James shows class at West Down GP

Banbridge lad James Curry took the top prize at the West Down GP in Katesbridge as West Down Wheelers’ season came to a close.
James Curry receives the West Down GP trophy from cycling legend Morris Foster MBE. Left is Paul Wilkinson, who finished fourth and right is Wheelers chairman Billy Maxwell.James Curry receives the West Down GP trophy from cycling legend Morris Foster MBE. Left is Paul Wilkinson, who finished fourth and right is Wheelers chairman Billy Maxwell.
James Curry receives the West Down GP trophy from cycling legend Morris Foster MBE. Left is Paul Wilkinson, who finished fourth and right is Wheelers chairman Billy Maxwell.

The main A2 / A3 race featured six laps of a very testing circuit starting in Katesbridge, via the Diamond, Co-Op, Ballyroney, Moneyslane and back to Katesbridge.

Winner Curry, J.Armbrose (NDCC), Paul Wilkinson (WDW), K Lynch (Newry Wheelers) and M Breenan (BWCC) soon broke away.

On the sixth lap up Rathfriland Hill, Curry made his move and slipped off the leading group but there were still at least six miles to go and the big question was could he do it on his own?

Well he soon showd what a superb prospect he is as he pulled away from the chasing group to record a fantastic victory.

Paul Wilkinson of the promoting West Down Wheelers club rode his socks off to record an excellent fourth place behind Lynch and Ambrose, which gets him enough points to put him up with the Elite riders of this country, the A1s.

And to make it an even better day for WDW, Darren Lynas completely blitzed the big group in the big sprint finish to romp home in sixth place.

A4 Race

The A4 race featured five laps of the same course and it was Phoenix rider L Brown was came home in first spot.

With many riders struggling to conquer the Rathfriland hill on the final lap, C Birney came in second with G Beckett (Dromara) in third.

Ladies Race

1 J.Reegan

2 J.Millar

3 K.Hull

Masters

1 B.Doherty

2 N.McCartan

10 mile TTs

Last Tuesday, West Down Wheelers held a 10 mile TT on the tough Rathfriland Road course. Paul Wilkinson was the winner on this windy night with a 23 with some PBs also recorded. It was once again Dave Frizzell who, for the second week in a row, caught the eye with a fantastic ride.

Last Thursday, Wilkinson again was the Wheelers’ race, a 10 mile TT on the Castlewellan Road.

Thank you list

The racing committee of West Down Wheelers would like to thank the following people for their support, not just in the West Down GP but throughout the racing season:

Timekeepers P.Jackson and B.Maxwell, Marshalls Keith, Berty and Barbara Wilkinson, Vicent McAfee, Geoff and Lorna Tate and when called upon J.Clyde and Clive. Also those who volunteered there services at the GP Andrea Cunningham and Rodger McCartan. To those who drove the cars at the GP, Phillip Dreaning, Jonny Maxwell, Ian Walker, and John Kernaghan. To Brendan and Bronagh Kirk for Commissare and photos on Saturday and Clive who stepped in as Commissare when one didn’t turn up. To motorbike outriders Davy and Mark and to Dany and David for taking the time to come to the GP. Without these volunteers, the club we simply couldn’t run a race.

10 TT and Hillclimb

Thursday evening brings the season to an end with the last TT of the year, the Hillclimb at Tonagmore Hill.

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