BRC Bound For Donegal Hills

Thursday, May 2, 2013
The very popular Ras Dhun na nGall takes place around Ardara on the last weekend of May. This year there has been a marked rise in the number of entries as the news gets around about the excellence of this event.
Those needing accommodation are advised to book as soon as possible.
The best way to do this is by contacting the event’s accommodation officer,  Nora on 00353 872828793 or drop an email at braehouse@eircom.net leaving your contact details and your requirements. Available accommodation is down on last year and numbers requiring accommodation are up so give Nora a ring a.s.a.p. if you need accommodation.
 
C Grant, BRC’s "kit man” is co-ordinating the local club’s entry for this event. He outlined the details "Ballymena Road Club – Chain Reaction Cycles - have entered a six man team for one of Ireland’s toughest stage races…the Ras Dhun na nGall or Donegal Ras.
The event promoted by Four Masters Cycling Club will take place from May 31st to June 2nd and includes three tough road stages and a time trial.  HQ for the team is Ardara in Donegal, and crucially the race will include the brutally tough climb of Glengesh Mountain Pass with gradients of up to 20 per cent.
 
The Ballymena squad are: Karl Taylor, Connor Young, Simon Taggart, Mike Carroll, Matthew Brennan and C. Grant. 
 
Karl Taylor had this to say about the upcoming race… "The Ras Donegal has been a target for the boys for some time now. It’s a massive event for us all and certainly the biggest race I have ever done! The peloton will have 180 riders from all four corners of Ireland so it’s definitely going to be fast and furious. It’s my first attempt at a stage race but all of us are determined to do ourselves and Ballymena Road Club proud.”                                               
Matthew Brennan and Connor Young are the two youngest members of the squad. Matthew has ridden the race twice before, both times representing Cycling Ulster.  The 20 year old commented "This is my third time at the Ras Donegal but my first in Ballymena colours. It will be tough again this year but stage races and the mountainous parcours suit my style of riding and I’m hoping to place well on GC.”                      
Seventeen year old Connor has also represented Cycling Ulster this season and is looking forward to his first major stage race.  Commenting on his race ambitions Connor said "It's great to be riding the race with such a good bunch of lads. We have a squad of riders suited to all terrains and I'm looking forward to seeing what I can do on the big climbs."
 
Simon Taggart is also hopeful of a good result having proved his stage race credentials by riding strongly in last year’s ‘Tour of the North’ and the Blair International Transport Red Hand Trophy. Simon said "The climb of Glengesh is definitely going to be tough but I’m hoping to peak my form at the right time and put in a good performance for the club”.
 
Mike Carroll is the ‘veteran’ rider of the squad but has been in the form of his life recently. Already this season he has won an open race and placed well in several others, gaining enough points to upgrade toA2 status. He also won the club’s first ten mile time trial of the season last Wednesday night.  Mike said "My form at the start of the season has been really good and I will be hoping to carry it through to Donegal. We all know each other really well and we will work as a team to defend anyone who is well placed in general classification. It should be a good weekend!”
 
The squad will travel to and from Donegal in the Ballymena Team’s events’ vehicle and have arranged to stay in a local Bed & Breakfast near to race HQ in Ardara. Karl extended this invite to club members - "There is limited space on the minibus, but if anyone from the club wishes to come along and act as soigneur for the weekend or simply to watch the race, please get in touch!” He added "the B & B is €35 per person per night so it’s reasonably priced and I’m sure it will be a fantastic weekend. This is a big deal for the squad and it would be great to see some support on the roadside”