Karl and Dave could be future stars for the Wheelers

And what made it even better were the two riders riding in their first ever open race.

Karl Wells and Dave Frizzel had made the jump to open racing and what a debut they both had.

On Sunday, Karl, Matt and Andy took part in the Mid Ulster GP and all three finished in the top 15 although Matt and Andy were looking top 10.

It was Karl who got the plaudits. To finish in the top 15 in his first ever race certainly shows theres plenty more to come from him.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Muscels journeyed South to race and ended up third. He finished second cat rider which was an excellent result.

On Tuesday night, the Wheelers had to cancel their 10 mile TT on the Castlewellan Road due to the cold and heavy rain.

Attention turned to Friday night with Clive, Andy, Allister and, making his debut in the Hugo Loughan A4 race, Dave Frizzel all due to compete. Unfortunately, Allister had to pull out with bad cold and on the neutral run out to the start Andy punctured and as it was a big loop, his race was over leaving it to Clive and Dave to represent the club.

And represent them they did, both the riders in the thick of the action for the whole race.

Clive said he took Dave to the side to talk him through the race but couldn’t help but feel he was wasting his time as Dave rode an absolutely brilliant race, never far from his side and never afraid of having a go at the front. He looked like he had been racing for years so it looks like he could be another very good prospect for the club.

On the same night, Paul (Wilkie) and Darren (Muscels) traveled down to Stormont for the Start of the TOUR OF ULSTER FOUR DAY Stage Race. Both rode very well in the opening stage but on Saturday’s 90 mile stage, Darren had to pull in with mechanical problems and couldnt get a wheel in time.

Paul was going well but the heavy rain and strong winds were causing havoc for the riders and at one stage the four ambulances had riders away to hospital.

Just after the wicked climb up Spelga and after the first six or seven riders unknowingly took a short cut, the race was abandoned.

On Sunday, everyone was giving a start to the stage with the race starting over again. See next week’s Leader to find out the Wheelers’ finals time in the race due to finish on Monday.

This week is the start of the club Road Race starting with five laps of the Donacloney circuit. Then next week race is the very popular Aussie /Pursuit series, starting on the Rathfriland Road and finishing in Ballydown.