Matt makes it over the line first as Frizzell misses out

Last Tuesday night, West Down Wheelers held another round of their Road Race series for the Imperial Cup.
Last weeks runner-up David Frizell and Jonathan Maxwell with club chairman Billy Maxwell.Last weeks runner-up David Frizell and Jonathan Maxwell with club chairman Billy Maxwell.
Last weeks runner-up David Frizell and Jonathan Maxwell with club chairman Billy Maxwell.

They headed to Katesbridge for three laps of thr West Down GP course. Conditions on the night were not great with wet and breezy winds the order of the night. But surprisingly 16 riders turned up to tackle what is 31 miles of a tough wee race.

The only lady rider to ride was Dorathy Cantly and was set off on her own with a group of four riders eight minutes behind with the A4 crew then the scratch group consisting of A2 and A3 riders.

The usual scratch riders were having a break after their exploits in the three day McKinley Stage race. Racing was fast and furious with the groups emerging for an exciting finish.

Probably the pre-race favourite was Mark Alexander but he suffered a puncture so this left the race wide open as to who could win.

And so it was one of the best improving riders this year Matt McKinstry who came in the first Wheeler home and in doing won this round of the series.

He was pushed all the way by edged out Davy Frizzel who came in second place. Dave is possibly the most improved rider this year, continuing a super season. The fastest rider on the night was Lynsey Watson. All in all, it was a very good night’s racing.

The Wheelers sent a big thanks to Billy, Paul, John, Berty, Clive, Barbara, Lucy and Paul for their Timekeeping and Marshalling duties.

10 MILE TT ON CASTLEWELLAN RD

This Thursday night, the West Down Wheelers will hold a rearranged 10 mile TT on the Castlewellan Road. The first rider will be set off at 6.45. Some riders will be on holiday so a good turnout would be greatly appreciated.

RATHFRILAND START AUSTRALIAN /PURSUIT

Next Tuesday night’s race is an Australian Pursuit starting in Rathfriland, opposite the road to Hilltown.

This is a first for this course as it heads to Castlewellan and finishes at Ballydown. The club would like a good turnout and any comments afterwards would be appreciated as this will decide if the club continue with this course in the future.

DONACLONEY ROAD RACE

The week after, to finish off July’s racing, the club are heading back to Donacloney for five laps of this circuit. Once again if you decide not to ride what is a tough race, then the club ask you to turn up and Marshall.

WEST DOWN WHEELERS AUTUMN SOUP RUN

Just a wee primary notice that West Down Wheelers will be running an Autumn Soup Run possibly the last Saturday in September or the first Saturday in October.

It will start in Katesbridge, go via Castlewellan, Newcastle, Clough, Ballinahinch, Annahilt, Kinnallen, Gallbog, Gibsons Quarry, Corbett, and finish back in Katesbridge after approximately 55 miles.

This is intended for a steady 16 17 AVG run with good craic the order of the day.

The club’s aim is for everyone to start and finish togather/ West Down Wheelers would like to dictate the pace so there is plenty of craic back in the hall with refreshments for everyone.

Please pass word around.

TVR CHARITY RUN

All riders please take note that the Wheelers’ good friends in TVR are running a charity run in August so as many as possible in the club are asked to support this worthwhile event.

CLUB CLOTHING

Anyone who needs any type of club clothing should give Paul your details. It doesn’t matter if its winter gear or racing gear, once the club get enough of an order, they will order it.

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