Wilky wins after all roads led to Katesbridge for West Down GP

This is an annual event and riders from as far away as Dublin travelled to take part. With approximately 150 riders taking to the start line there were three races to suit all riders.

In the A race the Wheelers had P.Wilkinson, A.Walker, J.Daly, D.G, and J.Kernaghan. In the B race they had D.Cartmill, C.Adamson, P.Savage and C.Williamson but were missing John who punctured.

All the Wheelers gave a good account of themselves and held their own. C.Williamson, in his first ever open race, can be pleased how he went, even having the confidence to go on a lone break. Once he gains experience he will be one to watch out for.

This was an excellent days racing with super weather, a good testing course which was very well marshalled along with plenty of motorbike outriders. All in all it was a very well run event with riders from various club commenting on how well it was organized.

Newry Wheelers Kevin Lynch was the big winner on the day after being in break all day he rode strong to come home on his own. And so he lifted the West Down G.P Cup - well done to Kevin.

In the B race A.Donald from Phoenix was the worthy winner with second man K.Wilson (Kings Moss), and third G.Agnew (East Antrim).

Banbridge took a 1-2-3 in the over 50s with Ian Cochrane taking the win so well done to them all.

Club chairman Billy Maxwell said he was delighted at how it all went to those who helped in anyway especially motorbike outriders, the ladies of the club for the grub, P.McKinstry for doing the van, Chrissy Hodgen for having the finish look like a finish, B. Wilkinson for the marshalling, D.Gamble for all his hard work, and a big thank you to St. John’S Ambulance.

West Down Wheelers are making positive strides as they seek to become a bigger club with good riders. If you ride a bike and feel you would like to join a club but feel you would be left behind don’t worry – plenty of riders have joined in the past couple weeks thinking the same and are loving it. Log on to www.westdownwheelers.com or contact any member you will be made very welcome no matter what standard you are.

RESULTS: A RACE (55 miles) – 1, K.Lynch - Newry Wheelers; 2, G.Jeffers - East Tyrone; 3, A.McCauley – Phoenix.

B RACE (44 miles) – 1, A.Donald – Phoenix; 2, K.Wilson - Kings Moss; 3, G Agnew - East Antrim.

MASTERS/OVER 5Os (22 miles) – 1, I.Cochrane- Banbridge; 2, P.Beattie – Banbridge; 3, P. McGuckin – Banbridge.

West Down Wheelers 10tt Rathfriland Road, Murdoch Shield: P Wilkinson 23.13 WDW; P McManus 23.48 WDW; W Maxwell 24.31 WDW; D Gordon 24.45 WDW; M Alexander 25.13 WDW; J Kernaghan 25.41 WDW; D Cartmill 25.55 WDW; E Cantley 26.05 WDW; C Williamson 26.06 WDW; D Lynas 26.36 WDW; P McKinstry 26.36 WDW; J Cromie 26.39 WDW; S Bloomer 27.02 WDW; S Keery 27.14 WDW; A McCourt 27.22 WDW; A Priestley 27.44 WDW; M McKinstry 28.05 WDW; J Priestley (U14) 28.59 WDW; S Cantley (U14) 30.42 WDW; D Cantley (L) 31.48 WDW; A Ingram (L) 34.12 WDW; S Dunlop (U14) 34.22 WDW.

Guests.: R Stewart 22.58 TVR; D McKnight 23.58 TVR; J Clyde 24.24 DCC; T Wright 25.47 DCC; N Seffen 25.59 Harps CC; M Pyper 26.11 TVR; M Cantley (S) 26.55 TVR; S McCamley 27.48 Castlerea CC; L Hylands 27.57 DCC; J McGuigan 28.17 DCC; M McNulty 28.22 DCC; D Hawthorne 28.23 DCC; M Cantley (J) 31.56 TVR.

Spires Trilogy TT Series, Round 2 Results, Toome 24/05/12 - Once again some of the West Down Wheelers Time Trial specialists take to the road on Thursday 24th May, this they headed north for the second round of the Spires Trilogy time trial series at Toome.

While the sun was shining and the temperature reached over 20 degrees, with 45 competitors on the line they did not have ideal conditions with a reasonable head wind present on the way out.

Paul Wilkinson again was the quickest Wheeler, Paul McKinstry had a time of 25.02. However the surprise of the night was last year’s signing, Steven Bloomer, a slow starter to this seasons Time Trials due to his other sport of Motor Cycle Racing, Steven clocked an impressive 25.02 and this was his first outing on this course.