Action-packed week for Mossmen

Efforts to promote the sport of cycling have continued, both within the club and elsewhere through arrangements being made to marshal the Muckamore Centurions Hi-Elbow Club triatlon on Saturday, July 31 in Ballyronan.

New members Steven Henry and Pat Wylie, after a great day out last Saturday at a Malawi charity run on the Coast Road, played their part on Saturday morning by taking time to show the ropes to some guests new to cycling.

This type of support forms part of the Kings Moss commitment to help newcomers into the sport, with the development squad rides particularly useful for helping those with less experience to enjoy their first longer runs.

A popular club run was also held on Sunday and was joined by the development squad, who plan to return to their usual Sunday 10am club ride next week.

Wednesday's club run through Antrim and Crumlin was well supported by members, who clocked up 50 miles through the rolling countryside.

An initial battle against a tough south west wind was well rewarded, however, when riders enjoyed a superb tailwind home through Loanends and Templepatrick.

Steven Sweet - who has made outstanding progress since becoming a member of Kings Moss - joined Joe Cooke and Peter Cody for a fast-paced descent into Templepatrick from Lylehill, but were beaten in a final sprint to the '30s' by Stephen Laird.

Joe Cooke also enjoyed some great cycling alongside Chain Reaction triathlon stars Barry Dunn and Pat O’Hare - who did well recently at the Triathy event in Athlone - on the final stretch from Templepatrick to Ballyclare, reaching speeds of up to 40mph. The experienced CRC riders led out but ex-Irish TT medal holder Cooke pushed ahead of the seasoned triathletes.

Plans are in place for for Kings Moss members to support the forthcoming Freewheelers CC Lap of the Lough, held in aid the NI Hand-Wheelers Association.on Saturday, August 7.

Club Captain Stephen Laird said: "Not only is this event in aid of a great cause, but the flat route and great scenery means a perfect chance for newer cyclists to challenge themselves. We have been taking part for years, and since the event is very well organised and marshalled - it's always a joy to support it”.

Two Mossmen are in France to watch part of this year's Tour de France event, while other members have been enjoying the success of Isle of Man rider Mark Cavendish from the excellent daily TV coverage.

Local viewers watching the coverage on Eurosport and ITV will have noticed adverts for Doagh firm Chain Reaction Cycles, who are clearly continuing to make their mark on the world stage.

KMCC would like to congratulate Gareth Luney for his first place success at the UKBFF Northern Ireland Class body-building event. He now moves on to the British championships and has the very best wishes of his fellow Mossmen.

Kings Moss Cycling Club always welcomes new members, including newcomers to road cycling. Club rides are held on Wednesday evenings and Sundays, with a faster group setting out on Saturdays.

Guests and those interested in joining are encouraged to come along to a Sunday morning 9am ride or 10am development squad ride, however it is best to contact the club through the Kings Moss website - www.kingsmosscyclingclub.co.uk - as Sunday runs are sometimes cancelled when members are taking part in events such as sportives.