Bann CC celebrate season of success
Over 100 riders and volunteers gathered at the Halfway House for the Banbridge CC annual Awards Dinner. Also present was guest of honour and Banbridge Leader Editor, Damian Wilson, to assist with the prize giving ceremony.
Banbridge Cycling Club have enjoyed a hugely successful year. Five of the club’s riders became Irish Champions in July, which is a first for the club and believed to be a first for any club.
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Hide AdBanbridge Cycling Club and Gareth McKee were nominated for Cycling Ireland awards while Gareth McKee became the first Irish rider to claim a podium place in a round of the British National Points Series with his third place finish in Glasgow.
More success for Gareth as he and James Curry represented the club in September’s World Mountainbike Championships in Andorra.
Teenager Mark Downey helped the Ireland team to a new national record in the four-kilometre Team Pursuit at the European Track Championships, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Bradley Wiggins.
He has since signed for Dynamo Cover Professional Cycling team and been joined by his older brother Sean.
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Hide AdThe first award of the night was the inaugural presentation of the Tommy Evans Cup for best International Performance of the Year.
Six nominees demonstrated the success the club is currently enjoying overseas, but it was Gareth McKee who came out on top after a fabulous year and so proved to be a very worthy and popular recipient of the cup and bursary donated Tommy Evans, himself a product of Banbridge CC who has enjoyed international success and is still regarded as one of the great Irish cyclists.
Following the presentation of the club cups and trophies by Club Chairman Maurice Mayne the final and one of the most anticipated awards, the Belmont Cup for Club Person of the Year was presented by Club Treasurer Mal McGreevy.
With the audience briefed on the nominees along with their many contributions to the club over the year it was Club Race Secretary Alan Towell who was declared the 2015 winner as voted by the club members.
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Hide AdAlan’s contributions to the club have ensured the club racing scene has flourished while also being heavily involved in the numerous open race events promoted by the club over the year, and again proved to be a very popular winner on the night.
2015 Award Winners
Belmont Cup (Club Person of the Year): Alan Towell
Tommy Evans Cup (International Performance of the Year): Gareth McKee
MAC 2-Up Trophy: Alan Black & John Sheppard
Luton Cup: Peter McBride
Weir Cup: Neil McAllister
Quinn Cup: Peter McBride
Wills Cup: Andy Beattie
Dennison Cup: Mark Kendle
Tommy White Mem: Kevin Wilson
Jack Carson Mem: Kevin Wilson
Skelly Cup: Mark Stewart
John Maxwell Cup: Peter McBride
Fusco Cup: Kevin Wilson
John Beggs Trophy: Gareth McKee
Heathwood Cup: Jonathan Lyons
Gerry Beggs Trophy: John Buller
Maxwell Cup: Neil McAllister
Gilchrist Cup: Charlie Glover
Mourne Observer Cup: Nathan Sturrock
Chronicle Cup (Senior BAR): Kevin Wilson
Outlook Cup (Junior BAR): John Buller
Superfry Trophy (Vet’s BAR): Phil Beattie
Downey Cycles Cup (Youth BAR): Charlie Glover
Donaghy Cup (Roadman BAR): Nathan Sturrock
Mayne Cup (Ladies BAR): Sara Glover
Logan Cup (Senior Points): Nathan Sturrock
Glendane Cup (Junior Points): John Buller
Gerald McAleenan Mem (Most improved rider): Wayne Graham
Race League Trophy: Peter McBride
Mayne Trophy (MTB Lady of the Year): Ruth Aiken
Eddie Sands MTB Trophy: Sam Baird