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Tour of the Lakes 2008
Tour of the Lakes..........Road Race.....105k.
Hawkins Conquers Tour of the Lakes  Belfast’s Peter Hawkins (Usher Irish Road Club) got an early Christmas present when he visited the North Pole on Sunday lifting the trophy in the Tour of the Lakes RR, promoted by the North Pole CC. He has now marked himself as one of the favourites for next weekend’s Ulster Road Race Championship at Dundrod. This was the second major event promoted by the progressive Donegal club in successive weeks and the race lived up to all expectations.  The 7 minute handicap over the 60 miles was soon reduced on the hilly roads of the Inishowen Peninsula as the race progressed through Dumfrees, Carndonagh and Clonmany. Ballymena junior Philip Bremnar attacked on the last lap but was soon joined by current National Hill Climb Champion, An Post’s Ronan McLaughlin, current National Criterium Champion Hawkins and North Down CC’s Neil McKenna. Lurgan’s Thomas Martin also breached the gap and it was this quartet who contested the final sprint with Bremnar dropping back to a chasing group some 40 seconds in arrears. Hawkins, who recently competed in the 5 day Tour of Surrey, took the victory in fine style from McLaughlin with McKenna and Martin filling the next two spots. McKenna rode particularly well and having just been recently up-graded to S2 will be a rider to watch out for next season.  Martin’s Clann Eireann team-mate John Heverin led in the chasing group pipping young Bremnar for 5th spot. Best of the local North Pole riders was Patrick McCallion while North Pole also made a clean sweep in the Youth events with victories for Patrick McLaughlin (U16), Andrew Graham (U14) and Christopher Carter (U12). Man of the day no doubt was 67 year old Willie John McLaughlin who has only recently taken up cycling and was determined to complete the distance.  The course used on the day took the riders around some very scenic roads with the mountain road passing between several lakes on either side of the road. While there were no major climbs en route there were plenty of drags to test the risers. The general consensus among all the competitors was that it was a ‘cracker’ course.  Peter Hawkins summed it up when he said, “Add two more laps to bring it up to 100 miles and you have a real champion’s course.” He went on to say, “I really enjoyed the race and I am glad I made the effort to come up. I am also amazed to see so many young riders either competing or joining in the Leisure event. Without these young riders our sport will die out and I congratulate North Pole on their interest in promoting a Youth section in their club.”  As usual with the North Pole club, hospitality was the watchword and all the riders and supporters were treated to soup, sandwiches, sausages and loads of buns at the North Pole Bar. The family atmosphere persists at all their events and the local community turned out to cheer and applaud every rider crossing the finishing line. Marty Noone acted as chief cheer leader among other things, encouraging the crowd to cheer the riders on, while Edel ensured that all the results were recorded. Every member of the club, who was not riding had a job to do which meant that every hazard was well marshalled, lead cars were out in force and cars werenot parked near the finish. The signage was excellent with not only the usual warning signs in place but dangerous bend, T junction, and distance marker signs in place.  The only blot on an otherwise perfect day was the news of the death of James Fullerton, father of Carl, the Secretary of the club. Carl’s father passed away peacefully in the early hours of Sunday morning. Carl had put great effort into this event. A minute’s silence was observed at the start of the event. Cycling Ulster would like to pass on their sincerest condolences to Carl and his family at this sad time. For a few more pics click the gallery link below. VIEW FULL GALLERY BY MARIAN LAMB Report Tommy Lamb Pics Marian Lamb RESULTS: Tour of the Lakes - Dumfries 1. Peter Hawkins (Usher IRC) 60 Miles 2-35-13 2. Ronan Mclaughlin (An Post - Sean Kelly Team)ST 3. Neil McKenna (North Down CC) ST 4. Thomas Martin (Clann Eireann-Linen Green) ST 5. John Heverin (Clann Eireann-Linen Green) @ 40 secs 6. Philip Bremnar (Ballymena Road Club @ 40 secs First Unplaced Vet John Madden (Bann Wheelers) First Unplaced S2 Peter Cromie (Roe Valley) First Unplaced S3 Martin Graham (Clann Eireann/Linen Green) First Unplaced Junior Jonny Cole (Team Madigan) Youth Results U16 1. Patrick McLaughlin (North Pole CC) 2. Danny Hunter (Four Masters) 3. Shane McLaughlin (North Pole CC) U14 1. Andrew Graham (North Pole CC) 2. Phillip Porter (North Pole CC) 3. Edward Noone (North Pole CC) 4. Aidan Noone (North Pole CC) U12 1. Christopher Carter (North Pole CC) 2. Colum Doyle (Foyle CC) |
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