Matthew is in ‘Imperial’ form to win cup in last round of Road Race Series

West Down Wheelers Cycling Club are into the last month of their racing programme, and what another year’s racing it has been.
Matthew McKinistry, second left, in a happy mood after winning the road race series, following the final race at Donacloney where he clinched the overall prize, the Imperial Cup. Matthew is with club mates, l-r, Geoffrey Tate, John Clyde, Mark Alexander, Andrew Hodgen and Alistair McCourt.Matthew McKinistry, second left, in a happy mood after winning the road race series, following the final race at Donacloney where he clinched the overall prize, the Imperial Cup. Matthew is with club mates, l-r, Geoffrey Tate, John Clyde, Mark Alexander, Andrew Hodgen and Alistair McCourt.
Matthew McKinistry, second left, in a happy mood after winning the road race series, following the final race at Donacloney where he clinched the overall prize, the Imperial Cup. Matthew is with club mates, l-r, Geoffrey Tate, John Clyde, Mark Alexander, Andrew Hodgen and Alistair McCourt.

Last Tuesday night the club had the last round of their Road Race Series for the Imperial Cup.

This was five laps of the very tough Donacloney circuit. After five laps it was Paul Wilkinson who took the last round of the series with a very good win, with Dromara CC’s Matt Armstrong the outright winner on the night.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But the rider who benefitted the most out of this race was Matt McKinstry. He finished well up to win the series outright, so it’s a massive well done to Matt, who has stepped up another gear this year.

Last Wednesday, three riders from West Down Wheelers took part in an Aussie / Pursuit organised By TVR CC.

Paul Wilkinson, Darren Lynass, and Allister, were all in good form even though they had a tough race the night before.

After a very tough race all three came home well, with Darren winning it outright, which was a brilliant result for him.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Last Saturday four riders from West Down Wheelers headed to outside Carrickfergus to compete in the Madigan GP.

This is as tough as you will get. but Allister, Andy, Matt and Dave were ready for it.

Allister says the start was fast and furious but once they hit the big climb for the first time riders were getting shelved out the back wholesale.

But Matt and Dave were hitting the front time and time again with him and Andy doing their best to hang in.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

So after a very tough race it came down to a sprint with what was left. It was Matt who took the club honours this time with a superb 6th placing closely followed by Dave then Allister, with Andy feeling it this time after a superb start to the season he had.

Matt’s 6th placing catapults him up into the A3’s so brilliant effort from him.

Next week’s race is the last round of the popular Aussie / Pursuit series for the very impressive John Maxwell Memorial Cup.

This is a cup everyone wants to win, but Mark Alexander is the rider in pole position.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There will be a club meeting in the room above the Albert on Monday 10th August at 7.30pm, kindly granted by Jonny Maxwell.

This is to finalise preparations for the forthcoming West Down Wheelers GP. which will be held on Saturday 22nd August. Also the club are planning to run an Autumn Soup Run. The route is all planned out but anybody who has an idea, that will be the place to bring it up.

Any member that needs either Racing Tops or Shorts or winter clothing then get in touch with Paul. Any new member or existing rider under 18 (Junior) please note you will get a free racing Top and Shorts.

If you are planning on joining the Wheelers now’s the time to get it ordered or go along to the next meeting.