APPLYING FOR A 2012 LICENCE......Contact Michael McDaid at 086-8041328.It can take up to 2 weeks.'No licence-no race' is 2012 regulation
Keep your Thursday evenings free for North Pole events for the next 4 months.
Contact Kieran Eccles if you are free to marshal at any of these events.087-9165182.
April 26th.........5 mileTime Trial at Fahan
May 3rd...........20 mile Road Race at Burt Chapel.
May 10th.........10mile Time Trial at Tooban
May 17th..........20 mile Road Race at Burt Chapel
May 20th..........Culdaff School Charity Cycle
May 24th.........An Post Ras will finish on Main St.,Buncrana
May 31st.........20 mile Road Race at Burt Chapel

Interclub League 2012

Round 1 of the North West Interclub league takes place on the Galdonagh circuit this coming Wednesday 16th May. The first round is hosted by Four Masters CC and sign on will be at Currans Pub on the main Derry/Letterkenny road. Any club member not riding is asked to please come along and help marshall this event.
Sign on will be from 6.20pm to 6.45pm with the first group off at 7.00pm sharp. The race will be 2 laps of the tough Galdonagh circuit.

Castle Cycles League 2012

Castle Cycles of Raphoe have kindly sponsored a club league starting from Tuesday 15th May. This league will cover both Time Trials and Road Races and will last for 8 weeks. Points will be awarded for each event and this league is open to everyone, not just Four Masters CC members.
Prize List
1st Overall -- €150 voucher for Castle Cycles + Cup
2nd Overall -- €100 voucher for Castle Cycles + trophy
3rd Overall -- €50 voucher for Castle Cycles + trophy
Most Improved Cyclist - €100 voucher for Castle Cycles + trophy

Points will be awarded as follows

Place	TT Points	RR Points	TT Personal Best
1st	10	15	Each PB will be awarded 5 points
2nd	9	10
3rd	8	9
4th	7	8
5th	6	7
6th	5	6
7th	4	5
8th	3	4
9th	2	3
10th	1	2

The races which qualify for this league will be

	Date	Race
1	15th May	10 Mile TT Burt
2	22nd May	26 Mile RR Galdonagh
3	29th May	10 Mile TT Burt
4	5th June	25 Mile RR Ballyholey
5	12th June	10 Mile TT Burt
6	19th June	25 Mile RR Slab
7	26th June	10 Mile TT Burt
8	3rd July	26 Mile RR Galdonagh

These dates may be changed. All changed will be notified on this website and on facebook.

North Pole cc Charity Cycles June 2012..

sun 10th of june..cycle leaving cloontagh n.s school,,,details to follow.
sun 17th of june..cycle leavin st orans n.s school...d to f
sun 24th of june..cycle in quigleys point..george faulkner memorial cycle

North Pole cc Summer League June 2012..

7th June..........20mile time trial
14th June...... race around block,ballyliffin to ballyliffin
21st June....... hill climb to top of bana from north pole
28th June........ race round the block

Contact Kieran Eccles if you are free to marshal at any of these events.087-9165182.

St Bodens National School Culdaff Charity Cycle on the 20th of May 2012. Sign in at 9am to 10am leaving sharp at 10am. 2 routes big route 40mile leave Culdaff, Malin, Carndonagh, Quigleys point, Moville, and back to finish in Culdaff. Small route 15mile, leave Culdaff, Malin, into Carn roundabout left to Hemitys pup up to Bocan Chapel and left to the School. Level of all Cyclists Welcome. Refreshments at School afterwards.




Tour of Malin Head 13th May 2012

40 people signed in for this event,well done to all who attended the tour an to the people who travelled from
donegal bay cc,the foyle cc,and saddle rock cc to cycle in the tour.thanks to all marshalls,leed an recovery vehicles.
tea was greatly appreciated after the tour.we had 2 boxs of quality street on offer

1st prize was for 1st man up to top of portlean brae,,winner rory devlin..well done rory

2nd box went to all who signed in on the day each person got a ticket for this

winner was mickey doherty (lackin).

tt results thursday 10th may 2010
1st...matthew doyle...22.46
2nd..paddy mc callion...23.34
3rd..barry grant...27.40
4th..garry mc gowan..28.59
5th..eamon toland...29.10
6th..willie john mc laughlin..29.28
7th..christopher carter..30.19
8th..roisin carter..32.21

well done to all who attended,marshalls help was greatly appreciated

Results of 7th sliabh sneacht challenge 6th May 2012

overall individual winner....adrian lynch.....well done adrian king of the road and the hill.

1st lady winner.....sandra mc laughlin..
1st over 40...pat mc laughlin (dick)
1st over 50..brendan duffy
1st over 60+..paddy o donnell
1st under 18..eddie noone
1st under 16..christopher carter
1st under 14..roisin carter
1st under 12..ciara sweeney.

1st relay team winners..pat mclaughlin (jnr)+francis mc laughlin..3 in a row

well done to all winners an competitors on there effort,thanks also to all marshalls,leed an recovery vehicles
.josephine for the tea,an all the lesiure walkers who made walk up to sliabh sneacht..thanks for all your efforts.


.

Report on 20 Mile Road Race on May 3rd.

A great turn out for our 1st road race on the slab road,we had 47 signed on the race went well.

1st...mark buchanan..well done mark,,(our own mark cavendish)

2nd..sean stewart

3rd..rory devlin

4th,aaron deane

5th..declan mc carthney

6th,,matthew doyle

7th..patrick mclaughlin .

8th.sean mc fadden

9th..jason mc hugh

10th.,glen mc daid

great thanks to seamus connolly for his help.

to all north pole marshalls,

and our new chief marshall jamie morris,,

next thursday 10th may 10mile time trial at tooban,,7.00pm sharp

Slieve Snaght Challenge.
7th year....Bigger and Better
Sunday 6th May.Sign-on at North Pole Bar from 1pm.Starts at 2pm.sharp
New extra categories...including over 40's,over 50's,Ladies,Relays etc....Something to challenge everyone!
Further information from Kieran Eccles.087-9165182.Volunteers needed!

Tour of Malin Head.
Sunday 13th May.Sign-on at North Pole from 9am.Starts at 10am.sharp.
North Pole Bar-Carndonagh-Malin Head-Culdaff-Malin-Carndonagh-Ballyliffin-North Pole Bar.
Further information from Kieran Eccles.087-9165182.Volunteers needed!

Mizen to Malin in 24 hours in July 2012.
Anyone interested in taking part either as part of a team, solo rider or as a driver should attend meeting at Lake of Shadows on Friday 10th May at 8pm.
Further information from Eunan McLaughlin at 087-1266317.



Relay for Life Donegal Charity Cycle - Sunday 29th April

Four Masters Cycling Club will hold a charity cycle in aid of Relay for Life Donegal this Sunday 29th April from Letterkenny. Relay For Life is a 24-hour community celebration which honours all those who are affected by cancer. The Relay For Life events raise vital funds to support the work of the Irish Cancer Society. Our Relay For Life Charity cycle will include a 10 mile beginners cycle, a 20 mile noice cycle and an experienced 48 mile run to Doohary via Meenaroy and back to Letterkenny via Gartan.

Sign on for all events will take place in the Aura Leisure Centre in Letterkenny from 8.45am to 9.45am. The 48 mile cycle will leave at 10am, followed by the 20 mile cycle at 10.10am and the 10 mile cycle at 10.20am.

What better way to spend your Sunday morning with the family than get the kids out and get active. Both the 10 mile and 20 mile routes are open to all ages with the 48 mile route open to over 16's only. The entry fee for all events is €20.00. Kids under 16 accompanied by an adult go free and reduce family entry fee of €30.00 applied. All money raised for this event will go to the Irish Cancer Society through Relay for Life Donegal.

Light refreshments will be available afterwards in the Aura Leisure centre where shower and changing facilites are also available. Please remember as will all Four Masters Cycling Events helmets must be worn by app particpants, adults and kids with no exceptions.

The Relay For Life organisation was established in the 1980s by the American Cancer Society. In recent years the concept has gone global and Relay For Life events are now held in more than 20 countries around the world.

Relay For Life events involve a 24-hour walking relay for which funds are raised in support of the fight against cancer. The events, which take place worldwide, give communities a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember lost loved ones, and fight back against the disease.

For more information on Relay for Life Donegal and to donate to this great cause log onto www.fourmasterscycling.com

This is only 1 of many events which we at the Four Masters Cycling Club have planned. We are also organising coffee mornings, a Relay team time trial and a 24 hour bikathon to run during the main Relay For Life Donegal Event on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th May.



Donegal Harvest will contribute a 5kg. Bag of Donegal Washed Rooster to each person who signs on for Relay for Life Donegal Charity Cycle on Sunday 29th April.

As all money raised is going to a very worthwhile event we are asking for a minimum entry fee of €20.00. You can just pay the €20.00 and take part or you may gather sponsorship. Sponsorship cards are available from Castle Cycles Raphoe, Eamonn Tinney & Sons Letterkenny, or can be posted by contacting Liam Tinney on 087 2902515.
Route maps for each route is available on www.fourmasterscycling.com


Best wishes to Roisin Carter who is competing in the u14 race for the Irish Cycling Team at Ras na nOg in Drogheda this weekend.Her brother Christopher is also competing in the u16 category
see;
http://womenscycling.ie/blog/2012/04/18/tt-2020-team-announced-for-ras-na-nog/

.

The 7th Annual Slieve Snaght Challenge will take place on Sunday 6th May at 2pm. at the North Pole Bar.
Any member with suggestions on how the event could be improved is invited to make their suggestions to Club Chairman,Kieran Eccles at 087-9165182.All suggestions will be considered at the next meeting.




All these events will have sign-on from 6.30pm until 6.50pm.to allow for grading.Each event will start at 7pm.sharp.

The Inter-club League and Club League will start in June.More details to follow.
.


Two very deserving Fundraisers coming soon
Sunday 22nd April.
Romanian Fund Charity Cycle starting at Buncrana Leisure Centre.Sign on 9.30am.Route is Fahan-Muff-Q.Point-Carn-Clonmany-Finish at Umricam.Also shorter course for novices and fun cyclist -Clonmany and back.Refreshments for all afterwards.For further information contact Sean Reilly at 087-1234715.
Sunday 29th ....at Saddlerock there is a Family Cycle, fun for all
Signing on from 9am
Leaving 10am from the GAA Clubhouse, Foden, Carndonagh
In memory of Bernadette Donaghy, Gleneely
All proceeds in aid of Donegal Hospice
3 Routes
5 miles
15 miles
38 miles
Refreshments available in Clubhouse afterwards
For further details Contact: 0866076286



Fund-raising event inaid of Buncrana Leisure Centre.
Duathlon at Buncrana Leisure Centre on Sunday 15th April at 10am.
2 MILE ROAD RUN followed by 10mile time-trial and then another 2 mile road run.
Tea/Sandwiches afterwards.Contact Mickie Bradley


CYCLE RACING at EASTER

There are two big stage races in Ireland every Easter,Tour of the North in Ulster and Ras Mumhan in Munster.North Pole riders Mark Buchanan and Rory Devlin are guest-riding on teams in Ulster and Damian Lagan is doing likewise in Killarney.Their positions after Stage 1 of the 4-stage races are as follows.

Tour of The North
After Stage 1 Friday.
1st.....Frank Niewold,Swabo,Holland.........
20th...Mark Buchanan,Donegal Four Masters Team.......7 seconds down
73rd...Rory Devlin,Cycling Ulster Team...........18 seconds down.

After Stage 2.Saturday
Leader.James Moss..Node3-Giordana UK.........
24th.....Mark Buchanan,Donegal Four Masters Team.......6mins-10seconds down
35th.....Rory Devlin,Cycling Ulster Team...........6mins-21seconds down.

After Stage 3.Sunday
Leader.James Moss..Node3-Giordana UK...........
19th......Mark Buchanan,Donegal Four Masters Team....... 6mins-46seconds down
46th......Rory Devlin,Cycling Ulster Team........... 13mins-3seconds down.
After Stage 4.Monday
Race Winner.......James Moss Node4.UK........ 8hrs4mins 17secs.....
17th......Mark Buchanan,Donegal Four Masters Team....... +6mins-46seconds
47th......Rory Devlin,Cycling Ulster Team........... +29mins-4seconds.

Best performance of the Donegal riders this weekend was given by North Poles Category One rider,Mark Buchanan.Riding for Donegal-Four Masters,Mark finished 17th overall in a truly international field of top riders in Tour of the North.He completed the 340kilometre race in 8 hours 10minutes at an average speed of 42kph and finished less than 7 minutes after the winner James Moss,a UK based professional cyclist.
Ras Mumhan
After Stage 1.Friday
1st....Paidi O'Brien,Dan Morrissey A Team.......
27th...Damian Lagan,LK Bikes Team.........5 seconds down

After Stage 2.Saturday
Leader.Mark Dowling
48th....Damian Lagan......3mins-18secs down

After Stage 3.Sunday
Leader.Ryan Sherlock
72nd....Damian Lagan......16mins-24secs down

After Stage 4.Monday
Race Winner. Dennis Bakker,Holland.....11hrs.47mins.56secs.
56th....Damian Lagan......+16mins-35secs.

APRIL SCHEDULE
Sunday 1st April. Training Spin starting at North Pole Bar at 10am.Team Leader Kieran Eccles 087-9165182


Kieran's route for Easter Sunday,8th April. Starts at 9.30am sharp at Buncrana Leisure Centre.
Route-Buncrana-North Pole Bar-Clonmany-Carndonagh-Malin Hotel pitstop-Malin Head-Malin Town-Carndonagh-Ballyliffin-Buncrana..€2 for support team.
There is a shorter option from Malin Town-Culdaff-Gleneely-Ballyliffin also.
Sunday 8th April.Training Spin starting at Buncrana Leisure Centre at 9.30am.Team Leader Kieran Eccles
Sunday 15th April.Training Spin starting at North Pole Bar at 10am.Team Leader Kieran Eccles
Sunday 22nd April.
Romanian Fund Charity Cycle starting at Buncrana Leisure Centre.Sign on 9.30am.Route is Fahan-Muff-Q.Point-Carn-Clonmany-Finish at Umricam.Also shorter course for novices and fun cyclist -Clonmany and back.Refreshments for all afterwards.For further information contact Sean Reilly at 087-1234715.
Sunday 29th April.Training Spin starting at Buncrana Leisure Centre at 9.30am.Team Leader Kieran Eccles
Also.....at Saddlerock there is a Family Cycle, fun for all
Sunday 29th Signing on from 9am
Leaving 10am from the GAA Clubhouse, Foden, Carndonagh
In memory of Bernadette Donaghy, Gleneely
All proceeds in aid of Donegal Hospice
3 Routes
5 miles
15 miles
38 miles
Refreshments available in Clubhouse afterwards
For further details Contact: 0866076286

Culdaff National School Charity Cycle will now be held on 20th May .Sign-on at Culdaff School from 9am.Start at 10am.Two routes.-Short ride for novices/fun cyclists.Challenging route for others.All are welcome.Further information from Eddie Doherty 086-0833745












North Pole Racing at Carn Wheelers Classic in Tobermore



Mickie Doherty gets 2nd place in A4 race in Tobermore.


North Pole A4 Team at Carn Wheelers Classic in Tobermore. L-R Joe Devlin,Michael Doherty(2nd),Kenny Doyle (6th) and Carl Fullerton.
For full report on race click on;
http://cyclingulster.com/?p=7688



Notice regarding Juniors.

Junior Riders

Concerns have been expressed from several sources regarding juniors who, taking their first full competition licence from Cycling Ireland as in accordance with the decision of the 2011 Congress, these riders are expected to compete in A3 races only. Hence the Board discussed this at length at it’s meeting on Friday 9th March.

The feeling was that this could have a detrimental effect on juniors as those beginners over 18 are issued with an A4 licence whilst juniors are discriminated against if they have to ride A3 races. As an organisation with a duty of care to it’s members it was agreed that Chapter T 3 – Upgrading Point 2 (a), as stated hereunder, would take precedence over the rule which states that all juniors will be graded as A3.

2. (a) Newcomers to the sport will be granted an A4 licence. Holders of an A4 licence may only compete with other A4 licence holders with the exception of handicap races. Those returning to the sport after an absence will normally be granted an A3 licence, however this may be reviewed following an application to the National Grading Officer.

The Board would stress that this will only apply to those juniors taking out their first full competition licence with Cycling Ireland and not to those riders moving up from the Youth category.

In accordance with the Preamble to the Technical Regulations this change will take effect from Friday 20th April. Those juniors who satisfy the requirements as beginner juniors as detailed above and wish to compete in A4 events should request permission to do so by contacting Rory Wall at Cycling Ireland’s office (admin@cyclingireland.ie).These juniors will then be provided with a letter granting them permission to ride A4 events on and after 20th April.


Hon. Sec



PJLogan Cup at Coalisland Sunday 18th March

Shay Giles riding for North Pole Masters Team had a superb race in the PJLogan Cup in Coalisland.He came in a close 2nd place to Noel Boyce,North Down CC who has now won all 4 of this season's Master's(Over-50's) races.Culdaff man Gaetana d'Urso came in 8th and Carl Fullerton's14th to give North Pole 3rd position in the team category.There were 23 starters.











Fort a full update on the Masters League click on http://cyclingulster.com/?p=7565





North Pole were represented in the A Race by Mark Buchanan and Rory Devlin and in the B Race by Mickie Doherty (Lackin),Joe Devlin and Kenny Doyle.


St.Patricks Day Cycle Race at Burt,Co Donegal.

Results of North Pole Potato Race.
Burt.17th March 2012.

A1/2/3 Category. 75k.
1.Ronan McLaughlin A1*....An Post Sean Kelly Team 1hr.50mins.
2.Marc Potts A3.......Omagh Wheelers +20secs
3.Mark Buchanan A1....North Pole CC st.
4.Damian Lagan A2....North Pole CC +50secs
5.Stephen McAllister A2...Ballymoney CC .st
6.Shaun Stewart A2...Four Masters CC .st
7.Ted McCaffrey A3...Donegal Bay CC .st
8.Michael Gilvarry A3.....Western Lakes CC .st
9.Aaron Deane A2....Foyle CC .st .st
10.Glen McDaid A3.....North Pole CC

A4 Category. 55k
1.Donal Harrington....Western Lakes CC 1hr.31mins.
2.Tommy Doherty.....Four Masters CC .st
3.Kenny Doyle......North Pole CC .st
4.Paul McCarter......Omagh Omagh Wheelers .st
5.Richard Gallagher...St.Tiernans CC .st
6.James Mullen......... Roe Valley CC .st

Ladies. 55k
1.Tonya Moran.....Unattached 1hr.36mins.
2.Sinead Rivers.....Roe valley CC.st.
3.Aileen Togher....North Pole CC.+4mins.
4.Sandra McLaughlin..North Pole CC +9mins.

Supervets.Over-50's.55k
1.Noel Boyce....North Down CC 1hr.36mins.
2.Noel Munnis...North Down CC .st
3.Paul McGuckin....Bannbridge CC.st
4.Mickey Gallen......Omagh Wheelers.st
5.Robert Downes.....Bann Wheelers.st
6.Sean Hargan.....Phoenix CC.st.
7.Carl McLaughlin...North Pole CC.st
8.Gaetano d'Urso...North Pole CC.st
9.Seamus Keenan....Omagh Wheelers
10.Turlough Montague...Phoenix CC
11.Pat Dunnion.....North Pole CC
12.Shay Giles.......North Pole CC
13.Eamon Toland...North Pole CC
14.Willie John McLaughlin....North Pole CC
15.Patsy Doherty.......North Pole CC












Mark Buchanan gets upgraded to A1 status.



Kieran Eccles is congratulated on his return to competitive cycling after a short career in football.Also in picture are Glen McDaid who finished 9th in A3 race and Mark Buchanan who got 3rd in A1/A2 race.




The North Pole Gang at Omagh.


Serious looking Kieran Eccles.


Shay Giles,Carl Fullerton and Tommy Burns.





RESULT FROM BALLYMENA CYCLING CLUB'S WALLACE CALDWELL. Saturday 10th March


1st Ryan Sherlock Cycleways
2nd Frazer Duncan Eurocycles
3rd Gary Cranson E.A. Audi
4th Mark Buchanan North Pole.....upgrade getting close!!!!!
5th Thomas Martin Eurocycles
6th Liam Curran Curran Racing
7th Leo Mc Allister Chain Reaction
8th Desi Foley Phoenix CC Lease Options/ Mc Convey Cycles
The leaders on the climb between Limavady and Coleraine,Gary Cranston,Thomas Martin and our own Mark Buchanan.


Well done Mark. 4th place is a great result.The scoresheet includes the whose-who of Ulster cycling.
Full report from Marian Lamb...
click on
http://cyclingulster.com/?p=7341

Sunday 11th March.

Training spin at North Pole Bar.10am.
North Pole-Barna-Carn-MalinTown-Glengad-Ballysallagh-Mullens,-Forward Emphasis-Docks-Mullens-Lagg-Carn-Ballyliffin-North Pole.48 miles.Watch out for Colliers tomahawk.

Michael McDaid(Treasurer) 086-8041328 for more details.
This spin will split into 2 groups after 10 miles so that the 'big boys' can stretch their legs.

Report; With many of the heavy hitters competing in Omagh there was a smaller turn-out at the North Pole today.Adrian Lynch who competed in a duothlon yesterday was still well fired up and gave a tremendous display of cycling on the training run to Malin Head and back.John Dick now recovered from an ankle injury used the day to test his fitness for next Sundays SuperVet race in Coalisland.He was pleasantly surprised that he is still the man to beat.He was leading the sprint home when he was ambushed by scalp-master Mark Gill who led out Christopher Carter to beat him in the sprint.The friendly rivalry between Gill and Dick is back! First rider home..........Christopher Carter
Most improved rider........John Dick...Welcome back John.You are well rested.Go easy on the telly-tubbies.
Most Aggressive rider.....Adrian Lynch.
Most consistant rider.......Peter Spoons.Most strategic rider.......Mark Gill. Did lead-out for Christopher Cavendish Carter. also.....if you want something easier
The Omagh Wheeler’s flagship event, the ever popular McCann Cup, is earlier than usual this year, being held on Sunday 11th March.
This year the Club is catering for all racing cyclists from A1’s through to Ladies and a Masters Event.
The main event will be the A1/A2 race but there will also be separate races for A3’s and Juniors; A4’s; a UWA event; and a 50+ Masters event.
Tips for the day.
Kenny Doyle or Frank Togher for A4 RACE.
Gaetano d'Urso or Batman for A5 RACE.
Mark Buchanan or Rory Devlin for A1/2 RACE.
Kieran Eccles for A3 RACE.

Report;
Ladies.....Great race by Aileen Togher....Watch this space.
SuperVets.......Gaetano d'Urso was best for North Pole.Also Carl McLaughlin,Carl Fullerton and Eamon Toland.Shay Giles guested for North Pole.
A4......Frank Togher best for North Pole.Also Kenny Doyle and Joe Devlin.
A3......Glen McDaid gets top-10 finish.Also Kieran Eccles and Patrick Dick.
A1/A2......Mark Buchanan gets 3rd place and up-grade from A2 to A1.Also Rory Devlin and Damian Lagan.




KENNY DOYLE STEPS ON UPGRADE LADDER
Well done to Kenny Doyle who travelled to Newry today to take part in the John Haldene race hosted by Newry Wheelers.A long winter of training certainly paid off for the quiet Buncrana man.He was one of 70 cyclists contesting the highly competitive A4 race which many use for upgrading purposes.Kenny is also looking for upgrade to A3 status to enable him to take part in the Donegal 3-Day at the end of May.Todays result will give him 4 points but he needs another 6 points so expect to see him in contention in next Sundays McCann Cup in Omagh.

Kenny can be seen here in the sprint finish behind the eventual winner Paul Caldwell in red/yellow.Kenny was using his new bike which unfortunately had a 50/12 gearing instead of 53/11.This reduced his speed signifigantly and possibly cost him the race.He certainly had a great position to take it.

BUCHANAN PLOUGHS ON.
Congratulations to North Pole's quiet man Mark Buchanan who has now had a top-10 finish in all of this seasons Open Races in Ulster.At Castlereagh today Saturday 3rd March he got 4th position against a field of top cyclists. This is following last Sunday's 5th place in the Phoenix A Race at the Phoenix GP where he spent too much time at the front.
Winner at Castlereagh was Peter Hawkins who now cycles professionally for British team Sigma Sport.
Second was Fraser Duncan(Euro Cycles) followed by Daniel Stewart from East Antrim Audi.


Mark Buchanan is showing great form this season and will take part as guest rider in the Donegal-Four Masters Team in the Tour of the North at Easter.That race will take place over 4 days starting with a 1 mile time trial on the front avenue of Stormont Castle on the evening of Good Friday.Anyone wishing to travel to that stage should contact Kieran Eccles who will be organising transport.

MARCH SCHEDULE
Sunday 4th March.
Fun cycle leaving Crana College.Sign-on at Crana College from 9.30am.
Route; Buncrana-Clonmany-Ballyliffin-Carndonagh-Quigleys Point-Muff--Burnfoot-Fahan-Finish at Lisfannon.
Tea/Sandwiches later.
Details from Kevin Doherty.086-3443716 or Barry Grant 086-
Report......42 riders turned up today at Crana College.The peleton headed for Carndonagh on the Clonmany road at a steady speed.
Group held together until Rasheeney.There was a small break of 6 riders led by Paddy McCallion.These were chased by another group of 4 led by Batman.The main bunch stayed together working badly until there was for an attack at Glentogher by Carl Fullerton.Mickie Mc Daid (S) helped by Mark Gill,Peter Spoons and Aileen Togher counter attacked and had him hauled back at Carn Brae.After Quigleys Point the now 12 rider group eventually began to work together for the 18 mile homeward journey.The pace of the bunch was inadequate to make an impression on the lead which the break and chasers had accumulated and the bunch came home with memories of what might have been.Tired riders but a lit
First rider home..........Christopher Carter
Most improved rider.........Michael McDaid(Skittles)
Most Aggressive rider......Batman
Most consistant rider.....Aileen Togher.

Kevin Doherty,race organiser, thanked all the riders for turning up to help raise funds for Crana College.He also made a donation to North Pole CC funds in appreciation of the clubs assistance in holding the event.




Also:

On the 4th March next Errigal Cycling Club will host their first reliability trial. The event will commence at Letterkenny Community Centre, Pearse Rd., Letterkenny with sign on from 9.15am, Entry €10, Anyone hoping to attend must have in their possession their 2012 Cycli...ng Ireland License – (No license - No start) Groups will be rolling out at 10am sharp, Groups to suit all capabilities from A1/A2/A3/A4 right down to leisure cyclists. The event itself will have two distances 133km and 70km. The event will of course be a road event and generally consists of a flat route with no major climbs. Shower/Changing facilities will be in place plus on conclusion of the event a big pot of soup will await the finishers in the Community Centre! Reliability Trials are a great work out so if you can come along and enjoy the day. Anyone interested in taking part can you email errigalcc@gmail.com to confirm your interest including names and numbers attending. To keep up to date with Errigal Cycling Club news and events log on to errigalcyclingclub.com or on Twitter @Errigalcc.

Sunday 11th March.
Training spin at North Pole Bar.10am.
Michael McDaid(Treasurer) 086-8041328 for more details.
This spin will split into 2 groups after 10 miles so that the 'big boys' can stretch their legs.
also.....
The Omagh Wheeler’s flagship event, the ever popular McCann Cup, is earlier than usual this year, being held on Sunday 11th March.
This year the Club is catering for all racing cyclists from A1’s through to Ladies and a Masters Event.
The main event will be the A1/A2 race but there will also be separate races for A3’s and Juniors; A4’s; a UWA event; and a 50+ Masters event.

Saturday 17th March
Race at Burt. We have applied to Cycling Ireland for permit for this race.Details later.
Sunday 18th March.
Training spin at North Pole Bar.10am.
There is also a Charity Cycle from Costcutter supermarket in Carndonagh, to raise much needed funds for a classroom extension fund. There will be a 20 and 30 mile option, refreshments served afterwards in the supermarket. The run is for glassalts national school. the 20 mile route will leave costcutter supermarket going to clonmany, the north pole and returning to carn. The 30 mile route will be carndonagh to clonmany, north pole going towards buncranna turn left at imracam cross roads and going back out over cockhill bridge and back to carn.Further details from Cathal Porter,Saddlerock Cycle Club.086-3172842

Sunday 25th March.
Foyle Hospice Charity Cycle at Foyle Hospice.10am.Organiser Carl McLaughlin 086-8212563.
Route is Foyle Bridge Roundabout-Bridgend-Fahan-Buncrana-Clonmany-Ballyliffin-Carndonagh-Quigleys Point-Muff-Foyle Hospice for Tea/Sandwiches.


Table quiz to be held in The Strand Hotel Ballyliffin on Wednesday 29th February at 9:30. Proceeds towards the Rás Team.
Come along for a good nights craic, raffle will be held on the night with prizes galore on offer!
Further details from;
Damian Lagan
+35386 6020646

PHOENIX GP
Well done to all North Pole riders who made the now yearly visit to Phoenix GP in Co.Antrim.Almost 200 cyclists took part.
Best from North Pole were;
Mark Buchanan.......5th place in AI/A2 race.
Gaetano d'Urso.......6th place in A50 race
Pat Dunnion............9th Place in A50 race.
Glen McDaid............9th in A3 race
Kenny Doyle.............12th in A4 race.











Good performances also by Carl McLaughlin who unfortunately crashed near the finish of the A50 race.Also to Rory Devlin and Damian Lagan who fought hard on A1/2 race.Comisserations to Batman,Joe Devlin,Patrick Dick and Carl Fullerton who have had better days but still enjoyed the training.
Kieran Eccles who managed the team today said the standard is very high but we just have to attend more open races and gain experience. He singled out Glen McDaid as most improved cyclist and also commended Mark Buchanan for having been the most aggressive rider of the day.He also noted that Gaetano whose consistancy is amazing and would possibly have been able to take a podium place in the A4 race.Kenny Doyle was caught up in a crash and recovered well to finish in top 12 in his race.
North Pole Over-50's Team were placed 3rd in the Team Race gaining a valuable point in the Over-50's League Table.The will race next in Omagh in the McCann Cup on 11th March.
FOR FULL REPORT CICK ON;
http://cyclingulster.com/?p=7131

Youtube video of A1/2 Race----
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XURNMlGSss0&feature=related
Youtube video of A 3Race----
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTYcl-K-k_s&feature=related

Sunday 26th February.Training run with Mark Gill.
Starts at Buncrana Leisure Centre at 10am.sharp.Route is Castle Avenue-Cockhill-Drumfrees-Barnan-Carndonagh-Gleneely-Culdaff-Malin Town-Carndonagh-Ballyliffin-Drumfrees-Buncrana (Total 77k.)
Escape routes-Cashel-Bocan(By-passing Gleneely),Drumaville-McSheffreys Bridge (By-passing Malin Town) and Braughan House-Corvish(By-passing Carndonagh)...Total shorter route is 67k.
Club Van will be in attendance.
Please give €2 for support crew.Please keep back from lead car and strictly no holding-on.
Further details from Mark Gill at 086-1980741
Report......13 riders turned up today at Buncrana Leisure Centre.The small number was due to racing committments at Phoenix GP in Antrim today where 13 racers represented the club in a variety of races.There was also Tug-of-war committments by some of the club stalwarts.Others were possibly fazed by a rampant Mark Gill who is on the hunt for scalps.They need not have worried as todays spin was very well controlled and no-one need have feared.
Today was the 8th training spin of the season all of which started at Buncrana Leisure Centre.
They were all well represented with sometimes over 40 riders taking to the road at the 10am.start.The Manorcunningham route was the most popular and it was well suited to all abilities with the choice of turning early suiting some of the less experienced riders.
From March onwards all North Pole training spins will start at The North Pole Bar at 10am.Hopefully the high numbers will be maintained.
Most improved rider.........Michael McDaid(Skittles)
Most Aggressive rider......Mark Gill
Most consistant rider.....Charlie McDaid(D)
Special thanks to John Dick for relieving Liam 0'Donnell at broomwagon duties at very short notice.

2012 Licences
Liam O'Donnell will have 2012 licences for distribution on Sunday 26th February.

Sunday 4th March.
Fun cycle leaving Crana College.Sign-on at Crana College from 9.30am.Tea/Sandwiches later.
Further details of route etc......Kevin Doherty.086-3443716 or Barry Grant 086-3317944

Team Clothing.
Any member requiring team clothing should contact Kieran Eccles (087-9165182) before the end of February.Tops,shorts and hoodies will be available around Easter if we order now. Some 'Good as New Tops' also available.

Travelling to Open Races in Ulster?.
Riders travelling to Open Races this season are asked to make a contribution to the expenses of their driver.Counties Tyrone/Derry €15 per bike +rider.All other Ulster Races €20 per bike+rider.North Pole has a scheme in place whereby young riders will get a refund of expenses from the club treasurer.
Make sure to wear your North Pole top and bring spare North Pole top for podium photographs.

Good Luck to all those racing this weekend in Ulster open races.
Mizen to Malin Cycle inside 24 hours in aid of Buncrana Leisure Centre.

Any rider wishing to be part of an attempt to cycle from Mizen Head in Co.Cork to Malin Head inside 24 hours either solo or as part of a relay team should contact Eunan Devenney (086-2765525 )or Eunan McLaughlin(Macs Newsagents)at 087-1266317.
The attempt will be made by up to 5 teams of cyclists in June or July and will be completed as part of a fundraising campaign for Buncrana Leisure Centre. Every team of 4 will be expected to raise €1000.
Schedule;
Depart Buncrana Friday morning.
Overnight stay in Co.Cork/Co.Kerry.
Depart Mizen at 4pm.Saturday
Arrive Malin Head Sunday afternoon.

One Team has already confirmed....Beach House Team.
Second Team has confirmed............Dunnions Team.

There is huge interest in this event and anyone interested should contact the organisers without delay.A registration meeting will be held before the end of February and all those who express an interest will be contacted.




Forthcoming events;
Phoenix GP Crumlin,Co.Antrim.....Sunday 26thFebruary.
Open to A1,A2,A3,A4,Ladies and over-50's.(Individual and team event)more







The 1st attack took place at Burt.



Kenny Doyle takes the race to North West Golf Club gate.



No bad riders here today.Liams van must have a broken spring.... or is it a trailer?

Bicycle wanted.Giant or Ridley preferred.Size 54cm.(Medium).Contact Kevin Doherty at 074-9362912

North Pole Reliability Trial.....Sunday 22nd January 2012.

Route;
Buncrana-Fahan-Bridgend-Newtowncunningham-Letterkenny(Pole Star Roundabout). Total 80kms.

Shorter course is to Manorcunningham Roundabout and back. Total 68kms.

Tea,Sandwiches and cake at Buncrana Leisure Centre afterwards.



According to Cycling Ulster.
'Reliability Trials are not races but rather longer distance events which usually take place in Ulster in January and February prior to the road racing season which usually begins at the end of Februury or beginning of March. Although they are categorised as leisure rides some of these are used by those cyclists who are intending to race. They use Reliability Trials as test rides to see how their winter training has paid off and to compare their level of fitness against other riders. While the group tries to stay together the pace can be fairly high and many of the Reliability Trials are not suitable for beginners. Before entering such an event it is advisable to seek advice from the organiser or other cyclists to guage the difficulty of the event.
Reliability Trials are run by Cycling Clubs and some will include a refreshment stop. Because they are run by clubs it is a good way to find out more about a club.'

This will be our first time to arrange a Reliability Trial.It will be run under Cycling Ireland guidelines as are all North Pole events.The route will have been risk-assessed beforehand and there will be a full team of marshals.Lead cars will control the pace of the group or groups if they seperate.There will be a broom wagon to carry spare wheels and assist with breakdowns.
Sign-on will take place at Buncrana Leisure Centre,Shore Front, Buncrana,Co.Donegal from 9am.
Sign-on €10.Route will be approx.90k.
Cycling Licence or a letter from your club secretary is required.Alternatively a seperate one-day licence can be taken out for an extra €1.This to cover insurance.
Showers and refreshments will be available after the event at the Buncrana Leisure Centre.
The 90k.route will be on this website on Friday 20th but it will not include any challenging (cat1) climbs.
Subject to numbers turning up on the day there may be a shorter course option of around 70k.
Further details from Carl Fullerton 00353-862788497 or carlfullerton@hotmail.com

Reliability Trial Report.
Thirty four hardy riders turned out today for North Pole'S Reliability Trial in Buncrana. Gale force winds were a deterrant to many others but birthday boy Willie John celebrated his 70th birthday on the 80k.bike ride joined by 14 year-old Christopher Carter.
Alan McKeown from Island Wheelers,Coalisland made the long jorney down to test himself against the Donegal men.He was joined by a very able squad of Roe Valley riders who are not easily put off by inclement weather.
The home team of Rory Devlin and Mark Buchanan were joined by Mickie Doherty(Lackin) who continues to impress and is a great addition to the North Pole A team.
Impressive visitors were Declan McCartney,Paul McCreedy and Colin Loughrey all from Roe Valley.Also going well were Dinny Doherty,Eddie Sweeney,Marcel Dill,Paul Gallagher,PT Doherty,Shaun Stewart,Jason McHugh and Tommy Doherty from Four Masters.Shaun McFadden,Kevin Holian and Charlie Gallagher represented Errigal CC and showed that they wil be men to be watched in 2012.Adrian Devine came down from Lifford-Strabane CC.
North Pole B team were well represented and their best performances were by Kenny Doyle,Carl Wilson,Joe Devlin and Christopher Carter.
North Pole Over 50's did well with Gaetano d'Urso,Carl McLaughlin,Eamon Toland and John Toner giving fine performances.
With the distinct possibility that Donegal Cycling may have a number of teams in the near future,todays event showed that there is plenty of talent to pick from.
Thanks to all who turned out today.To all the riders,some who I have mentioned above,to the others who no doubt will see their name in print soon and to the marshals and drivers who help to bring everyone home safe after each ride.Thanks also to the Buncrana Leisure Cente for the use of their facilities and to Josephine Gill who always serves us food with a smile.








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WINTER TRAINING.



North Pole Cycling Club will commence weekly Winter Training Spins each Sunday from Sunday 8th January 2012 starting at Buncrana Leisure Centre at 10am. Controlled pace and broomwagon.