Weather and roadworks curtail Wheelers action

A SERIES of unfortunate events saw West Down Wheelers Poppy McKeown Memorial 10mile TT originally scheduled for the Warrenpoint carriage way last Tuesday night cancelled and moved back home to the Castlewellan Road.

Roadworks proved to be another unavoidable problem resulting in the TT being re-scheduled to the Rathfriland Road on Thursday night.

With the TT being handicapped, based on previous results from the first half of the season, there were a few surprises with five personal best times recorded on the night. These were by Eddie Cantley, Simon Keery, Allan Priestley, Matt McKinstry and Alastair McCourt.

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Fastest time on the night was posted by club stalwart Peter Savage 23’59” ahead of Will Maxwell at 24’35”. In third place, just two seconds adrift, was Mark Alexander. Along with his personal best time of 26’36” Alastair McCourt also wins the Poppy McKeown trophy on handicap.

Thursday night also had Wheelers Paul Wilkinson and Paul McKinstry travelling to Ballydonaghy to compete in the fourth round of the David McCall TT series. ‘Wilky’ had a top 10 finish of 22’05” with McKinstry coming home at 25’40”.

A mention should also go to junior riders Sam Cantley, Robert Little, Stuart Dunlop and Jack Priestley (all U14). The boys competed in the annual Criterium race held at The Outlet by Banbridge C.C. on Friday night. All riders gave a very good account of themselves in what proved to be a very strong field, with an attack by a pairing from Clan Eireann and Errigal C.C. staying away from the off to take the honours. Third place went to young Jack who had a superb solo ride but unfortunately just couldn’t bridge the gap to the leaders. Well done!

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