Madden bags bronze medal at National time trials

Madden battled his way back to fitness to win bronze after a crash at the Tour of Ulster in May set him a tough challenge to make it to the national championships in Dundalk this weekend.

Madden, a school principal at Roddensvale in Larne, completed the circuit of almost 20 miles in a blistering time of 42 minutes and 18 seconds which was only 16 seconds behind last years winner Greg Swinard. John Heverin took gold having just joined the same age group category as Madden this year.

“It was fabulous to get a podium place as I have not raced since the start of May and I missed a great deal of training time after my crash. I would just like to thank my family and friends who have been so supportive in helping me get back to race fitness this year. It feels absolutely wonderful to be back racing again!” Said a thrilled Madden after the race.

Madden hopes to complete a number of events to conclude this season including the Ulster 10, 25 and 100 mile championships at which he is the defending champion in his age group. He will also be taking on the challenging 120 mile section of the Giants Causeway Sportive on Saturday 15th September which departs from Ballycastle.

Madden’s brilliant bronze medal at the national time trial championships in Dundalk at the weekend consolidates his position as one of the most consistently successful cyclists in his age group. Many congratulations must go to Madden after his battle to return to fitness after his crash at the start of the season.

1st John Heverin Clann Eireann 40:57
2nd Gregory Swinard Usher IRC 42:02
3rd John Madden Curran Racing 42:18
4th Des Woods Newry Wheelers 43:16
5th Chris Troy Castlebar 43:59
6th Kevin Lynch Newry Wheelers 44:11
7th Gerry McCabe Cuchulainn Cycling Club 44:20
8th David Fagan Mullingar Lakeside Wheelers 44:26
9th Mark Greer Maryland Wheelers 44:28
10th Stephen Harkens Team Madigan 44:44
11th Ronnie Smyth Dromara CC 44:56
12th Brendan McCabe Aberdeen Wheelers 45:33
13th Martin Birney Sportactive Racing 45:47
14th Robert Magee Bray Wheelers 45:53
15th James Cribbin Mullingar Lakeside Wheelers 46:05
16th Eoin O’Shea Barrow Wheelers 46:38
17th Dominic Drumm Bannwheelers 46:53
18th Denis O Brien Barrow Wheelers 47:36
19th Jason Henry U/A 47:43
20th John McElderry Bann Valley RC 48:11