Wilkinson sets the standard on Rathfriland Road course

WITH the nights getting shorter and colder most riders will be glad to see the season come to an end.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Sep 2010, 10:02 BST
Updated 6th Sep 2010, 13:24 BST

As most of the riders have been on the go from last October all they want now is a couple of weeks off their bikes before it all starts again.

But there is still have a 10 mile TT on the Castlewellan Road for the Maxwell Shield and the hill climb at Tonaghmore Road to contest.

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Getting back to last week’s 10 on the Rathfriland Road Paul Wilkinson was once again the overall winner.

With the nights now cooler times were a wee bit slower, but nonetheless Paul’s 23.08 was a very good effort on the night.

Second was Paul McManus, making a rare appearance. His time of 24.12 was well down for him.

Third was Mark Alexander with 24.49; he has been in top five all year. Fourth was Pete Savage with 25.10, his slowest for a long time while fifth was Davy Cartmill with 25.20.

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Chrissy Hodgen was the winner of the Handicap just edging out Eddy Cantly. These two have finished the season well and will hope to go even better next year.

Race Secretary Clive Adamson says it has been an interesting year. He said, “It was pleasing to see how well Mark and John did in the road racing and Australian Pursuits, Mark also showing what a fine TT rider he is.

“First year riders Ian and Allister Walker look to be very good prospects while Chrissy and Eddy finished the year well. They would benefit from a good Winter’s training.

“Also Davy has had his best season to date, and our top man Paul has delivered once again.”

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Clive says that he hopes all the riders will make an effort to get out as much as they can over the winter months, it’s no coincidence that the riders who turned up week by week were the riders who had the fastest times this year.

The club now has riders now who could do well in open racing next year and this is what will be addressed in the training for next year. Clive wants to see everyone showing an interest.

The Wheelers will have more riders in the club next year as at least seven people have indicated their wish to join us so things are looking up for the club.