Local racers shine as Dromara host open race at Bishopscourt

Ted McKibbon and Darell Erwin, who did superbly to complete the hand-cycling race.

The club had members all over Ireland competing but back at home, they held their own Open Race at Bishopscourt Race Course.

The first race of the day was the Under 12s with Matthew Douglas fresh from his 16 mile TT and showing he can handle the short courses just as well taking third place on the podium.

In the Under 14s, Ben Wilson took fifth place. The Under 16s race is becoming fierce and the talent pool is deep so anyone winning these races are surely worth keeping an eye on for the future.

Aaron Watson celebrates as he seals his maiden victory at Bishopscourt.

The great news is that the winner was Aaron Watson, riding for Dromara CC who produced a devastating drive for the line and had time to straighten his top and get his hands in the air.

Dromara CC, for the first time, put on a Hand Cycling race which certainly tested the participants. Joining the Hand Cycling was the Ladies race and the Masters Race which made for fierce racing. Colin McCready who has put in some awesome TT times was having a go at his first race in the Masters.

After 10 laps, young Colin made a dash from well out but with the strong wind the group swallowed him up with the line all too far away. A great effort from Colin, Gareth W, Trevor B and Trevor W for having a go.

Ted McKibbon took second in the Hand Cycling with Darell Erwin in first place from Ballymena RC – full respect for both guys because if was hard enough to cycle around the course never mind hand cycle it. In the ladies race, Katharine Smyth from Team Madigan won the gallop to the line.

The A4 race was won by Ards rider Chris Lappin from Alistair Robinson (Bike Express).

The final race was the A2/A3 event which was won by Junior rider Harvey Barnes of East Tyrone CC from Emmet Vallely of Square Wheels. Dromara’s very own Chris Magowan took seventh to complete a great day’s racing.