Racing in the streets of Antrim.

Monday, June 22, 2015
Martin Ruddy took part in last Tuesday evening’s "SEAT series” criterium "street race” in Antrim. This was a new event on the calendar and local Randalstown club Old Bleach did a great job promotion a full evening’s racing for various categories. Not only were Old Bleach taking on street racing for the first time but so too was BRC veteran Ruddy. 
Martin explains "This was my first ever Criterium so I didn't know what to expect.  It was a bit concerned on the start line when I looked around and saw eight members of North Down lined up against me and the other solo riders from the other clubs. The racing was flat out from the start, with the final average close to 23 mph. I quickly learnt that a Crit race is just a series of short sprints with little or no rest in between.  As I feared team North Down rode a tactical race putting a lone rider up the road at every opportunity. I managed to close the gap a number of times but was close to exhaustion for the final sprint. I did manage to pass a few of the North Down lads and crossed the line in fourth place. Not bad for my first Crit.  

Result of Seat Series in Antrim
Elite 45mins + 5 laps 
(1) Angus Fyffe (Omagh Wheelers) 
(2) Glenn Kinning (Kinning Cycles)    
(3) Jake Gray (NRPT) Clough’s Aaron Swan (NRPT) was eighth.

Masters    15mins + 3 laps 
(1) Noel Boyce 
(2) Stephen Cardy 
(3) Paul Kirk all North Down    
(4) Martin Ruddy Ballymena Chain Reaction Cycles.

Many thanks to Ballymena’s Andrew Wills for the results. Andrew was Commissaire for the event.