Bann boys abroad start their seasons on top form

Banbridge's Matthew Teggart, who is off to begin his full-time cycling career in France with AC Bisontine.

Competing for his trade team, An Post-Chain Reaction Cycles, Sean’s focus has very much been on the track so far this year with the aim of collecting precious Olympic qualifying points.

K-B-K would appear a world away from the smooth wooden track with its short sharp climbs and famous cobbled roads! This didn’t deter Downey who finished on the wheel of 2005 World Champion and Belgian Classics legend Tom Boonen in the top 30.

The winner of the race was Britain’s 2011 World Champion and Tour de France Green Jersey winner Mark Cavendish, showing the level of talent Downey is now competing against.

matthew teggart

Further south again at the Criterium du Printemps in France, Matthew Teggart started his season with his new AC Bisontine squad.

In what would turn out to be a bitterly cold and wet affair, Matthew finished the day in ninth place. His new management will be delighted with a top 10 place in his first outing in what Matthew described as “the hardest conditions I’ve ever ridden in.”

Banbridge CC would like to wish both Sean and Matthew the best of luck in the season ahead, however if the weekend’s performances are anything to go by, the lads are making their own good luck!