The club now boasts a record membership of almost 200 riders of mixed ability and gender, 
amongst which there is a dedicated number of ‘racing’ types and throughout the year have all recorded amazing results, none more so than Conor McKinnon.
Conor is a first year Junior rider and at 16 years of age has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the road racing peloton, particular when the gradient is skywards.
That said the first race back in March was the notorious Eddie Soens handicap event held on the Aintree Racecourse over 50 miles..this year heavy rain faced the almost 200 riders, inevitably the groups form as one heaving mass at speeds of 30 mph, Conor was able to hold his nerve and finished in the main field, looking like he had just ridden Paris-Roubaix, covered in mud!!
The highlight of his racing palmares of which there are many must be winning the Junior category award in The League International (TLI) which is a series of road and circuit events throughout
the year.
The last race being a time trial over two ascents of the Horseshoe Pass in North Wales,where he excelled and finished a creditable 10th out of 120 riders! Plus which, once again held in atrocious conditions .
In a rare appearance in the club evening time trials, he faced the ‘timekeepers ‘ for a 10 mile TT and recorded a 25 mph ride of 23.36 an excellent ride for a ‘roadman’.
As we are now in the throes of the Hill Climbing Season and the leaves begin to fall, Conor is full on with the anti-gravity training and who would bet against him going one better than his second place in last year’s club hill climb at Ashurst Beacon….I fear for Elliot Gough (current champion) and Martin Bailey who are both serious contenders, but will have the ‘youth’ and ‘energy’ of Conor to compete with, watch this space!
I for one will be looking forward the event on Sunday 28th October, a tussle not to be missed!
After which there will be a Prize Presentation and free buffet.
I feel a vote of thanks must be in order to his parents Andy and Claire who have supported and driven him to the events all over the country and the same with his sister Issy (herself a rising talent!)
Best of luck to Conor and for representing the Southport Cycling Club for the rest and forthcoming season.
El Prez
