Results for the Shoprite Challenge can be found by clicking on the following links: Split Times - Overall Results

September 18

Cav Pulls out of Worlds - But Bellis and Kennaugh Ride

Mark Cavendish has withdrawn form the Great Britain road team for next weeks World Road Championship in Varese, Italy. Cav has had a long season and said he had nothing left in the tank, but what a season with 17 wins including six grand tour stage wins. The Elite men's road team will now be David Millar, Chris Froome, Steve Cummings, Russell Downing, and Ian Stannard, with Geraint Thomas being Cav's replacement. Millar and Cummings will also ride the time trial.

2007 bronze medalist Jonathan Bellis and Peter Kennaugh will compete in the U23 World Championship.  The U23 team is Ben Swift, Peter Kennaugh, Alex Dowsett, Jonny Bellis and Jonny McEvoy, with Dowsett and Russel Hampton in the time trial. Worlds website

September 16

Fred Kelly Road Race

The Fred Kelly Road Race takes place on Sunday October 5. Probably the most prestigious event on the local cycling calendar, the classic which is the final counting round of the season long HSBC series, will be run on a new flat course, but with a sting in the tail in the shape of the tough Tholt-y-will climb. More details including a map of the course here

September 15

Tom Black's Good Form Continues

Manx Road Club riders Tom Black, left, Dave Taylor, James Smettem, Trevor Kirkwood and Ged Power plus Gianni Epifani (MVW) competed in a ten mile time trial on the mainland. Black's good form continued with an impressive 20 minutes 23 seconds to finish second in the Junior event. Taylor's form also continues with a 20.31 to finish eighth in the Veteran and Mens category. Smettem and Epifani both clocked 21.01 for 19th with Kirkwood in 51st with a 21.48. Ged Power's time was missing from the results but Ged is thought to have done a 22.16

September 14

Nick Craig Dominates End to End

Former Olympian and multi National Champion Nick Craig won today's Sleepwell Hotels sponsored End to End Challenge, The former Diamond Back professional who now works for Scott came in almost six minutes ahead of second placed Tom Last with junior rider Scott Thwaites in third. Leading local was Preston University bound, Alex Kinvig in seventh. More tomorrow. Results here

Another Win for Cav

Mark Cavendish won stage six of the Tour of Missouri. Teams Rabobank, Toyota-United and Team Columbia all worked to set up their sprinters for the win. Despite a heroic effort by  Ivan Dominquez (Toyota-United) Cav came from no where to take his third win, scoring Team Columbia's fourth victory in the 2008 Tour of Missouri. His win enabled him to hold on to the points jersey.

There were no significant changes to the overall with Christian Vande Velde of (Garmin-Chipotli) still in yellow.Tour of Missouri website here

Tour of Britain Concludes - Bellis 12th

Jonathan Bellis (CSC) finished 39th on the final stage of the Tour of Britain in Liverpool today to hold on to his impressive 12th place overall. Andrew Roche (Pinarello RT Candi TV) finished 18th on the stage for 83rd overall Website

September 12

Sleepwell Hotels End to End Challenge This Sunday

The Sleepwell Hotels sponsored End to End Challenge takes place this Sunday. A record entry of over 600 cyclists will depard from the Point of Ayre at 10am and head south to finish at Cregneish. The weather forecast is looking promising for the weekend so a good day out should be had by all. More info can be found here Start sheet by category here

Tour of Britain Latest

Jonny Bellis (CSC) finished seventh in the bunch sprint on stage six of the Tour of Britain, Andy Roche (Pinarello Candi TV) came home in 77th. Bellis has now moved up to 12th overall. The leader is Frenchman Geoffroy Lequarte (Agritubel) Website

Bellis Sixth on Stage

CSC's Jonny Bellis finished an impressive sixth on toda'y stage of the Tour of Britain, moving him up one place to 14th overall.  Website

September 10

Jonny Moves Up in TOB

CSC rider Jonny Bellis continues to move up the leaderboard in the Tour of Britain. On stage three the Tour of Britain Bellis came home in 30th place to move him up to 15th overall  Website

Tour of Missouri

Mark Cavendish finished 41st in the stage three time trial stage of the Tour of Missouri. Cav remains leader of the Sprints competrition.Tour of Missouri website here

Manx Cyclists in Firefighter Games

 More than 3,000 firefighters descended upon Liverpool in another international sporting event - the 10th World Firefighters Games.

The Games are a biennial festival of sport and banter for the firefighting community. Competitors from over 30 countries took part in a packed programme of 72 sporting events. From a cycling point, Gary Hinds rode well for 10th in the road race

Pictured from left:Steve Brearley and Gary Hinds the smiling duo are Brian Draper (in tight jersey) and fresh faced Mark Caley. Games Website

Another Stage for Cav

Mark Cavendish notched up yet another win in the second stage of the Tour of Missouri. Catch up by viewing the Tour of Missouri website here

Lance is Back?

The rumours started some weeks ago, but now Lance Armstronng has spoken about his comeback on his website. He is due to ride five events including the Tour de France

September 9

Cav Wins in Missouri

Mark Cavendish won the opening stage of the Tour of Missouri, his 15th win of the season!  Cav beat US rider Tyler Farrer in to second with Italian Liqugas sprinter Francesco Chicchi  third. Result Tour of Missouri website here

September 8

Tour of Britain Latest

Matt Goss won stage two of the Tour of Britain
The Australian sprinted clear of Garmin - Chipotle's Julian Dean and Chris Sutton to take victory. Alessandro Petacchi came home sixth to retain the race lead, Petacchi's team mate Danilo Di Luca is only two seconds back. CSC's Jonny Bellis continues to be up there finishing 11th. Website

September 7

Gold for Christian in Madison

Mark Christian, pictured left, and Luke Rowe won Gold in the European Junior Madison Championship, they finished two points ahead of the Danish team. The other British pairing, Chris Whorrall and Andrew Fenn finished seventh. Christian has won a medal in every colour the the European,s, gold in the Madison, Silver in the Team Pursuit and bronze in the Individual Pursuit. Results

Meanwhile, Peter Kennaugh finished 12th in the U23 Points Race after nine riders gained a lap early on in the race, the other British rider ,Steven Burke finished 16th. Results

Bellis 10th in TOB Opener

Jonny Bellis(CSC Saxo) finished 10th on stage one of the Tour of Britain. Andrew Roche (Pinarello) came home in 34th place on the same time as stage winner Alesandro Petacchi more

Tom Seventh in TT Champs

Tom Black finished seventh in the British Cycling National Junior Time Trial Championships. Glendeene CC rider Joe Perret won the event.

September 6

Kennaugh Fourth in U23 Scratch Race

Peter Kennaugh finished fourth in the European U23 Scratch Race. Results

Whorrall Fifth in Junior Scratch Race

Chris Whorrall finished an impressive fifth in the European Junior Scratch Race tonight, Mark Christian was also in the action and finished ninth. Results

Tour of Britain Commences on Sunday

Jonathan Bellis and Andrew Roche line up for the Tour of Britain on Sunday. Bellis will ride for the CSC Team and Roche will be riding for the Pinarello Candi TV Team. Mark Cavendish and Peter Kennaugh will miss the British Tour, Cav rides the Tour of Missouri and Kennaugh competes at the European Track Championships. Tour of Britain British Cycling has an interview feature with several Tour of Britain riders including new CSC signing Jonny Bellis here

Tour of Missouri on Monday

Mark Cavendish and his Columbia team line up for the Tour of Missouri on Monday.

Manx Riders Qualify for Finals

Both Mark Christian and Chris Whorrall qualified for junior Scratch Race final at the European Track Championships in Poland. Peter Kennaugh has also qualified for the U23 Scratch final. So far this week Manx  riders have won three European medals 

September 5 

Gold For Kennaugh

Great Britain rider Peter Kennaugh, pictured left leading the British quartet, won Gold in the U23 Team Pursuit in Poland tonight. Kennaugh plus Olympic bronze medalist Steven Burke, Andy Tennant  and Mark McNally teamed up to beat the powerful Russian team. The Brits clocked a very impressive 4 minutes 5.5 seconds for the 4000 metres. The Russian team came home with a 4:10.

So far Manx riders have bagged three medals, Gold for Kennaugh plus silver and Bronze for Mark Christian in the Junior Team and individual Pursuit  Results

Euro website here

September 4

Silver and Bronze So Far For Christian

Mark Christian, pictured left, fourth in line, and his GB team mates just missed out on gold to their French rivals in the final of the European Junior Team Pursuit on Wednesday evening. On Thursday Christian took bronze in the Individual Pursuit, Christian clocked a very impressive 3 minutes 19.6 seconds for the bronze. More later. 

Report from British Cycling here  Euro website here

Alex Forrest Two Up

Gavin Quayle and Gianni Epifani won Wednesday evening's Alex Forrest Two Up by a mere second from Dave Taylor and Trevor Kirkwood. There was bit of a social held afterwards at the Sulby Pub Results

 Fred Kelly Road Race

Detaild of the forthcoming Fred Kelly road race will be published soon. Watch this space

September 1

Cregeen Clinches Bikestyle

Manx Road Club youngster Jonathan Cregeen, pictured left, did enough on the final round of the Bikestyle series to win overall. Cregeen who has made steady but impressive progress during the season finished two points ahead of fellow youth rider Jack Wolstencroft (TSP) with veteran rider Richard Fletcher (EV) a further two points back in third. Consistant riding by Stuart Garry (MRC) gave him fourth overall with Mark Lawrence (EV) fifth and Gary Mazzone (MVW) sixth. Seventh was Posse member Peter Gage, the only posse member in the top 10, in fact there were only two Posse riders in the top 30! Laura Wasley was leading lady in 12th. Results

Euro's Commence on Wednesday

The Great Britain U23 and Junior riders are currently preparing for the European Track Championships in Warsaw, Poland. Manx Road Club riders Peter Kennaugh, Mark Christian and Chris Whorrall are competing for GB. Euro website here

Dave, Alec, Laura, Christine, Tom and Chris Win 10 League 

Dave Taylor, Alec Coward, Laura Wasley, Tom Black and Chris Nicholson were all winners in the Manx Telecom Sponsored 10 League. Full results on the results page. Click here

August 31

Tim Wins Teare Trophy

Winners L to R: A race, Robert Dooley 2nd, winner Tim Kennaugh, Andy Bell 3rd. B race, Mark Lawrence, 2nd, winner Jonathan Cregeen, Adam Johnson 3rd.

Manx Road Club riders Tim Kennaugh and Jonathan Cregeen won their respective events in Sunday's Teare Trophy road race, the penultimate round of the HSBC Isle of Man Road Series.  The Manx Road Club promotion was held over seven laps of a new nine mile course in the Jurby area. There were several moves during the early parts of the race which came to nothing, the heavy rain however, failed to dampen the spirits of Andy Bell (EV) and Robert Dooley (MVW) who made their move two thirds way through the event. One lap later Kennaugh sensed the danger and rode across to join the two leaders. With one lap remaining their lead was over one minute over the bunch that seemed to give up the chase. Up front Bell ran out of gas during the last lap leaving Dooley and Kennaugh, the latter on form from his sixth overall in the recent Junior Tour of Wales, to ride on to the finish. The Sport Aid recipient pulled away from Dooley in the final kilometre to take a well deserved win, with Dooley coming home in second a hand-full of seconds behind. Bell just held of the fast finishing bunch that was led home by the rapid Steve Williams in fourth.

The B race started at a steady pace until Richard Fletcher made a move approaching half distance of the five lap 45 mile event, Fletcher gained no more than 30 seconds on the bunch before being reeled in after almost eight miles of freedom. Mark Lawrence made the decisive move straight after Fletcher's capture and soon opened up 30 second gap, but a plucky ride by the ever improving Cregeen saw Lawrence joined by the Manx Road Club youngster where the duo never looked threatened as they built up a lead of over one minute. The leading pair shared the workload equally with just a little 'cat and mousing' on the final kilometre where Cregeen took a comfortable sprint win. Adam Johnson led the bunch home for third place.

The Manx Road Club would like to thank all the helpers and marshals plus the catering staff who made the event such a success. Results

August 29

Three in a Row! 

A mass pile up near the end of the stage failed to stop Mark Cavendish from winning his third stage in a row in the Tour of Ireland. Cav was caught up in the crash on slippery conditions on the descent from the final climb, although hurt, Cav was able to remount and get back in contention for the sprint. Nursing a sore hip Cav said “We brought back the main group with 10k to go and then it was a question of winning. After everything that happened and the work they'd done, I had to really.” Race website

August 28

Cav Wins Again

Columbia fast man Mark Cavendish doesn't know when to stop! The Manx super sprinter won the second stage of the Tour of Ireland to extend his overall lead in the week long race. Cav again proved too strong for his rivals, crossing the line ahead of Michael Van Staeyen (Rabobank) who was second. Race website

Three Manx Riders in European Track Championships

Manx Sport Aid recipients Peter Kennaugh, Mark Christian and Chris Whorrall will compete in next week's European Track Championships in Poland. In 2007 Kennaugh won Gold in both the Junior and U23 Team Pursuits and silver in the Junior Scratch Race. Jonathan Bellis also won gold in the U23 Team Pursuit and Gold in the U23 Scratch Race. Kennaugh will team up with Olympic bronze medalist Steven Burke in the Team Pursuit. Bellis will miss this year's championship due to a clash with the Tour of Britain. British Cycling has more

August 27

Cav Wins Tour of Ireland Opener

Team Columbia's Mark Cavendish put his Olympic disappointment behind with victory in the opening stage of the Tour of Ireland. After a long break that looked like it would stay away at one point, was reeled in, Team Columbia took charge in the final kilometres to set Cav up for the win. More from Irish Cycling here. Race website 

CA Calendar

It's early but the CA would apppreciate some feedback on this years calendar and what events competitors would like on the 2009 calendar. The CA is not interested in the recent postponements as they are outside the scope of the calendar, but are more interested in the balance of events and timings and any suggestions to make a difference

Cav and Rochie in Tour of Ireland

Mark Cavendish and Andrew Roche compete the opening stage of the Tour of Ireland today. You can follow the event, including live updates here

Another Podium in Italy

Peter Kennaugh finished third in the Gran Premio Santini Ardelio race, near his base in Quarrata in Tuscany. It was Kennaugh's third result in three weeks after winning the GP Bastianelli followed one week later with the prestigious GP Capodarco.  

Change of HQ

There is a change of HQ for Sunday's Teare Trophy road race. Signing on now takes place at the Jurby Parish Hall.

August 26

I'm Back!

Well I'm back on line after spending a week in Wales. Whilst there there have been some amazing performances. it doesn't seem that long ago that Cav won four stages of the Tour de France to put cycling in the public eye along with football and cricket. Then came the success of the Olympics.

At the National Junior Track Championships there were promising performances by local riders such as Matthew Davies, George Doyle, Chris Nicholson, Chris Whorrall and Tim Kennaugh with the most impressive being Mark Christian who picked up two championships, the Pursuit and the Points race.

After the track championships came the prestigeous Junior Tour of Wales, the toughest junior event on British soil, so it was a delight to see top performances by Tim Kennaugh and Mark Christian who finished sixth and eighth respectfuly, Christian also picked up the Points and Mountain competition during his epic ride on the last stage.  

August 17

Big Win For Kennaugh

Peter Kennaugh's pictured left in GB kit, good form continued with yet another win in one of Italy's top races. TV footage here Cycling Weekly has more

Yet More Success at Olympics

Team GB enjoyed more success at the Olympics More

August 15

Gold in Team Sprint

Great Britain beat long time rivals France in the final of the Team Sprint in Beijing today. Often the runners up to France  Jamie Staff, Jason Kenny and Chris Hoy had other ideas and put half a second into the French in the final. Missed it, then watch it here

August 10

First Win for Kennaugh in Italy

British Under 23  road champion Peter Kennaugh won his first race in Italy on Sunday, wearing his national champion jersey he attacked in the final kilometres to win on his own. More

Tim Fourth in National Champs

Tim Kennaugh finished fourth in the National Junior Road Race Championship today. Kennaugh featured in the early moves to be joined by the big hitters to make a leading group of 10 riders that included Mark Christian. Last years bronze medalist Erick Rowsell attacked on the final lap and rode to victory on his own. Behind, Junior Paris Roubaix winner Andrew Fenn, Sandy King and Kennaugh were the only riders to respond. Fenn took silver and King just held off a fast finishing Kennaugh at the line. Christian finished 10th. Report, results and photo's from British Cycling

Flynn Takes Hamer

Warren Flynn (Obri Coaching) was the winner of Sunday's John Hamer road race. Approximately 30 riders set off from Marown and by St Johns Andrew Cook (MVW) had built up a 20 second lead. On the Dalby climb Cook was joined by Greame Hatcher (MVW),  Flynn and Gianni Epifani (MVW). Further up the climb Cook was dropped by his companions and by the top of the climb he would be 20 seconds behind with the bunch at 1 minute 10 seconds. After the decent to Ballasalla the bunch had reduced the gap to a manageable 37 seconds but once on the Stugadhoo circuit that had to be covered two times the leading trio had extended their lead to 1 minute 30 seconds. At the line it was Warren Flynn who took the win from Epifani with Hatcher in third. Robert Dooley took the bunch sprint for fourth spot. Adam Johnson won the B race with Asa Elkington second and Russell Collister third. Results

Olympic Gold For Cooke

Welsh wonder Nicole Cook won the Gold medal in todays womens Olympic road race. Jeannie Longo of France who will be 50 in October, competed in her seventh Olympic games finished 24th. Cycling Weekly has more

August 9

Jonny Gets Stuck In

Jonny Bellis covered the early break in today's Olympic road race, in the company of Tour de France winner Carlos Sastre, however Jonny succumbed to the heat in the end forcing his retirement. The other British riders also retired. Tomorrow sees the womens road race, Great Britain has a chance of a medal with Nicole Cook and Emma Pooley taking part.  

August 8

Good Luck to Jonny in Olympic RR

The Olympic Games have finally arrived. You can watch Jonny Bellis plus his GB team mates Ben Swift, Roger Hammond and Steve Cummings tackle what is probably the toughest ever Olympic road race course from 4am on Saturday . With temperatures expected to reach 33 degrees and an 11 kilometre climb that has to be tackled seven times, it will be a case of survival. Spain and Italy start out as favorites but in the Olympics anything can happen.

Hamer Road Race

HQ for the John Hamer road race this Sunday is now at Marown School. Signing on is from 8.15am with racing at 9am

From the Inbox

"Last Sunday lunchtime an incident occurred at the Braddan Bridge roundabout where a motorist had to stop suddenly after a cyclist who apparently failed to giveway properly. The cyclist has not been identified but is described as being around 60-70 years of age, having dyed brown hair and a fake tan. It is thought that he had a penchant for a retro bike and retro cycle clothing. The driver explained that she only wished for words of advice to be given and understood that the rider may have been dashing off to collect his pension or the last remnants of a nearby car boot sale."

Although no formal action is to be taken, all riders must obey the rules of the road and act in a mature and considerate manner at all times.

Manx Cycling has never been under the spotlight as it is now and with aspirations to have a cycling track, we must demonstrate to the public that 'roadies' are responsible people.

August 5

Team Isle of Man Perform in Ireland

Team Isle of Man - Microgaming riders Tim Kennaugh, Tom Black, Warren Flynn and Steve Williams all performed well in the three day, four stage Suir Valley event over the Irish bank holiday weekend. Kennaugh finished eighth overall and claimed a brace of third placings on the opening road stage and the stage three criterium. The Manx Sport Aid recipient also finished third in the 'Hot Spots' competition. Flynn also finished fourth on the final stage. Overall Kennaugh was eighth, Black was 24th, Flynn 42nd and Williams 72nd. TIOM also finished fifth in the team competition. Ciaran Power (Pezula Racing) won the event. More

Nico Sixth in Kerry

Chris Nicholson finished sixth in the Kerry Youth Tour. The event was won by Nico's North West team mats Adam Yates. Results 

August 2

Another Win for Cav.

Mark Cavendish has won another post tour crit. The Columbia fast man beat Belgian sprinter Tom Boonen to the line in the Criterium Herentals in Belgium. This follows his win at the Peer Criterium the night before.

Suir Valley Three Day

Tim Kennaugh got Team Isle of Man - Microgaming off to a good start with a fine third place on the opening stage of the tough Suir Valley three day in Ireland. The Manx Sport Aid recipient is competing in Clonmell with team mates Tom Black, Warren Flynn and Steve Williams.  Martin ’Loughlin (Dan Morrissey) won the stage with Daragh O’Sullivan of the Eurocycles team in second. Report and results here

Brits in France

After wearing the yellow jersey after the opening team time trial Great Britain's Peter Kennaugh is currently holding on to 32nd place in the Tour Alsace in France

Kerry Youth Tour

The Youth A race of the Kerry Youth Tour split to bit on the opening stage. North West Team dominated with Adam Yates taking the stage from Adam Penrice. Belgian Gaeten Pons (VC Ardenes) was third with another North West Team rider, the Manx Road Club's Chris Nicholson fourth. Results from all categories here

July 31

Fast Times in 10 League

There were some fast times at the latest round of the Manx Telecom 10 League. Check out the times on the Results page

July 28

Place Available for Suir Valley

There is a place available for this weekend's Suir Valley three day in Ireland. the Team Ilse of Man - Microgaming squad depart by ferry  this Friday and return the following Tuesday. The event is open to most categories. Contact Mike Doyle on 405531 for more information

Manx Stamps Featuring Cavendish and Bellis

To celebrate the Beijing Olympics, Isle of Man Post Office is pleased to issue a miniature sheet of stamps depicting three of the Olympic sports - cycling, horse riding, archery and the Olympic flame.
This year sees Beijing hosting the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, from August 8 to August 24, 2008. Athletes will compete in 302 events in 28 sports, just one event more than was on the schedule of the Athens games of 2004.

With the equestrian events being held in Hong Kong, this marks the second time the same edition of the Olympic Games has been hosted by two National Olympic Committees. The Olympic Games were awarded to Beijing, People's Republic of China on July 13, 2001. The mascots of Beijing 2008 are the five Fuwa, each representing one colour of the Olympic rings. The Olympic slogan, One World, One Dream, calls upon the world to unite in the Olympic spirit.

It's unprecedented that an Island as small as the Isle of Man is home to such sporting excellence particularly in cycling. Mark Cavendish, who features on one of the stamps, rides for the British Cycling Team and has just won the World Madison Championship with Bradley Wiggins. His debut year as a professional racing cyclist came in 2007 when he took the sport by storm, winning 13 races. The multi-talented rider has already won medals on the track at world level and, without doubt, he is the sportsman to watch over the coming years. He made his track debut for Great Britain in the 2004 Moscow World Cup and as a road cyclist, he has quickly risen to prominence as a sprinter. Cavendish now splits his time living and training between Manchester and Tuscany, Italy.
But it's not just Cavendish who has a success story; two other Manx cyclists, Peter Kennaugh and Johnny Bellis, are following in Mark's footsteps and have already made their mark on the international cycling circuit. Mark Christian and Christopher Whorral are part of the Great Britain Cycling Team's Olympic Development Programme (ODP). A key part of the development of riders who will hopefully one day win medals for their country at Olympic level is to provide a seamless pathway from one programme to the next.

July 27

Christian On Top in German Tour

Mark Christian finished fifth on stage four of Junioren Rundfahrt stage race in Germany, but importantly did just enough to give the Manx Road Club rider the overall win by one second from Danish rider Samual Ryvan. GB team mate and former race leader finished third and GB won the team competition

Bellis Third in Young Rider Comp

Jonathan Bellis finished third in the Young Rider category in the tough Sachsen-Tour International in Germany. Team Columbia's Bert Grabsch from Germany won overall.

Dissapointment in Junior Series

Tim Kennaugh finished a dissapointed 12th in the Bath road race, the latest round of the National Junior Series. A break of 11 riders formed that went on to produce a 1-2-3 for the Essex based Glendene CC. British Cycling has a full report here

July 26

Christian Quick off the Mark!

Mark Christian is leading the Niedersachsen Junioren Rundfahrt stage race in Germany. Christian took over the yellow jersey from GB team mate Luke Rowe who led after the time trial stage this morning. Chris Whorrall is also competing and is currently in 65th place. Great Britain also lead the team competition

Bellis Performing in Germany

Jonathan Bellis is currently competing in the Sachsen-Tour International in Germany as final preparation for the forthcoming Olympics. Bellis is currently third in the Young Rider competition

Nicholson on Form in Holland

Chris Nicholson has been competing in the Acterveld Youth Tour and improved stage by stage. On Friday's penultimate stage the Manx Road Club rider finished third, on Saturday's final stage Nicholson came second to finish ninth overall and fourth in the green sprints jersey

Ken Matthews

It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Ken Matthews, pictured, a stalwart of Merseyside cycling for many years. He passed away on Thursday 24th July 2008 after a period of illness.

Ken was a founding member and President of Kirkby Cycling Club which enjoyed a golden period of success during the 70’s and 80’s. He was present at the inaugural meeting of the British Cycling Federation and served on the Merseyside Division Committee for much of it’s existence. KJ’s interest extended to all forms of cycling and in addition to road and track racing he was heavily involved in time trialling and road record attempts.

Present at every edition of Isle of Man International Cycling Week, he acted as Chief Commissaire before moving into the role of Press and Publicity Officer. His press work also included regular cycling columns in the Liverpool Echo and several other local newspapers. The Kirkby Track League was another organisation in which Ken was heavily involved, and he took great pleasure in the success of Chris Boardman who began his career on Kirkby’s tarmac track. Despite failing health, Ken was present for the last ever track league meeting at Kirkby, just days before the bulldozers moved in to redevelop the site.

A prolific event organiser, Ken promoted many editions of the season opening Eddie Soens Memorial Cycle Race at Aintree Racecourse, and was in attendance to flag the riders away for this years 47th edition of the race. Perhaps less well known is that Ken Matthews served in Lancaster bombers during the Second World War, and survived many dangerous missions. Above all, Ken Matthews life was dedicated to cycling and his loss will be felt by all who had the pleasure to know him.

The funeral will take place on Friday 1st August 2008 at Thornton Crematorium. Family flowers only, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Co-op Funeral Directors, 28 Walton Vale, Liverpool, L9 2BU with funds going to the Royal Air Force Association.

Carl Lawrence

There is a brief history of International Cycling Week, part of which was written by Ken on the History page

 July 25

Three up 25 

Manx Viking Wheelers are promoting the 3up 25 Mile Time Trial Club Championships on Sunday, August 17, 2008. The event is being run over the Wildlife Park Course. Postal entries only, with the appropriate fee for each rider (£5/7/10), to be sent to Peter O'Shea, Hillside, Strang Road, Union Mills IM4 4NW. Signing on at the Wildlife Park Car park from 08:15 with the first team leaving Ballaugh at 09:01. Please ensure that you enter early so that we can prepare the start sheet in good time. Closing Date for entries is Tuesday, August 12, 2008.

July 22

Locals Off Island

Team Isle of Man - Microgaming riders Tim Kennaugh, Tom Black, Warren Flynn and Alex Kinvig are in Belgium competing in three Kermesse's. Kennaugh and Black compete in the Bath Road Race on their way home from Belgium. Chris Nicholson is competing in the Tour of Acterveld in Holland, the Manx RC rider finished ninth on the opening stage

Bikestyle Race Postponed

This Thursday's Bikestyle event has been postponed. The event will now take place on Thursday August 28.

July 18

Four For Cav! 

Cav has without doubt become the star of the 2008 Tour de France. The Manx Road Club fast man made the sprint finish of stage 13 look so easy as he won by over a bike length. There was another excellent lead out by the Columbia Team on the final run in of the 182km stage from Narbon to Nimes. Australian Robbie Mc Ewen was second with Romain Feillu (France) third. Cyclingnews has more here

July 17

Three For Cav!

Three wins for Cav......Mark Cavendish survived the rough and tumble of the final kilometre to take the 12th stage of the Tour de France today. Cav went with 200 metres to go into a block head wind to take what he said was his toughest win yet in the Tour. Cav becomes the first British rider to win three stages in the same Tour and is currently in fifth position in the green jersey competition. Results

July 13

Manx Team to the Fore in Ireland Finale

Obviously spurred on by the success of Mark Cavendish in Le Tour, Chris Whorrall and Tom Black finished second and sixth respectfuly in the final stage of the Junior Tour of Ireland. Tim Kennaugh was 17th with Mark Christian one place behind in 18th to give Team IOM - Microgaming first team on the stage. 

Christian, pictured, finished second overall with Tim Kennaugh 16th, Whorrall 26th and Black 37th which put the Manx team fourth in the Team competition. Mark Christian was also second in the Points competition and Kennaugh fifth in the Young Rider competition with Whorrall in 10th in the same category. Results

July 12

Simply the Best!

Mark Cavendish notched up his second Tour de France stage win in Toulouse today. In very wet conditions the Columbia team held things together up to the tricky corner with one kilometre to go to set Cav up for an emphatic win where he simply left the rest of the worlds top sprinters in his wake. More from Cyclingnews

July 11

Junior Tour of Ireland

Stage four results, reports and pictures can be found here

July 10

Cav and Jonny Selected for Olympics

Mark Cavendish and Jonny Bellis have been selected for the Olympic Games. Cav will compete in the Madison with Bradley Wiggins and Jonny will be part of the four man road team

Junior Tour of Ireland

Results from stage three here 

July 9

Great Win for Cav

Mark Cavendish achieved a lifetime ambition by winning his first stage of the Tour de France. Cav looked in total command as he took on the big hitters of the bunch sprints to win by a clear bike length. Cyclingnews has more 

Junior Tour of Ireland

Results from stage two here Report and photo's here

July 8

Good Start for Manx Juniors

Team Isle of Man - Microgaming Juniors have had a great start in the M Donnely sponsored Junior Tour of Ireland. European Championship riders Mark Christian and Tim Kennaugh finished second and fourth respectfuly. Tom Black finished the tough time trial opener in 15th place and Chris Whorrall came home in 20th. Full results here

British Team Perform Well at Euros

The Great Britain team had mixed fortunes at the European Road Championships in Verbania, Italy over the weekend. In the U23 road race, held in 30c degree heat Ben Swift finished an impressive fourth after some hard work by Peter Kennaugh who chased down an attack by Ireland's Dan Martin last time up the climb to set Swift up for the sprint. Kennaugh rolled in at the back of the group.

The Junior race the following day was held in horrendous conditions with torrential rain that left parts of the course looking more like a river than a road circuit! The weather resulted in plenty of crashes with first lap victims including GB's Andy Fenn and Tim Kennaugh. In the end it was Luke Rowe who rode a superb race to win the silver medal, Mark Christian was the only other British finisher coming home in the bunch also having helped his team mate during the race

Pictured L to R: Peter Kennaugh and Jonathan Bellis chat in the sunshine before the start of the U23 race, Tim Kennaugh and soon to be silver medalist Luke Rowe share a joke and Mark Christian contemplates the following three plus hours in the pouring rain

June 29

Kennaugh Silver in National Elite Champs and is U23 Champion 

Peter Kennaugh's great form continued with a brilliant second in the National Elite Road Championships in Yorkshire on Sunday, the current Junior road champion also claimed the U23 title. Popular winner on the day was former Madison World Champion Rob Hayles with Dean Downing in third. It was a good day for Manx riders with Mark Cavendish taking fifth and Jonathan Bellis coming home in 10th place (third U23). Photo Andy Jones Reports from British Cycling here. Photo's from Ellan Vannin Pictures here

Epic Ride from Big Dave

Dave Taylor clocked an amazing 55 minutes 48 seconds to win the Rob Rohrer Memorial 25 mile time trial in very windy conditions. on form Tom Black took the Junior prize with a time of 57.00 for second overall. Epifani, Gianni was third a further 46 seconds behind. Jonathan Cregeen and Laura wasley took the Youth and Women's awards. Results

June 28

Nicholson Second in Otley

Manx Road Club rider Chris Nicholson finished an impressive second in the support event for senior third and fourth category riders in Otley on Thursday evening. Run in very wet conditions Nicholson was just pipped to the line by Alastair Wood of the Aire Valley Racing Team. Report, pictures from and results from British Cycling here 

June 24

Successful Weekend for Manx Cyclists

There was yet more success for Manx cyclists off Island this weekend. Mark Cavendish notched up another another win on the final stage of the Ster Elektrotoer in Holland, on Sunday Peter Kennaugh finished an impressive second in the tough GP of Wales, two days earlier Jonathan Bellis finished fifth in the Abergavenny Crit, Chris Whorrall won the Tom Simpson Memorial, a round of the  national junior series, with Tim Kennaugh seventh and Tom Black eighth and competing for GB, Mark Christian finished third on stage three of the Sparkassen Munsterland Junior Tour in Germany.

June 18

10 Rained Off

This evenings Manx Telecom 10 event has been called off due to the heavy rain

Ras on the Tube

Richard Allan has produced a video of Team Isle of Man - Microgaming's exploits at the 2008 Ras.View it here 

June 17

Eve 12th in Tough Ladies Road Race

Team Isle of Man Microgaming Ladies, Caroline O'Neill, Laura Wasley and Eve O'Hare, pictured left, competed on Sunday in the Carpernwray Ladies Road Race. The tough undulating circuit included the North West Regional Women's Road Race Championships. The start sheet was pretty awesome with World Champion, and Olympic hopeful, Joanna Rowsell heading the list of entries, the majority of the rest being GB's Elite, Cat 1 and 2 riders (the Manx girls are cat 3). The peleton stayed together until the climb to the finish of lap one when 10 riders got away by 30 seconds
 
A second group had formed who initially chased, though all in vain. In this group was Team Isle of Man's Eve O'Hare who had a fantastic race, mixing it with the likes of Sarah Reynolds (Team Swift) and recently recruited to the GB under 23 squad for the European Championships, Alex Greenfield (Pinarello) who also won the recent  Brentwood Crit. Eve, in her debut womens road race, rode brilliantly to finish in a very creditable 12th.
 
Following, were a smaller group of six containing Team Isle of Man's Caroline O'Neill, Ella Sadler-Andrews (Leisure Lakes & NW Talent Team Academy) and Anselma Gallinot (Gosforth RC), these riders were the only three from this group to finish.  Caroline, to her credit persevered with the circuit on what was becoming an increasingly hot day with a rising wind putting in a very gutsy performance to finish in a fine 23rd place. 
 
Several top names failed to finish due to the toughness of the circuit which made the Isle of Man girls' performance even more impressive.
The race was won, as expected, by Jo Rowsell, second was Katie Colclough, both Team Halfords/Bikehut and third Leanne Thompson from organising team Lune RCC.
The girls would like to thank Mike Doyle and also Steve Light for acting as Team Soigneur for the day.

June 15

Gianni Wins Slock Hill Climb 

Gianni Epifani, pictured left, won Sunday's five mile Sloc hill climb by seven seconds from the on form Tom Black. Chris Tierney put his mountain bike skill to good use by taking third. The posse riders were unable to compete individually because they had no inner chain rings! they did however ride as a team by pushing each other up the climb using their standard 54 rings, hence the red faces on the photo's. Full Results. Photo's by Stephen Cregeen here

June 13

Four Manx in GB Euro Team

An amazing four Manx riders have been selected by Great Britain for the forthcoming European Road Championships in Italy from July 3rd to 6th. Jonny Bellis and Peter Kennaugh compete in the U23 road race and Mark Christian and Tim Kennaugh take part in the Junior Race. British Cycling has the full team here

Fletcher's Bikestyle

Richard Fletcher, pictured left during his heyday, just held off the fast charging scratch group to win round two of the Bikestyle Series.  46 riders started the four lap 26 mile event held in dry but blustery conditions resulting in a tough head wind up the finishing straight.

With the wily campaigner Fletcher outsmarting the opposition it was team mate Dave Bell who would finish second with youngster Jack Wolstencroft (1/3 of Fletchers age !) sneaking third. A great result for Mark Lawrence in fourth and just reward for his efforts lately. Natalie Arrowsmith again led the ladies home in fifth. Top six was made up with a solid result (possibly his best) from Stuart Garry.

Posse leader Peter Gage took the sprint in the scratch group who just failed to pull back the leading group finishing 10 seconds adrift. Not so fortunate was round one victor Adam Johnson who retired jaded after a hectic race and exam schedule.

Special mention to first timer in the adult ranks Alexander Haddock who held his own to finish strongly in the bunch …well done !! Also newcomer to Manx shores Scott Morgan who is fast coming to grips with Manx roads after an impressive debut in the Tour of the North. Results Marshal rota for Bikestyle series here

Results form round one will be published shortly. The finish was contested by 30 plus riders and was very difficult to record all finishers correctly.

June 9

Tim's Tour

Tim Kennaugh (MRC) won Sundays Tour of the North promoted by the Ellan Vannin CC and a round of the HSBC series. The main event was held over seven laps (64 miles) of the tough Bride circuit. First out of the blocks was Robert Dooley (MVW) followed by Tony Aspell who was on a very rare skirmish of the front of the peleton. again Dooley was away, this time with HSBC series leader Warren Flynn (Obree Coaching) who would be later joined by Dave Taylor (MRC) out in front. Going into the final lap Dooley, Flynn, Kennaugh and Colom O'Shea (MVW) broke clear and built up a 20 second lead over the main bunch. As the bunch closed in on the leading foursome, Kennaugh broke clear to win by one minute 40 seconds, despite a slow puncture during the final half lap. Second place went to Neil Bellhouse (MRC) with team mate Peter Gage third.

Graham Stigant (EVCC) won the four lap (37 mile) B event from Scott Morgan (MRC) and Adam Johnson (TSP) was third. Tim Kennaugh leads the HSBC series overall from Warren Flynn in second and Neil Bellhouse in third. Adam Johnson leads the Future Stars. Photo's, Results and Videos can be found on the website.

June 8

Bronze for Black

Tom Black, pictured, won the bronze medal in the National Junior 25 Mile TT Championships on Sunday. Tom clocked an impressive 57 minutes 01 seconds just 0ne second behind silver medalist Daniel Arblaster (Guernsey Velo). Winner was Richard Handley (Max Gear RT) with a time of 56 minutes 39 seconds. Results

Hill Climb / Social

With the postponement of the Colin Nelson Memorial Time Trial due to take place on Sunday June 15, the Manx Road Club are organising a club run with a difference! The club run will depart from the NSC gates at 9.15am and ride to the picnic area on the Sloc where riders can enter on the line for a hill climb that will start at 10.15am. The climb will be approximately five miles finishing half way between the Round Table Cross Roads and the junction of the old mines. Presentation will be at the Neb Cafe afterwards. Entry fee for all categories is £2

June 5

Lancashire Lasses

Manx Road Club's Caroline O'Neill, along with Laura Wasley and Eve O'Hare (both MVW) come together as Team Isle of Man to compete in the Capernwray Ladies Road Race in Aughton, Lancashire on Sunday 15th June.  The race is over a rolling 65Km road course with a hilltop finish.  Last year the event was won by GB's Lizzie Armistead with the Isle of Man Girls putting up good performances in the 60 strong field.  The event this year has attracted a strong field yet again with some notable GB riders taking part.  The girls travel with Coach, Mike Doyle. Manxroadclub.com will have a report on the race

Local Cycling Calendar Resumes

After the TT break the the local cycling calendar resumes this Sunday with the Tour of the North 

With the postponement of the Colin Nelson Memorial Mountain time trial (now re-scheduled for July 6) the Manx Road Club are considering holding a hill climb on June 15 over the Sloc. The proposed format would consist of a club run to the Sloc followed by the hill climb with a ride to a cafe afterwards. Watch this space

The Manx Viking Wheelers are promoting a Handicap Road Race on Sunday, June 22nd, over the Andreas/Ramsey/Bride Course starting at 9am. Written entries only please on the TLI Entry Form, with the appropriate fee (£10 for Seniors & Vets, £7 for Juniors and £5 for Juveniles), to Peter O'Shea, Hillside, Strang Road, Union Mills IM4 4NW. Closing Date for entries is Wednesday, June 18. Signing on will be from 08.15am at the Ayre Utd FC Clubhouse in Andreas

News Jan - May 2008 here