01/05/2014 – Spires Trilogy TT Round 1

A field of 28 testers signed on for the first round of the Spires CC TT Trilogy on Thursday night (1st of May).

With dull, overcast conditions, low air temperatures and a light wind, which was of no great assistance on either leg of the trial, it was looking like a slow start to the competition may be on the cards.

This was definitely not the case. Sean McIntyre blasted out a fantastic time of 20.56 to take the maximum points available on the evening. Sean produced a near perfect effort (according to his garmin upload) to beat local man Cathal Doyle into 2nd place overall Cathal himself produced a very strong ride stopping the clock at 21.43. Sport Active rider Paul Vaughan filled the remaining spot on the podium a further 6 seconds adrift of Doyle, recording a time of 21.49.

Of the 28 who signed on 5 of these were ladies. Laura Maxwell collected maximum points in the ladies competition and made clear her intnetions of retaining her title from last year with a time of 24.26. She was almost a minute ahead of her nearest rival on the night, Eileen Burns, who completed the course in a time of 25.24. Keri Parton, of Dromara CC, made the long trip worthwhile by completing the course in the third fastest time of 25.51. The remaining 2 ladies were Spires CC ladies Clare Tohill and Catherine Martin. Two seconds separated the 2 at the finish line, both recording excellent times on standard road bikes of 28.37 and 28.39 respectively. Well done to the ladies.

The best of the Spires CC men on the evening was John O’Neill. John posted a fantastic time and course PB of 22.15 earning him 5thplace. On the night John was right up there with the other big ‘hitters’ of the series. Mark Glendinning managed a 2304 (also a course PB) earning him the points for 7th place overall. Damien Doyle posted a great time of 25.40 on the road bike and earned himself a 20thposition overall. Sean Wilson was 11 seconds back with a time of 25.51. A course PB for the 2 as well.

We hope to include a Road Bike Category at the next round, on a Trial basis as we are considering including it in future TT’s. An eligible road bike will be classified by the CI rules and guidance. If you require any further clarification please get in touch. (in brief no clip on bars/ extensions, no TT areo helmets and wheels to have a minimum of 12 spokes (no disc wheels)).

A massive word of thanks goes to all marshals and those who assisted on the night.

The next Round of the TT Trilogy will be held on the Toome Course on the 29th of May.

We hope to see you all there.