Tour of Malin Head

Sunday June 22nd 2008.


Over 70 cyclists turned up at Drumfrees for Sunday's 100k.Tour of Malin Head.The weather forecast had promised a wet stormy day but this did not deter the cyclists who travelled from Belfast,Drogheda,Omagh,Limavady,Derry and all parts of Donegal.The signifigance of the event was not lost on the boys from Four Masters who sent a large contingent of top cyclists.It was here two years ago where the Letterkenny men held an event which helped lead to the foundation of the North Pole Cycling Club the following month.Since then there has never been a cycling event held by either club without the help of the other.
Shortly before the start of the ride there was an heavy outburst of rain but this did not dampen the spirits of the large group who had assembled at the North Pole Bar. Organiser Eddie Donaghey then led the cyclists at a controlled pace behind the lead car for two kilometres in order to keep them together for the first climb over Barnan.After that everyone found their own pace. The rain had stopped and for the next two hours there was dry foggy weather.A fast group formed at the front from Carndonagh onwards and they stayed together till the next climb at Knockameny Bends.
Joe Barr and Jason McHugh then broke away followed by Paddy Mc Daid,Paul Gallagher,Adrian Mc Dermott and Eddie Duffy. A second group with Pat Gill,Keith Sharp,Brendan Mc Cartan,Owenie Mc Kinney,Robert Carter,Mary Boyd and Cathal Wilson worked hard but had too much to do against the hill-climbing experts at the front.
Joe Barr was in fine form and even the super-fit Jason Mc Hugh was finding it tough to keep up with the 50 year-old veteran.Joe finished in 2 hours 50 minutes with Jason coming in shortly afterwards.
The event was well managed with a leadcar,three service cars and two broomwagons.There was also a short course for the younger cyclists.The hairpin at Leiter on Carthage Mountain was responsible for a number of skids due to a greasy surface.On reflection the road should have been sanded as locals commented that this corner has regular accidents due to frequent oil spills and a smoothe surface.Christian Mc Ginley,one of North Pole's upcoming stars had a bad fall here resulting in a visit to casualty in Carndonagh Hospital.Thankfully he only suffered road rash and a bruised ego.Cathal Wilson and William Campbell also skidded at the same corner but were able to continue on their way.William's fall was very dramatic and after hitting the hedge on the turn,he somersaulted over the handlebars into the field below only to be followed by bicycle which came over the top of him.He swiftly hopped on his bike raced on towards Culdaff ignoring any fuss from the first aid car which had just arrived.
The rain which had held off for so long now arrived.The last 20 miles were in less than ideal conditions but was apparently enjoyed by all who seemed oblivious to the wind and rain.
Tea and sanwiches were served at the North Pole Bar and the feel-good factor experienced by cyclists and marshalls was very evident.
Another good day for cycling in Donegal.
North Pole Cycling Club would like to thank all who contributed to a successful days cycling.