Youngsters compete at Tour of the North

Two hours of fast and furious racing from U8 up to U14 level. The racing was similar to track racing with two riders competing each event and starting at opposite sides of the square to prevent accidents.

The whole event went like clockwork with approximately 40 races to eventually whittle the riders down until the final two in each age group. This type of racing is most entertaining for spectators with almost constant action among the kids who were enjoying the experience immensely. It was great to see competitors from so many clubs all out in official club colours.

Wheeler Emily Cantley lined up for the under 12 category and was participating in her first road race. Emily was nervous during the first event and found it quite an experience; Emily said that she loved the excitement of the fast and furious racing. Emily soon got into the swing of things and went to take 3rd place overall.

The West Down Wheelers duo of Sam Cantley and Stuart Dunlop lined up for the under 14 category, this was their second open road event of the season.

Stuart Dunlop found this totally different from the mountain bike racing which is more his talent. Stuart had to dig deep on the closing stages and managed to take third place.

Sam Cantley has been showing good early season form both in club and open racing events, Sam first took up road racing last year and has previously shown that he is capable of participating in this kind of event, so it was no surprise when he stormed home to take a well deserved 2nd place.

U12: 1.Liam Hanley Navan CC; 2.Alannah O’Grady Newry Wheelers; 3.Emily Cantley West Down Wheelers; James Mulholland Clann Eireann

U14: 1.Conor McLoughlin Newry Wheelers; 2.Sam Cantley West Down Wheelers; 3.Stuart Dunlop West Down Wheelers; 4.Ethen Flaville Clann Eireann.