Devine makes it look easy.

RESULTS of All-Ireland Hill Climb Championship

Ronan McLaughlin An Post/Sean Kelly 8.43 Ryan Sherlock MAD MTB 8.50 Dane Dunlop Lakeland CC 8.57 Kieran McKenna East Antrim CC 9.22 Brian Minmagh Omagh Wheelers 9.27 Kevin Donagher Swords CC 9.38 Marcus Christie Usher IRC 9.40 Martin Mizganki Wexford Wheelers 9.53 Kieran O'Doherty U/A 9.58 Raymond Dunlop Lakeland CC 10.09 Brian Thursby U/A 10.34 Warren Francis Ards CC 10.42 Richard Lyons Omagh Wheelers 10.46 Rory Devlin North Pole CC 11.01 Daniel Logue Foyle CC 11.28 Michael Duffy Four Masters 11.32 Partick McCallion North Pole CC 11.34 Eddie Duffy Four Masters 12.24 Patrick Mornine Four Masters 12.30 Patrick Doherty North Pole CC 12.31 Kieran Eccles North Pole CC 12.39 Ann McFarland East Tyrone CC 12.46 Dylan Gill North Pole CC 13.00 Aidan Noone North Pole CC 13.16 Brendan Duffy North Pole CC 14.05 David Steward Foyle CC 14.08 Phillip Porter North Pole CC 14.10 Patrick McLaughlin North Pole CC 14.37 Willie J McLaughlin North Pole CC 15.07 Edward Noone North Pole CC 16.33 Barry Cassidy Emyvale CC 17.09 Mairead Devine Foyle CC 17.35 Shane McLaughlin North Pole CC 17.35 North Pole also provided trophies for other categories First Unplaced S1 Kieran McKenna (East Antrim CC) First Unplaced S2 Kevin Donagher (Swords CC) First Unplaced S3 Martin Mizganki (Wexford Wheelers) Fierst U16 Patrick McLaughlin (North Pole CC) First U14 Dylan Gill (North Pole CC) Return webmaster@cyclingulster.com Site designed by Conor Lamb and maintained by Tommy & Marian Lamb

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Local riders,Ronan Mc Laughlin,An Post and Marcus Christie,Ushers will be cycling on Saturday next in the National Hill Climb Championship.

The National Hill-Climb Championship at Mamore Gap---the twisty side!

Registration at The Laurentic Bar,Linsfort 3 miles from Buncrana from 10.30am on Saturday 23rd August.
Start---12 noon at the Urris Side.
Presentation at The Laurentic at 2.30pm.

Further details from----- Carl at......00353-862788497


Cycling Accident.
The executive of North Pole Cycling Club would like to offer the family of David McCall their sincere sympathy at their tragic loss. Davy was killed while cycling in a club event outside Crumlin in County Antrim.
Davy visited North Pole Cycling Club in 2007 when he was promoting cycling holidays in Majorca for his company Sportactive. Some of us went on his training camp in April 2008.
Davy had a major input into cycling in Ulster at all levels and will be truly missed by his many friends.
His funeral will take place in Belfast on Saturday 16 th August at 11am.
North Pole CC will be represented at the service.
May he Rest in Peace.

http://phoenixcycling.proboards39.com/index.cgi?board=codolence










THE TOUR OF CLONMANY 2008.

The 3rd Annual Clonmany Festival Road Race took place on Thursday last 7th August. Over 90 cyclists took part in what is now one of the highlights in the North Pole CC calender. Event organiser Carl Fullerton was pleased with the turnout on the evening with cyclists coming from all over the North-West and further afield.He said that North Pole's policy of supporting other clubs' events was starting to reap benefits.
The main interest seemed to be on the presence of newcomer Marcus Christie from Strabane and whether he would be able for the vast experience of Joe Barr who is one of Ireland most experienced cyclists.
As the event unfolded it was clear that Barr was very much at home on the course and he stormed through the pack having started some 10 minutes down on the C riders on the 22 mile course.Marcus was on a steep learning curve as he struggled to keep pace with Joe on the hilly section which was against a 15mph head wind.It was Barrs spinning technique which made the difference but the duo were unable to catch the B group and their 6 minute advantage.One more minute was what Barr needed but this was not his night.Tight handicapping by Patrick Mc Callion proved in favour the B group.
Marcus has had better days than this but he promised to be back for the North Pole Tour of the Lakes 60mile Road Race on Sunday August 31st for another duel with the local cycling heroes Ronan Mc Laughlin and Joe Barr.
It was two other Strabane men Vincent Mc Carron and Francie Coyle who took the prizes for Ist and 3rd place while 16 year old Patrick Mc Laughlin was a close second place.
Other good performances for North Pole were made by Patrick Doherty(4th),Paddy Gibbons(5th),Rory Devlin(7th),Patrick Mc Callion(9th),Cathal Wilson(17th),Kieran Eccles(18th)Owenie Mc Kinney(19th) and Jim Porter(20th).WillyJohn Mc Laughlin who is in his 66th year gave a wonderful performance coming in 21st overall well ahead of his rival sixty year-old Paddy O'Donnell(31st).There was an entry of 56 cyclists in the race.

The other event on the calender of events for the night was the 'non-competitive' Tour of Urris a 20 k.event on the relatively quieter Urris roads. This was designed for the younger cyclists and the 'non-racers' among the adult cyclists.It turned out to be a quick race with an entry of 35 cyclists.The results are listed at the end of this report.

North Pole Cycling Club would like to thank all who helped make the event run smoothly especially
Competitors,stewards,marshals and the general public.
Tolands Bar for use of their premises
Josephine Gill who arranged the catering,
The Motorbike marshals.
The Strand Hotel for their sponsorship of the event.



Tour of Clonmany 7th August 2008
Results.

Overall

1. Vincent Mc Carron Omagh Wheelers
2. Patrick Mc Laughlin North Pole
3. Francie Coyle Four Masters
4. Patrick Doherty North Pole
5. Paddy Gibbons North Pole
6. Adrian Mc Dermott Four Masters
7. Shaun Stew art Four Masters
8. Rory Devlin North Pole
9. Jason Mc Hugh Four Masters
10. Patrick Mc Callion North Pole

First Lady
Eileen Mc Laughlin
First Junior
Patrick Mc Laughlin
First Vet
Francie Coyle
First Masters(+60)
W.J.McLaughlin

Tour of Urris 7th August 2008
Results
Women

1. Bernie Mc Carron
   
2. Georgina Dixon
3. Jacqueline Dixon

Men

1. Patrick Graham
2. Declan Mc Carron
3. Kevin Doherty

Vets

1. Barry Grant

Under 12

1. Christopher Carter
2. Noel Noone
3. Barry Grant

Under 14

1. Andrew Graham
2. Edward Noone
3. Aidan Noone

Under 18

1. David Eccles
2. Shane Mc Laughlin
3. Dylan Gill

Girls

1. Chloe Mc Carron
2. Aineen Mc Eleney
3. Naomi Grant

1. 
   

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Manorcunningham Charity Cycle

Cver 50 cyclists from the North Pole and Four Masters Cycling Clubs took part in the Buncrana to Manorcunningham Charity Cycle on Sunday 27th July. (See photos below)

Cyclist of the Month
The results of North Pole Cyclist of the Month for July were announced by Robert Carter.

1st .......Owenie Mc Kinney
2nd.......Kieran Eccles
3rd........Pat Mc Laughlin

















North Pole Cycling Club Tour of Inishowen July 2008






'The most challenging sportive in Ireland'

Top Finishers

Joe Barr 4.37.18 which is a course record Jim Doyle Paul Vaughan Patrick Mc Callion Rory Devlin(s/t) Shay Giles
Youths Patrick Mc Laughlin Danny Hunter
Ladies Louise Fullerton Sandra Devine
Whats on next; Pat Gill/Patrick Quinn and VETECH are running a 40 mile Charity Cycle in aid of the BURMA DISASTER on Sunday next 27th July at 10am.from the Leisure Centre Buncrana. Route; Buncrana Leisure Centre-Manorcunningham Roundabout-Buncrana Leisure Centre. Motorbike marshals and broomwagons will monitor the event. Sign-on at the Leisure Centre from 9.15am.All riders will leave together. Tea and sandwiches will be served afterwards. Award for North Pole Cyclist of the Month for July will be announced by Robert CartER Clonmany Festival Cycle Race will be held on Thursday 7th August at 7pm.
Joe Barr............First finisher in 2007

Cyclist of the Month for July?

Speculation is rife that 39 year old Christian Mc Ginley will be named COTM for July.Chief selector Robert Carter is holding his cards close to his chest however.'I am very impressed with a number of candidates such as Owenie Mc Kinney and Kieran Eccles but by Sunday afternoon things will be clearer' says Robert
The winner will be named on Monday 28th July and 'new kid on the block 'Mc Ginley will have lots to do before then if he is to beat 'old hands' like Owenie and Kieran,he added.



Photos from Sligo-Letterkenny Charity Cycle 6th July 2008 organised by Paddy Delap of Clarkes Newsagents,Letterkenny






























Dinny Doherty(2nd),Jim Doyle (1st) and Joe Barr (3rd).


Below are photos taken at Charity Cycle for St.Muras National School Buncrana on 29thJune 2008.
Sum of €3,085 was raised on the day.



Paddy Mc Callion gives a last minute instruction to the cyclists at St.Mura's School Charity Cycle Sunday 29th June.


Postmaster Christian Mc Ginley turned out for the charity cycle despite injuries received at last weeks Tour of Malin Head.

There was a huge turnout of cyclists from all over the Northwest on Sunday last for this event, organised by the North Pole Cycling Club. Over 70 cyclists completed the 50k.course and funds raised on the day totaled in excess of €3,000.Though not a race there was an element of competitiveness among some of the participants.The two local clubs,North Pole and Four Masters were well represented and were keen to test themselves on this challenging course. The superior experience of Four Masters shone through and they had the first four finishers.Jason Mc Hugh,Joe Patton,Paul Gallagher and Shaun Stewart all from Four Masters finished in well under 90 minutes.Local Cyclists,Pat Mc Laughlin,Paddy Mc Daid,Cathal Wilson,John Mc Laughlin,Patrick Mc Laughlin and Eddie Duffy from Carrigart finished shortly afterwards.












Thanks to all who helped make today a success;
Cyclists,
Motorists,
Marshals,
Broomwagon drivers,
Tea ladies and gents,
Collectors,
Those who contributed,
Numerous others.



Tri-bars.
Cycling Ireland is currently in discussion with Triathlon Ireland re setting in place a mechanism which initially would allow triathletes, who are licensed members of Triathlon Ireland, to compete in club and inter club time trials without the need to take out one day licences.

However the Board has been made aware that in some instances triathletes are currently competing in club and league road races with 'clip on or tri bars'. These bars are strictly forbidden within C.I.'s Technical Regulations for use in road races.

Currently if clubs are accepting non C.I. members in club or inter club events then, irrespective if they are licensed by Triathlon Ireland or not, a one day licence is required and under no circumstances can anything other than classic handlebars be used in road races.


NORTH POLE CYCLIST OF THE MONTH

Cyclist of the Month for June 2008 is........ Cathal Wilson


Runner-up...............................................Sandra Mc Laughlin
Seen here after receiving plaques for their achievement of cycling from Mizen Head in County Cork to Malin Head (405 miles) are North Pole CC members, L-R,Karl Mc Laughlin and Sandra Mc Laughlin whose son Ronan cycles professionally for the Sean Kelly Ireland Team,Eunan Mc Laughlin,Liam O'Donnell (President North Pole CC) and Patrick Mc Callion.


Third place...............................................Christopher Carter


TOUR OF MALIN HEAD


The second Annual Tour of Malin Head was held on Sunday 22th June at The North Pole Bar in Drumfrees in Co.Donegal. There was a total entry of 77 from most of the local clubs despite the inclement weather.A large group from the neighbouring Four Masters Club were there to support the event as were Roe Valley's,Mary Boyd and Keith Sharp.,

Joe Barr who never misses a North Pole fixture was in fine form and evidently in a hurry as he completed the 100k.course in a time of 2 hours 50 minutes coming in just ahead of Four Masters Jason Mc Hugh who hung on like flea on a dog for the 100k.

We got a number of commendations on the event. Phoenix member Brendan Mc Cartantravelled from County Antrim with Andrew Rooke instead of doing the 40k.TT at Woodgreen.Brendan was pleased to have made the long journey to the North Pole Bar.He promised to be back to Inishowen in four weeks to do the Tour of Inishowen 150k,possibly the toughest ride in Ireland. Andy and myself left at 6.30, were in Derry at 7.40, cruised to Buncrana and had a leisurely breakfast- black pudding & the works. Some 70 riders, including a large number of local youth riders, left North Pole bar at close to 10 am. A group soon formed in front of the pack led by Joe Barr but it soon disintegrated when we hit the hilly section nearer Malin and after that we were all in little groups of 2, 3, 4 etc. After a brief stop for water we headed off again with 5 of us in my group - Mary Boyd & Keith Sharpe from Roe valley and Owen & Cathal from North Pole club. We had a lovely steady run to the finish and I enjoyed it so much I never noticed when the rain came on but apparently it rained like hell for last 20 miles! The route was well marked and marshalled with cheery faces popping up all along the course. Little clubs like this put many of the bigger clubs to shame.
Back at the North Pole bar some tea and sandwiches revived the spirits - there was enough grub prepared to feed a large army. I had 2 pints of Guinness as a recovery drink and left for Belfast, with Andy driving, a happy man. Chapeau to all concerned in North Pole club for putting on this great event and many thanks for their great hospitality. Brendan Mc Cartan,PhoenixCC.

Roe Valley sent two of their key people,Mary Boyd and Keith Sharp.
Thanks to all at North Pole C.C. for a great day out. Even with the very wet conditions the enthusiasm and warm hospitality shone through. I had a great ride in a group with Cathal (N.P.C.C.), Owen (N.P.C.C.), Brendan (Phoenix C.C.) and Mary (R.V.C.C.). With the banter the miles seemed to fly in. I think as the word spreads of the traffic free roads and friendly welcome your events will go from strength to strength.

Keith Sharp Roe Valley C.C.

On a more local level Derryman Allan Mallett was also glad to have got wet in Inishowen. He wrote;
Carl,
Just a quick note to say thankyou to the NorthPole CC for their warm
hospitality yesterday. As a relative newcomer to the world of cycling
(just registering with the Foyle CC team) I was pleasantly surprised
with the level of organisation and thought whch you and your team put
into this event. The encouragement from the support vans & cars, the
water break at Docks & especially the hospitality back in the pub was
superb - please pass on my sincerest thanks to al those at the pub who
helped organise and make it a great day despite the weather.

Congratulations to you and all your support team - well done.

Allan Mallett, Derry by e-mail
Thanks Brendan,Keith and Allan for the kind words and thank you to all of the other real cyclists who turned up on such a wild day.
.









Whats on next?

6th July	George Faulkner Memorial Cycle	Quigleys Point	10am.	40k.	Marty Noone
6th July	Sligo-Letterkenny Cycle 120k.	Sligo	11am.	120k.	Paddy Delap Letterkenny 074-9122240

MESSAGE FROM MICHAEL TOLAND,ONE OF OUR LONG-DISTANCE CYCLISTS

Carl,

Just dropping you a line to let you know about a cycle I am doing starting this Saturday with two friends of mine from Galway and Mayo. I spoke with you about it away back if you remember one day I met you outside Coyles in Cloontagh. Basically we're going to retrace the “Flight of the Earls” route through Europe, and in doing so raise funds for cancer charities. This journey will incorporate 2,200km of cycling over 22 days. We will pass through several countries including France, Belgium, Switzerland and Italy arriving in Rome on 20th July, 2008, crossing the Alps as we do so.
We're paying for everything ourselves and all monies we raise will go directly to charity without exception. I've chosen Donegal Hospice and Carndonagh Hospice but you can also donate online through our website to Cancer research; our website which has all the details of the trip and us is www.flightoftheearlscycle.com/ The Derry Journal has an article on us today and the Inish Times are doing a piece tomorrow. We'd really appreciate it if you'd pass the word around the lads in the club and so that anyone that wants to donate a few euros they can. As I said they can do it online or they can donate direct to Donegal Hospice or Carndonagh Hospice at; Michael C. Toland Michael C. Toland c/o Isobell Doherty c/o Gertie Monagle Donegal Hospice Carndonagh Hospice Knocknamona Carndonagh Hospital Letterkenny Carndonagh Charity No. CHY9993 Co. Donegal Thanks Carl appreciate anything you can do, sorry for not being in touch earlier or getting to the Sunday morning runs over the past few weeks but things have been hectic as I'm based in Letterkenny at the min and have been doing a lot of training up there for the cycle. Give me a ring if you want to ask me anything about it ( 086 8418338 ), thanks again, Michael Toland

BACKGROUND OF NORTH POLE CYCLING CLUB

North Pole CC was formed in 2006.
There are currently over 50 members in the club all holding Cycling Ireland licences.The club has training rides each Sunday throughout the year which start at the North Pole Bar Drumfrees at 10.30am. These are ideally suited to beginners and improvers and a typical ride is 30 miles at approximately 15mph.Youth training also takes place on Sunday mornings at Drumfrees School at 10am.More experienced cyclists are also catered for on Sundays by a 9am.ride which starts from The Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana. These vary in distance traveled but a speed of over 17mph over a 3 hour timescale is the norm. The club also has organised a number of special events throughout the summer months which replace the regular rides. These are listed in the club calender as are the contacts details for the various club events.The club welcomes all cyclists to join in their events subject to them holding Cycling Ireland licences where required.
The club holds a Cyclist of the Month(CotM) competition on the last Sunday of each month.The organiser of that days event will chose a cyclist who he feels has deserved recognition for his performance during the month.Winners of CotM are listed later in the website.North Pole Cyclist of the Year 2008 will be chosen by ballot by all club members from the twelve finalists.Presentation will be made at the club's AGM in January/February 2009.

Cycling with Sean Kelly in Majorca.

In April 2008 a number of NPCC members attended the Sportactive Training Camp with Sean Kelly in Majorca.The trip was such a success that there will be 20 North Pole places in the 2009 Sportactive programme expected to take place on 17th April next year.Anyone interested in joining this excellent cycling holiday should contact the club secretary as soon as possible.