RT Autoparts East Tyrone cyclist Ann McFarland did herself and her club proud with her first attempt at paralympic level with two fine performances at the BT Paralympic World Cup event at the Manchester Velodrome.
The Gortin woman - riding for the Irish team - claimed fourth place in the 3km pursuit in a time of 3 mins 44 secs and a fifth in the 500m time trial in a time of 46.04. Ann completed a great week with similar times at the Paralympic Grand Prix of Wales at the Newport Velodrome.
Her next big goals at this level are the World Championship Road Race in Italy in August and the Inddor Worlds at Manchester in September.
The ultimate aim is a place on the Ireland team for the Paralympics in London 2012.
East Tyrone to the fore in Inter Club
THE RT Autoparts East Tyrone Club had a strong representation at last week's opening round of the Inter Club Road Race League promoted by Omagh Wheelers.
Fifteen club members took part in two seperate handicap races on a tough 32 mile course which included the first category hill climb at Gortin Glen.
Stephen Hutchinson was the highest placed East Tyrone finisher in the 'A' race in 3rd place, with Noel Wilson finishing 11th, Andrew Bradley 12th and Stephen Bruce 15th.
East Tyrone rode well tactically in the 'B' event, placing four riders in the first ten, with Enda Fox an excellent 3rd, Alan Somerville 6th, Geoffrey Seffen 8th, Clive Lindsay 10th and Angus Barnes 15th.
Other finishers were Stephen Caldwell, Gavin Sterling, Glen Junk, Reuben Bruce, Leslie Mitchell and Stephen Greaves.
Super Six
The second round of the Super Six ten mile time trial league was held last week on the Toome course. Once again irish International Veterans 10 mile record holder John Madden (Bann Whs) was the winner in a fast time of 20mins 38secs.
East Tyrone times were: Ernie Magwood 22.42; Brian McComb 24.38 and Geoffrey Leonard 31.32.
The East Tyrone club will promote round two of the Inter Club Road Race League on Thursday 4 June on the Rock-Sandholes-Pomeroy Road circuit. Race headquarters will be at Rock GFC with a 7.30pm start.
members should note that a full compliment of marshalls and drivers is required for these events.
Wilson in top form
Noel Wilson had one of his best results to date when he was narrowly beaten in a two-up sprint in last week's Senior 3 event at the Emyvale Grand Prix which had a total of seven seperate races. Alan Somerville was also taking part, riding very strongly throughout.
Wilson was pipped by Aiden Cunningham (Cuchullian) and only needs one more point to be upgraded to the Senior 2 Category.
The Newmills man will compete in the Donegal 3 day stage race this weekend in top form.
East Tyrone CC rounded off a good day at Emyvale with Ernie Magwood placing fifth in the Vets/Junior race.
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