Skelly Cup 17.2m Handicap TT, 31st May ’17

Wednesday 31st May was the last day of spring and the Skelly Cup TT over a 17 mile circuit. This tough undulating circuit included Annaclone climb, Cattle Hill and not to mention the little tough climbs before Cattle Hill. With a head wind to deal with out to May’s Corner it wasn’t going to be easy for the 16 riders and 2 guest rider who signed on.

Paul Hannigan was first to set off into the gusty Rathfriland Road with Paul coming back and getting a great time 58:35. Mal Jenkins out off next setting the early mark with 52:32. Sara Glover was out to get some last minute speed into the legs, before she takes on the Grand Fondo Mourne Route for the first time on Sunday. Sara got a great 57:23, with her son Charlie first home on the night getting a great time of 50:12, just missing out braking into the forty’s. Brian Curran was back in the saddle to test his legs just missing out on beating the 50 minute mark with a 51:28. Ian Cochrane was next up getting the better of the windy conditions 48:16. Ronan Kennedy trying the circuit for the first time getting a brilliant 47:02 on a tough night to try this course out. Tim Lees over from Sheffield riding for the Rotherham Wheelers, also trying this circuit for the first getting a great time of 51:04. Brian Wilson was also a debut on this course getting also a great time for his first dig at it 53:52. Dan Purdy was the first of the quick men home, getting into the 46min mark with a 46:33. Mark Kendall getting another great time of 48:33. Pete Mcbride also Mr consistent with a brill 46:43. Guest rider Joe Penny just missing out hitting 47 with a 48:03. Martin Fitzpatrick and Stephen Fitzsimmons were back in together with Marty battling hard to stay with Stevie. Marty 46:35 and Stevie getting a brilliant 45:41 that was almost 5 minutes off his time from last year and the fastest time of the night beating Mark Stewart 45:45 by 4 seconds. What a close finish over a 17 mile circuit! Not an easy task to beat Mark on a TT circuit. Stevie will be in the new scratch group next week if he keeps these times going.

But congratulations to Marty Fitzpatrick on winning the Skelly Cup, just shading it ahead of Stephen Fitzsimmons on handicap!

Thanks to Hazel and Ann for their time keeping duties and to all the Marshall’s who covered every junction. Also big thanks to Toni for her photos on the night, not easy to get great photos in different places.

NMcA