John takes top spot to open a busy week for the West Down Wheelers

West Down Wheelers' Clive Adamson leads the bunch of riders in the Tommy Givan Memorial. Pic: Bronagh Kirk.

Beginning on the Rathfriland Road, the riders headed to Annaclone, then up the hill at Rathfriland onto the Ballyroney Road, out to the cross roads at Moneyslane, via Katesbridge, McCoys Garage and finished at the flyover at Ballydown.

A very good turnout of 30 riders took part but there could have had more as riders from Dromara CC got a soaking riding over and turned for home. Only four rode on to race.

The racing was fast and furious with Jonny Kernaghan taking off with a tremendous burst of speed with only Clive able to go with him. John’s attack blew the group to bits and on the Ballyroney Road, they decided to wait and get a group going again but it only lasted for a few miles as the big hard-working Scratch group caught them. Off Dee, Eddy Cantley and John Maguigan went to try and catch the leaders.

With about 300 yards to go, they caught up and, although Dee and Eddy rode really well, it was John who held out to take the win.

More importantly, Darren Lynas was the first West Down Wheeler home and took the first round with Paul, Mark, John and Clive next.

This was a very well run race and big big thanks to all who took part more importantly not one complaint Clive nearly got Handy/cap spot on only missed out by 30 secs.

Next week’s race is a road race at Katesbridge.

Other Races

On Thursday night, six riders from West Down Wheelers took part in another Aussie Pursuit run by TVR, Clive, Matt, Darren, Mark, John, and Allister. The six of them gave a good account of themselves, finishing strongly in their groups.

Then on Saturday, Clive, Matt and Andy took part in a 45 mile race at Hillsborough. The Tommy Givan is a tough race but all three finished in the top 15, which is really well done with Clive once again not afraid of going to front and doing some hard work.

It has certainly been a tough week for some of the Wheelers, especially Matt, Clivev and Andy who had three hard races.

Their attention will now turn to the big race next Saturday, the West Down GP. This will be held at Katesbridge with upwards of 200 riders descending on the village.

This is a very popular race. It has everything but for the first time both the races will be going over Rathfriland Hill on the last lap to cut out the big fast sprint finish because rider safety is the primary concern.