Lanterne Rouge TT

Not sure who shouted 'he's catchin you as I struggled to cross the finish line, but he should be a sports therapist cos it certainly got that last ounce out of the old legs and boy they're gettin old

I think a massive Pat on the back should be aimed at the grafters behind, what I think, is La Lanterne Rouges' first official TT or competitive race event?? ( correct me if I am wrong).

Master of ceremonies, Robin, inspires all around him and has ensured our first event has been a triumph, of which LLRCC should be proud. Every detail from the marshaling to the orange juice. I saw the risk assessment produced after hours of hard work by Robin and Max, which had to be submitted to cycling Ireland! I will not be surprised if they ask for permission to use that as a demonstration of how it should be done. Even the Hi Vis vests had our club name on the back. He even had Peter baking us yummy buns A truly professional job Robin. The sign on fomalities were a slick operation, thanks to Hayley and Tracey with Molly-anne pouring out the orange juice.

John Mills was brave enough to take on the timing, which requires a really cool head and total concentration. As always a professional job by John, although I'll have to ask him about those extra 30 secs he put on my time!!

It was, I feel, inspirational to see almost everyone in the club involved in some way. As everyone showed great support with so many aspects of this, our first event proper, I do not like to pick out names, but................. particulaly good to see Denis, Pat Davey and wee Joe getting stuck in and Marty McCourt, who has only joined us a couple of weeks ago, with the difficult job of holding the cyclists steady at the start.

Again a super result from Steve, which we have now come to expect from the big lad, but result of the night has to be Dylan, who is quietly sneakin up on those professional boyos I saw there tonight, finishing a fantastic seventh place. We have great hopes for young Dylan and I say keep a watch on him, because if he sticks at it, I think he can go very far with his cycling.

Big congratulations also to Barney, Ollie and Dermot who, represented the club brilliantly tonight. well done lads.

The only point I would like to add is to encourage you all to support this inter-club league by taking on a TT soon. This is a vulnerable period for the league, as this format has only started. It has to be said it is a concern that the early enthusiasim is dwindling, with only 15 turning out on bikes this eve.

Personally I hate TTs, but when I see the hard work being put in by the organisers from the three clubs, I am absolutley going to get out there and support them, when I can. Where you finish doesn't matter. Get a time, and then next year try and improve it. Thats what TTs are about and will improve you as a cyclist.

I would encourage you to follow the example being set by people like Ollie and Barney. They know they cannot be first, but they show their great sporting spirit by giving it a go.

This league is very important for the future of our local cycling, especially for young people coming into the sport in the future. I really appeal to you all to forget worrying that you'd be no good, just get out there and give it a go. Its about supporting local sport and to help this to become established and flourish, we need the numbers on the road taking part. I think all those people I have mentioned deserve our support.

Again a huge thanx to all. A night to be proud of for LLRCC.