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. 
   

1. 
   

Clonmany 20 mile Festival Races at Clonmany Festival on Thursday 6th August.

Race format will be the same as last year.There will be 2 races.

1.TOUR of CLONMANY.Seniors will race over the Clonmany-Drumfrees-Carndonagh-Ballyliffin-Clonmany course.This race will be confined to those with club racing licences and the normal 'Club Race'limit of a maximum of 6 participating clubs will apply.There will be 4 or possibly 5 groups starting this race at intervals appropriate to each riders past form.Time gaps and composition of each group will be decided by the handicapper.There will be a prize fund of up to €400 with prizes going to 1st,2nd and 3rd Overall,and for the rest prizes for -1st Lady,1st Vet,1st Junior,1st Northpoler,1st Visitor,1st Supervet(50+),1st Master(60+).No competitor may claim more than 1 of the above prizes and the prize will go to the next placed rider in that category should that arise.

2.TOUR of URRIS.Youth riders will race over the Urris circuit.Non competitive adults may also take part in this event.There will be prizes for all youth categories.

The following marshals will be on duty in Clonmany. .

Rory Devlin

Edward Doherty

Kenny Doyle

Christy Doherty

Peter Mc Laughlin

Brendan Duffy

Daniel Doherty Sr

Eunan Mc Laughlin

Willy John Mc Laughlin

Daniel Mc Gonagle

Should any marshal be unable to attend on the day they are asked to arrange for a suitable replacement. All marshals are asked to be present at 6pm. More volunteers are required to ensure a safer event so please put your name forward if you are available.

Those whose names were drawn for marshal duties for this event will not be picked for similar duties for the remainder of 2009.