31/07/2016 Ulster 10m TT Championships Eglinton

Christie Tops the Chart at Ulster 10m TT Championships
Marcus Christie, who broke his own 50-mile TT Irish record last Wednesday night, continued his winning form by setting a course record of 18:34 at the 10-mile TT in Eglinton, County Derry, today. The event, which was hosted by Foyle Cycling Club, saw an impressive field of 70 riders compete across all disciplines. With a strong southerly wind aiding riders on the return journey to the finish, Christie mastered the circuit and had almost two minutes to spare on Chris Hutchinson of Team Madigan in second place with 20:32, and Christian Nachtigall from Belfast club Phoenix, completing the Senior Men's medal list.

However as this was the Ulster Championships there were a number of other medal winners. There was a  close fought battle in the women's competition with Eileen Burns of Ballymena CRC fighting it our with Claire McIlwaine of Phoenix CC. In the end only one second separated the two women with Burns getting the decision over McIlwaine with her 22:24. McIlwaine took silver with bronze going to Karen Hull of Phoenix CC.

There were three women entered in the Veteran Women's category with Jane Millar of Bann Wheelers taking first place ahead of Phoennix CC's Judith Russell and Joann Regan of Termoneeny.

Only three juniors took part in the Championship with Zeno Young of Powerhouse Sport getting the verdict over Nathan Weir of Harps CC with his 20:33.  Fergus Byrne of Bann Valley RC was third.

In the men's M40 category it was Carn Wheelers, Ali Gribbon, who took Gold with 20:51 ahead of  North Down's John Rafferty on 21:31 and Ivan Reid of Omagh Wheelers with 21:35. The M50 class went to John Madden of Inspired Cycling who recorded a 20:45. Des Woods of Newry Wheelers took silver with 21: 24 while Sharman Crawford of Bann Wheelers lifted bronze with 21:59.

Sean Hargan of Phoenix CC has had a temendous year and took Gold in the M60 category with a 22:37 ahead of TT faithful Dominic Drumm of Bann Wheelers and Shay Giles of VC Elan.

Carn Wheelers lifted the Ulster Team TT Championship medals.

Foyle Cycling Club PRO, Ronan Gallagher, commented: 'It was a fantastic day's racing and with such a powerful rider as Marcus Christie in the field, the bar has now been set higher for other riders to compete.'

With the Ulster Road Championships due in the County Derry village in September, Christie will be the man to beat and it will be interesting to see Eileen Burn and Claire McIwaine go head to head again.

Foyle CC promoted an excellent event with lots of refreshments following the event which was greatly appreciated by riders and officials alike. Many thanks to all concerned.

Marian Lamb UCN : marianlamb@ulstercyclingnews.com

Full Results can be downloaded HERE

Pics by Alicia can be found HERE