McAllister wins the Bann Valley Classic

As over 60 riders lined up at the prestigious event hosted by the Portglenone based club to race on the fast and furious Ballynease circuit. Steven was joined by team mates Niall O'Hagan and Nigel Elder, both these riders rode in support of their winning team mate, protecting him to the final few miles.

And keeping him in a position that set him up to win the final sprint at the end.

Unfortunately both Niall and Nigel were involved in a pile up in the last couple of hundred yards.

With the race run in glorious sunshine the field was made up of riders from all over Ireland, as far away as Cork.

In the early laps the pace was fast and at times hectic, but the Ballymoney CC rider was protected in the bunch by O'Hagan and Elder.

Both these lads in their first year at road racing and also they were in action the previous day at Dromore. As the race progressed it was clear that the Ballymoney CC riders were up for this one and it was out of the heaving, snaking bunch sprint that Steven McAllister burst to the front taking a clear sprint victory from Dean McIlfatrick (BV) and in 3rd place Brian McComb of East Tyrone CC.

At the end Steven thanked his team mates for their tireless efforts in helping him to this prestigious victory, bringing more success to

Ballymoney Cycling Club and to the town itself. Steven also thanked his Club's race secretary in the way that he has structured the race calendar as it helps the riders prepare for the difficult and arduous racing season ahead of them.

Final result at Portglenone

1st Steven McAllister (Ballymoney Cycling Club)

2nd Dean McIlfatrick (BV)

3rd Brian McComb (ETCC)

4th Robert Anderson (OCC)

5th Dolan Dunlop (HCC)

6th Steven Dunlop (EACC)

Ballymoney Cycling Club would like to wish Portstewart cyclist Alastair Bratten a speedy recovery from his injuries sustained at the Bann Valley Classic

Steven McAllister 5th at Dromore's McGreevy Trophy

Steven McAllister, Nigel Elder and Niall O'Hagan travelled to compete in the Banbridge race in the hills around Dromore.

In the A4 race that saw the field of 50 riders climb the tough Ballykeel hill five times, it was Ballymoney CC rider Steven McAllister who most of the day was seen driving the bunch forward.

Steven who was given specific instructions by his coach prior to the start of the race, these were to give the race a fast injection of speed and get rid of any contenders at the finish. Such was the force of his effort, not only did the bunch disintegrate but the local lad rode clear of the remaining group.

Furious and determined chasing from the Dromara CC riders saw the BCC rider back in the bunch going into the final lap.

On the steep uphill sprint to the line McAllister lined himself up for what seemed an imminent victory, cycling to those who know is not always that simple,

Steven found himself boxed in by slower riders and had to barge his way out and settle for 5th place behind the winner James McFerrin Dromara CC, Ballymoney CC rider Niall O'Hagan was 26th overall.

Ballybogey 10TT is a PB for Bryan McKinney

On Wednesday evening (21st April) in what you would have thought were pleasant sunny conditions, the 17 starters were well deceived. A strong headwind back from the

Ballymoney/Portrush roundabout saw the fast times fade on the return leg.

Early starter Shirley Park recorded a first of 31.23, Aaron Dickie 29.25. Hawaii Ironman competitor Ann Paul showed her style with a 28.11.

BIG performances and well worth the praise, are Nat Magee, Neville and John Patton strong and classy rides from these Ballymoney CC stalwarts. Newcomers, Jerome

McKendry, Johnny Dillon and David McConaghie, David with just a pair of trainers delighted everyone with 29.56.

Using the Open Road Races to help develop the speed and gain the experience is really helping Niall O'Hagan and Stevie McAllister, these two will soon be hard to split.

But local "Sensation" Jason Taggart who is taking the local cycling scene by storm was the fastest Ballymoney rider with a time of 24.15.

Visiting riders Jason Henry, Bryan McKinney, Stephen and Colm McIlfatrick all were warmly welcomed and encouraged by the local club in returning times of

Bryan McKinney an EXCELLENT 24.07 was the fastest ride of the evening, Bryan is the son of International cyclist Eddy McKinney, he comes from a family where cycling is a proud part of their lives. Bryan's mother Mary was the manager of cycling teams at the early Health race for N. Ireland squads.

Results –

Bryan McKinney (BW) 24.07

Jason Taggart (BCC) 24.15

Jason Henry (U/A) 24.22

Steven McAllister (BCC) 25.07

Niall O'Hagan (BCC) 25.10

Colin Brennan 25.15

Neville Patton (BCC) 25.59

Nat Magee (BCC) 26.00

John Patton (BCC) 26.41

Johnny Dillon (BCC) 26.53

Jerome McKendry (BCC) 27.09

Stephen Kane (BW) 27.50

Anne Paul (ETCC) 28.11

Colm McIlfatrick (BW) 28.22

Aaron Dickie (BCC) 29.25

David McConaghie (BCC) 29.56

Shirley Park (BCC) 31.23

Coming Events

This Wednesday night Ballymoney Cycling Club are holding their Stroan Circuit Road Race, not one for the "wimps" of

Cycling but a real challenge for the cyclists. The start will be at the Roseyards Church car park, sharp as possible 6.45pm