Banbridge Cycling Club’s ‘Merchants of Speed’ produced a commanding display at the Ulster 25‑mile Time Trial Championships in Donegal today, Sunday, returning home with a remarkable collection of medals across junior, senior and masters categories. Hosted by Donegal Bay Cycling Club, the event saw nine Banbridge riders deliver one of the club’s strongest championship performances in recent memory.
Matthews Takes Junior Gold with Sensational Ride
The standout performance of the day came from junior rider Adam Matthews, who stormed to a blistering 53:46. Not only did the ride secure the Ulster Junior Gold Medal, it also ranked as the third fastest time overall, underscoring Matthews’ rapid rise through the ranks.
Masters Riders Lead the Medal Charge
Banbridge’s experienced contingent once again delivered across the masters categories.
In the M70 class, veteran rider Brian Hannon claimed Gold with a commanding 60:43, finishing well clear of his rivals.
The M55 category brought a double podium for the club. Philip Loughlin continued his season-long dominance with a superb 58:17 to secure Gold, while Martin Duffy earned a well‑deserved Bronze — his first championship medal — with a determined 66:36. Duffy’s medal winning ride will be a popular result among the TT community, having invested significant effort into promoting the TT discipline within Banbridge CC and driving rider participation to a level never seen before by the club.
Fresh from a midweek sub‑20 ten‑mile time trial, Erwin McKee powered to 53:57 to take Gold in the M45 category, marking another strong performance from a rider rediscovering top form.
In the M50 class, Gavin Clarke recorded a rapid 57:03 to secure Silver and add another highlight to an already very successful season, while David Ross posted 60:43 to finish sixth in one of the day’s most competitive fields.
The M60 category saw Trevor Wright narrowly miss out on the medals, finishing fourth with a solid 67:28.
Silver Success in Women’s Category
Banbridge’s medal tally was further boosted by Ruth McKee, who delivered an excellent ride to claim Silver in her category. McKee finished just 1:03 behind winner Linda Poots of Dromore CC, rounding off a strong showing from the club’s female contingent.
Team Gold Caps Off Outstanding Day
The club’s collective strength was underlined with Banbridge CC securing the Team Gold, a testament to the depth and consistency displayed across all age groups.
Fastest Times of the Day
Outside the category results, Ian Inglis produced the fastest ride of the event with 48:53, the only time to dip under the 50‑minute mark. Hazel Smyth was the fastest woman with a solid 61:52.
Banbridge CC extend their thanks to Donegal Bay Cycling Club for delivering an excellent TT Championship event, with ideal racing conditions and much‑appreciated post‑race hospitality.
All photos courtesy of Jerome Rafferty.
Gavin Clarke – Silver medallist in the M50 class.
Martin Duffy – Bronze Medallist in the M55 category.
Brian Hannon – M70 Ulster Champion
Philip Loughlin – M55 Ulster Champion
Ruth McKee – Silver Medallist.
Adam Matthews – Junior Ulster Champion and third fastest time overall.
