The Outlet is a popular venue for criterium races

Held as a non-open race event in it’s first edition, riders were divided between two races based on ability and form ensuring competitive racing. The first race of the evening was aimed primarily at club racers and was followed up by the main race of the evening for the open racers.

The first race consisted of 30 minutes plus three laps of racing around the closed 1km circuit with two prime laps, donated by Downey Cycles, at 10 and 20 minutes.

While riders used the first couple of laps to get used to the new circuit it didn’t take long for a break to form with Gareth Rogers of the hosting club joined by another local Chris Magowan of Dromara CC and Gary McKee of VC Glendale.

These three riders worked well together with McKee taking the first prime of the night after 10 minutes of racing.

The second prime was fought out by the remainder of the main bunch and it was Newry Wheeler rider Ivan McConville who had the edge on the line. The three breakaway riders continued to ride well together with the main bunch a constant threat, however the breakaway proved to be too strong and it came down to these three in the final lap.

Catching the others napping it was Chris Magowan who made the decisive move coming into the final corner and held off a fast moving McKee to take a well earned victory. Gareth Rogers followed closely behind to claim third.

The remainder of the bunch stayed together and a bunch sprint was ensured for the entertainment of the growing crowd of spectators. Dromara CC rounded off a great race by having Mark McKnight and Brian McGrath take fourth and fifth respectively at the head of the bunch.

The final race of the evening lasted for 45 minutes plus five laps with two prime laps at 15 and 30 minutes and an additional bonus prime thrown in at the last minute thanks to a donation from Tommy Lamb of Cycling Ulster.

With approximately 30 riders on the start line the elite criterium riders were given a handicap of 1 minute 30. The elite group consisted of some of Ulsters elite criterium talent including Roger Aiken (Planet X), Simon Williams (Juiced/Orchard), Stuart Henry (Herbalife/Wheelbase), Thomas Martin (Eurocycles), Mickey Murray (Clann Eirann) and Mark McKinley (Newry Wheelers).

Not taking any chances of being caught Banbridge CC’s young mountain bike and track star Matt Adair attacked before the elite group had even turned a wheel in anger! Joined by Darren Weir, Davy McKnight (both Dromara CC), Connor Grimes and John Heverin (both Clann Eirrann) this group worked extremely well together and reached the 15 minute mark with a healthy advantage for the firsst prime of the race.

Adair put his track speed to good use in claiming the first prime comfortably. By this stage the scratch group of elite riders had absorbed the remnants of the main bunch and didn’t waste any time in moving clear in pursuit of the head of the race.

By the time the race had reached 30 minutes the elite group had reached the front runners with only young Adair able to match their speed. Match their speed he did, taking the second prime in a close sprint from McKinley of Newry much to the delight of the local supporters around the circuit.

Attacks were now coming thick and fast as the front group started to thin out leaving only Aiken, McKinley, Adair, Martin and Henry at the front.

As if the racing wasn’t frantic enough, Tommy Lamb of Cycling Ulster decided to donate a last minute prime prize to further spice things up! Unannounced the claxon rang to signify a prime lap, Roger Aiken responded and attacked on the tight back straight to claim the prize with ease.

Thomas Martin put in a massive effort to close the impressive gap Aiken had opened and brought things back together for an exciting finally to the night.

Seemingly out of the race at this stage, TT specialist John Heverin fancied his chances at a last minute upset and soloed his way to within reaching distance of the front group.

Despite the impressive effort it wasn’t to be and it was left to the front 5 to contest the final sprint. Adair led the group through the final corner onto the long open straight, with Thomas Martin and Roger Aiken the first to jump.

By the time the line came however it was Stuart Henry of the English Herbalife squad who had conserved his energy to best effect and claimed the win from Martin followed by Aiken, McKinley and Adair – an impressive ride from the 16 year old Banbridge rider.

Thanks must go out to The Outlet shopping complex for their assistance and co-operation in hosting this event. It has proved to be an exciting and ideal venue for criterium racing and hopefully the good relationship between them and Banbridge CC will continue to ensure this event can continue on the racing calendar.

Thanks also to the prime prize donations from Wheels ‘n Motion, Downey Cycles and Cycling Ulster, St John’s Ambulance for first aid cover and all the helpers and organiser from Banbridge CC who helped facilitate a safe and entertaining race for all.