Reports below by Ryan Connor (CU Road Commission Chair) and Louise Fullerton (UWA Chair).
U23/Jun Training Camp Report By Ryan Connor
Following several changes to the planned route we did the only thing possible at this point and that was some up and overs up and down Woodgreen. Everyone was working well together and we got a good speed going.
It was as great to see some newcomers out and riding strongly and was very heartening to see such a good turnout with people travelling from all over the country to take part in the run.
After the run we made use of the showering facilities at Ballymena Road Club and Joan McCullough made us a very welcome cup of tea to warm us up. After this we headed to The Dunsilly Hotel for some lunch. After everyone had eaten I outlined plans that have been made for this season to the riders and got feedback from them.
Everyone seemed to enjoy the day and were glad to get out considering most of the country was stranded indoors. Thanks once again to Hugh McCullough for providing backup, Joan McCullough for providing refreshments for the riders, Donny and Phillip Bremner for taking all the pictures. Liam Tinney and Gary Mellon ((Four Masters) for providing backup and Tommy Wilson and Gary Wilson for helping out on the road.
Any Under 23 or Junior who has not yet sent their CV to Ryan shoud do so as soon as possible. Ryan will be selecting Ulster squads based on the information he has gathered. CV's should be sent to Ryan at ryancyclingulster@hotmail.co.uk and cc'd to tommylamb@cyclingulster.com
Women’s Training Camp Report By Louise Fullerton
On Saturday morning freezing fog greeted riders as they headed to Meelmore Lodge in the Mournes for the Women's Residential Weekend. Road conditions meant that some of the women did not make in time for the planned early mortning spins both on and off road.
As we travelled to the venue we thought that the runs would have to be cancelled due to the weather conditions but two miles from Meelmore the fog cleared and the day dawned bright and sunny. The scenery was magnificent.
Two groups headed off into the sunshine with Louise Fullerton taking the road group and Ciara MacManus heading for the hills with her group. Phoenix CC men were there in number to help lead the women around the unfamiliar roads. We would like to thank them for their support.
The weekend, organised by Ciara MacManus, Cycling Ulster's Off Road Chair, included talks on fitness, nutrition and training. Kay Kack (Bann Wheelers) presented talks on Saturday afternoon on strength training and lead Yoga classes.
Sunday however brought a complete change of scene as the women woke to six inches of snow at the Lodge. Ever resourceful they filled their time wih Yoga classess and exercise routines indoors before beginning to dig out their cars. They even had time to help one poor unfortunate male who had camped overnight and did not know how to get his car out. As usual on these occasions it was 'women power' to the fore.
Ciara said, "While we were unable to do all the things we had intended due to the weather, it was still a great chance for the road and mtb women to get to gether in a relaxed atmosphere and talk over plans for the season."