Win for Gary as Brandon shines in Lurgan race

It was on the toughest route of the series, leaving Banbridge via Annaclone ,Rathfriland, Ballyroney, Moneyslane, Katesbridge, MCoys Garage, Cattle Hill, Garvaghy Post Office and finishing at the quarry.

Out of the 23 riders who turned out, 22 of them had open race experience and so, as expected, it turned out to be a hard-fought race.

The riders were split into three groups with 11 minutes between Scratch and the Limit Group. Very little changed over the first half of the race but the big Scratch Group were absolutely flying round the course and caught the middle group on the Katesbridge Straight.

With the two leaders Allister McCourt and Mark Johnston still almost three minutes in front, the big group chased hard and with about half a mile to go, they caught them with Gareth McKee, Paul Wilkinson and Gary Crory going clear for the sprint finish. Gary proved the winner on the night and Paul was the first Wheeler home.

This was a very good Race to watch with many saying the leaders would not be caught as they were going up Cattle Hill but fair play to the chasers as they reeled them in over the last few miles.

Lurgan Criterium

On Friday night, Brandon Douglas and Andy Hodgen travelled over to Lurgan to represent the Wheelers in a Criterium.

What a night it turned out to be as young Brandon Douglas took first place in his race. He just improves with every race and has ridden fantastically well in the colours of West Down Wheelers. Andy also rode strongly all night to come home comfortably.

THIS WEEK’S Race

Would all riders please note this week’s race due to very bad potholes on Quarry Circuit has been changed to the Katesbridge Course. The Wheelers will leave Tescos at 6.15 to ride out to Katesbridge.