Excellent week for the West Down Wheelers cyclists

Monday’s race was another tough one but both Paul (Wilkie) and Darren (Muscles) finished it safe and well, so it was a big well done to the both of them.

Also last weekend Matt and Andy headed to Clougher to race, with both riding well but Andy unfortunately crashed in the sprint but should be back racing this week.

On Tuesday night the Wheelers had the first round of their club Road Races at Donaghcloney, a really tough circuit.

This was one tough race, going off so fast the big group was blown to pieces up the big drag. It was known this drag would take its told on the riders and so it did, with only about 10 of the 20 or so riders finishing.

It was that man again Jonny Kernaghan who took the win with a superb burst of speed up to the finish, with the ever improving Matty McKinstry a super second, with another of the club’s sprinters Mark 3rd.

So John takes first round of the Imperial Cup; and then this week’s is his favourite race, the Australian/Pursuits.

Fastest rider on the night was N.Sturrock who rode strong all night. Then on Saturday four riders from the Wheelers’ headed over to Richhill to compete in the Groucho GP.

What a day it turned out for the Wheelers. Clive and Allister riding in the supporting race rode really well with Clive never afraid to hit the front and Allister only back racing both in the sprint finish although Allister cramped near the finish line but big well done to the both of them.

Then both of them headed to the top of Richill to see the finish of the big race. Looking down the hill they could see Darren (Muscles) about 5th or 6th place, but comming up past them with a superb burst of speed he shot round a couple of riders to finish a superb fourth place.

But that wasn’t it. Allister said members were so caught up watching Darren they then just noticed that with another superb burst of sprinting speed Paul (Wilkie) came flying up past riders to take a super seventh place.

Race Secretary Clive said: “I have seen some very good finishing from Wheelers riders over the years, but this was the best to date. To get two of our riders in top 10 in this race was without a shadow of a doubt absolutely brilliant. And you can see by our Facebook what it meant to our members.”

This week’s race is an Aussie / Pursuit starting on Rathfriland Rd. This should be another cracker of a race. Everyone welcome.

Then next Saturday they have roughly 6 riders heading over to Hillsborough to ride the Tommy Given.

The members of West Down Wheelers would like to say a big Thank You to Powerhouse Sport, Chain Reaction, for their support to the Wheelers riders Paul and Darren and the rest of the Mid Ulster Team in the recent Tour of Ulster Stage race.

And especially to Tim Beattie and the rest of the TVR Crew who looked after them so well. Paul and Darren would like also the to thank their own club West Down Wheelers for sponsoring all that they needed.