The first event on the Lakeland Cycling Club’s calendar ran like clockwork, with great conditions on Sunday from the Bawnacre Centre in Irvinestown.

There was a good crowd of local cyclists from Lakeland joined by other local clubs; Termon Wheelers, Omagh Wheelers, Emyvale, Fintona, Smugglers Cycling Club and, as always, a great turn-out from the Ballinamallard Flyers.

The Reliability Run is a pre-season event used by many to test their form and pit themselves against their peers to see how the winter training has prepared them for the tough season ahead.

As always, Lakeland’s Conor Sprice and Kyle Fisher both appear to have ‘wintered well’ and put in a lot of work at the front of the group.

Also showing good form in the front group were Declan McEntee and Michael Flood from Emyvale, and Ivan Reid of Caldwells Cycles, but possibly the man to watch for the season ahead would be Rory Gamble.

Benefitting from being part of a British Cycling Elite team whilst at university (LAKA X Pedal Mafia Race Team), Rory appeared comfortable at any pace, and was hungry for work at the front of the peloton all day.

He tested his legs on the Glenashaver climb, opening a gap, and then easing off to bring the front group back together at the top.

If his progress at this level continues after only taking up cycling in the last few years, then he will be bringing home quite a few victories.

This front group was chased by a good working group containing Kenny Donnell (ex LCC) and Seamus Keenan of Omagh Wheelers, Fergus McGirr and Niall Murphy of Lakeland, and Stephen Daly of Termon and Mark Henderson.

After a tough day the participants were very appreciative of the tea and hot food provided by George Beacom back at the Bawnacre Centre, with a chance to compare pace notes and possible race strategies for the upcoming season.

The club would also like to extend their gratitude for George’s hospitality.

A huge thank-you to all the volunteers marshalling, placing signage and manning food stations, and to the lead car drivers and sweeper van, without whom these events are not possible.

The Open Race season proper gets under way in two weeks and subsequently club races begin in early April.

An exciting season ahead looks in prospect.