1st West Down Wheeler across the line was Mark Alexander, 2nd John Kernaghan, 3rd Ian Walker, 4th Davy Cartmill and 5th Clive Adamson, this race was the second leg of the Imperial Cup. 

1. 1st	M Alexander	WDW
   2nd	J Adair	WDW
   3rd	J Kernaghan	WDW
   4th	A Walker	WDW
   5th	I Walker	WDW
   	C Weir	Dromara CC
   	C Hodgen	WDW
   	E Cantley	WDW
   	W Lyons	WDW
   	P Hanna	WDW
   	N Doyle	WDW
   	J McGuigan	Dromara CC
   	G Grey	Dromara CC
   	N Sudlow	Dromara CC
   	S Daly	Banbridge CC
   	D Cartmill	WDW
   	S Welby	Dromara CC
   	B McGrath	Dromara CC
   	R Mallon	Dromara CC
   	M Pyper	Dromara CC
   	M Cantley	WDW
   	M Adair	Banbridge CC
   	P Wilkinson	WDW
   	R Smyth	Dromara CC
   	D Hanna	Dromara CC
   	S Baines	East Antrim
   	D Weir	Dromara CC
   	D McKnight	Dromara CC

1. A Baines           East Antrim         26.05
2. P Wilkinson                                 26.27
3. D McKnight       Dromara CC        27.27
4. M Adair            Banbridge CC      27.36
5. C Adamson                                 28.56
6. M Alexander                               29.11
7. J Kernaghan                                29.14
8. D Weir             Dromara CC         29.30
9. D Cartmill                                   29.32
10. I Walker                                     30.16
11. M Pyper           Dromara CC        30.25
12. B Daly              Banbridge CC      30.29
13. A Walker                                    31.27
14. P McKinstry                                31.32
15. M Cantley                                   32.32
16. J Cromie                                     32.47
17. E Cantley                                    34.33
18. R Moffett                                    34.38
19. B NcGrath       Dromara CC           DNF

20th April        Circuit TT        Acadamy start          Morcus+Weir trophy h/cap.

The Two Up tt's continue on Thursday 22nd with a Circuit tt starting on the Rathfriland Rd > Diamond > Katesbridge > Ballydown on the Castlewellan Rd.  OR  Alternatively on Thursday 22 April, Dromara CC's 10 mile individual time trial Lurgan Road, Dromore.

1. P Wilkinson      23.19
2. I Walker          24.11
3. M Alexander    24.11
4. J Kernaghan    24.23
5. C Adamson       24.23
6. A Walker         25.05
7. D Cartmill        25.05
8. P McKinstry     26.23
9. J Cromie         27.24
10. C Hodgen        27.28
11. E Cantley        28.47
12. V McAfee       29.05
13. P Hanna          31.04

1. P Wilkinson      23.05
2. P McManus      24.46
3. M Adair           24.49   Banbridge CC
4. M Alexander    25.02
5. P Savage          25.05
6. D Cartmill         25.38
7. I Walker           26.19
8. P McKinstry      27.24
9. A Walker          27.44
10. C Hodgen         28.52
11. C Patterson       29.13   Dromara CC
12. J McGuigan       29.21   Dromara CC
13. K McDonald     29.45   Dromara CC
14. E Cantley          30.04
15. N Doyle           30.31
16. P Hanna           31.08

On Sunday 11th April a seven man team of West Down Wheelers attended the Tour of Carlingford which was promoted by the Slieve Gullion Wheelers. The event kicked of at 10.00am with a blue sky and wall to wall sunshine. The event was described as well run with lots of motor cycle marshals covering all major road junctions over the 50 mile route. In the very early stages the West Down Wheelers lead out man had a number of punctures which required the on route team mechanic to pull all stops to get him back in what became a very fast and furious race. With a hard fought effort to get the team to the front and with only 8 miles to go he was again in trouble, this time suffering from very bad cramp and a gathering of fluid around his ankle. The rest of the team worked well together and made a number of brave efforts to catch the breakaway group, which had a trouble free day.

1. P Wilkinson        22.53
2. P McManus        23.29
3. M Alexander      23.56
4. I Walker             23.56
5. C Adamson        24.09
6. J Kernaghan       24.09
7. P Savage            24.10  Puncture
8. W McNeill          24.52
9. D Cartmill          25.09
10. J Cromie            29.41
11. P Hanna             29.59
12. C Armstrong      30.07
13. T Armstrong       30.07

Please Note:- Tonight Tuesday 30th March the planned TTT on the Rathfriland Rd has been cancelled.

The plan is to rerun this event on the Rathfriland Rd this coming Thursday 1st April.

The latest batch of Jerseys, Shorts, Skinsuits, Lycra Armwarmers, and Overshoes has arrived. 

Contact Davy for pickup arrangements.

Three Charities Benefit from Boxing Day Charity Cycle.

The West Down Wheelers held a club meeting on Friday 19th February 2010, there was an encouraging turn out of club members present. With various items on the meeting agenda, Clive Adamson opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and expressed his thanks to all those who had attended.

The first item on the agenda was the presentation of cheques to both the MacMillan Cancer Care and the St John's Ambulance Services. 

Club Treasurer David Cartmill welcomed the representatives from the organizations. The Club President Derek Gamble, committee members Paul McKinstry and Chris Hodgen presented a cheque to Kelly McClimond of Macmillan Cancer Care. Macmillan Cancer Care consists of hundreds of hardworking volunteers whose support improves the lives of people affected by cancer. They provide practical, medical, financial, emotional support and push for better cancer care. 

Club President Derek Gamble and David Cartmill presented a cheque to Alison Ingram of St John’s Ambulance. St John’s Ambulance consists of thousands of volunteers across the country with a local group in most towns. These volunteers are well known for the number of hours they spend each year providing first aid cover and ensuring public events are safe. They also respond to all kinds of emergencies, from major emergencies, car accidents, weather incidents and fires.

The Charity representatives warmly thanked the West Down Wheelers for the presentation of both cheques and for their generosity.  

David Cartmill then read out a letter of thanks from Stephen and Judith Gallagher, who expressed their thanks for the generous donation, made by the club, to Cody’s Challenge Charity Cycle. The proceeds from this donation went to the charity “Heartbeat”. Heartbeat is a Parent Support Group for families whose children have heart disorders. Heartbeat is the organization that provided care and support to Stephen and Judith’s son Cody. These children are treated at Clark Clinic in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children. This clinic is a small unit, staffed by a team of very dedicated doctors and nurses.

The 2010 race program was reviewed and passed by all members.

The first club race of the season will be on Tuesday 6th April. 

The members of the West Down Wheelers would like to congratulate Peter Lilly on being shortlisted for the Cycling Ireland Development Squad and wish him every success during the testing on Monday 1st March.

Anyone interested in cycling or joining the club can find contact details etc on the Website. www.westdownwheelers.com

A club meeting has been scheduled to take place on Friday 19th Feb 2010 at the Banbridge Leisure Centre, Commencing 8pm sharp. The meeting room is available for a limited time only, as there is a lot to cover please be on time.

♦ Please bring along any new and interested members.

♦ Representatives from both the MacMillan Cancer Care and the St John's Ambulance Services will be present to receive Cheques from the charity run held on Boxing Day.

♦ 2010 Race License and Year Book Distribution.

♦ 2010 Club race program review.

♦ The first club race will be on Tuesday 6th April, 5 mile TT, Lurgan Road. 

Note:- Club Jerseys to be worn at this meeting.

Orchard Wheeler's promoted the Cody's Challenge Charity ride on Saturday 23 Jan; with over four hundred Cyclists travelling from all over Ireland to take part in this a worthy cause.

The event started in Richhill at the Recreation Centre on what was a cold, frosty, and foggy morning. The riders set off in three different groups between 9.45am and 10.00am.

The event was in aid of the Clarke Clinic of the Royal Belfast Hospital and Heart Beat. These are the organizations which provided care and support to Stephen Gallagher's son Cody. The Heartbeat members who attended the event thought the colour and spectacle of so many cyclists gathered together was fantastic. Stephen, who won the FBD Rás in 2008, thanked both groups for all their help and support during Cody's young life.

The West Down Wheelers team consisting of Chris Hodgen, Paul McKinstry, Richie Moffett, Ian Walker, Davy Cartmill, Mark Alexander, Merv Cantley and James Adair. The Wheelers who started in the second group worked their way around the route which took them from Richill to Armagh, Dungannon, Aghnacloy, Caledon, Armagh and back to Richill. 

Richie Moffett had a good run and impressed the other Wheelers with his early season form. Paul also showed good form which would indicate the winter training program is paying off. Chris could have done with a good nights sleep, his son Adam who is just over a week old didn’t want his Dad to sleep in and miss out on the action. Big Mark who rode from home to Richill most have been carrying upwards on a stone of ice when he arrived at the start line. Ian certainly got an eyes opened at this his first Wheeler event; this will give him a taste of what’s to come his way this coming season. James to had a good run and will be one to watch this season. Mervyn with his competitive streak just wanted to win and made a daring and outstanding charge for the finish to claim first wheeler home.

Attendees included the former professional cyclist and Commonwealth Games medalist Joe Barr, the President of Cycling Ireland, Rory Wyley, Chairman of Cycling Ulster Tommy Lamb.  Stephen Gallagher who won the FBD Rás in 2008 and many of the An Post cycle team, former team mates Paudie O’Brien, Ronan McLaughlin and Phil Casssidy. Mickey McKenna of the Irish National Youth Commission brought a squad to take part.

The run was described as smooth with no mishaps, many hope that it becomes an annual event.

After the event Stephen stated that the Cody’s Challenge had risen over £5,200 with more pledges to come in. Stephen also added, “I am truly amazed at the support we had. We hoped for around 200 and to double that is fantastic. Judith and I are really grateful to all who turned up to ride, donate or help.The cycling community has helped in ways that have been unbelievable. Organising this event went a long way in helping Judith and I. If Cody had been here today he would have loved all the colours and bright clothing. We cannot express out thanks enough to everyone. We couldn't have hoped for a more fitting memorial to our young son”.

This Club meeting has been scheduled to take place on Friday 15th Jan 2010 at the Banbridge Leisure Centre commencing 8pm sharp as the meeting room is available for a limit time only (2 Hours) and there is a lot to cover please be on time.

Agenda:-

●          Race license application for 2010. 

●          2010 Race Calendar any amendments and approval.

●          Bring any monies collected for the Boxing Day charity bike ride. 

●          Ordering of new club clothing. Sample clothing will be available for you to try on; this  will help you order the size that you expect to receive.

Item Description                         Code             Price

Road Jersey (Short Sleeve)                     4001                 £42.00

Road Jersey (Long Sleeve)                     4002                 £44.00

Bib Shorts                                            4015                 £46.00

Bib Shorts (Pro)                                    4068                 £58.00

Skinsuit (Short Sleeve)                           4010                 £65.00

Skinsuit (Long Sleeve)                            4011                 £67.00

Overshoes                                           4023                 £13.00

Gilet                                                    4032                 £40.00

NOTE: - When placing an order for an item of club clothing you must complete an order form and pay a 50% deposit, the remaining 50% outstanding payment will be required prior to receiving your new item.

●          Please bring along any interested new members.

●          Training night consisting of a short club run followed by a 2 up Circuit TT ending with another short club run. The training run distance will be short to begin with and will increase as the evenings become longer.

New Members

Please encourage any new members and those interested to come along as they will be made more than welcome. They can join the club to race or take part in the club training runs, some of the many planned leisure rides and non competitive events which cater for all levels of fitness, these runs will also help them gain the knowledge and confidence to take part in races later on, it is also possible for them to join the West Down Wheelers and obtain a new member cycling license, this will give them some of the same benefits as a competition club member, this license is also at a reduced rate.

You as a member of the West Down Wheelers are also encouraged to take part in these club spins and events, which will be easy at first, at a steady pace, low intensity, a Healthy and Social event, much cheaper than the Gym and will also help ensure club continuity. These rides will also help you gain a more completive fitness level.

Officials / Volunteers

During 2010 all of our cycling events will need the invaluable input of volunteers in order to ensure a safe and effective event, these volunteers perform a variety of jobs from timekeeping, deciding the race routes, marking roads, erecting signs, driving cars, assisting with marshalling duties, servicing riders, and in advance sweeping the course, the list is endless.

We do require the help of more Officials and Volunteers to help out with these duties, if you know of any one who would be interested bring them along; they can also join the club as standard members.  

2010 Cycling Ulster Fees.

Non-competition                                                                                 £27.00

Club competition                                                                                 £58.00

Restricted competition                                                                         £84.00

Full competition senior and veteran                                            £115.00

Non-competition Youth U10 (born on or after 01st January 2000)           £5.00

Full competition Youth U12, U14 (born in 1996, 1997, 1998 or 1999)   £5.00

Full competition Youth U16 (born in 1994 or 1995)                         £31.00

The Boxing Day charity ride saw 22 wheelers depart from the Tesco’s car park at 9.10am and headed up the Castlewellan road on what was a cold and frosty morning. Everyone was in good cheer and full of Turkey.  The group of rider’s would have a 50 mile trip ahead of them as they made there way to Newcastle and back.  Billy Maxwell the club President was spotted standing at Katesbridge checking that all was going to plan.  The horseshoe bend had a light coating of frost but this didn’t cause any concern to the potential kings of the hill.  Newcastle was likened to a ghost town, empty with the odd stray dog running across the path of a number of cyclists.  The homeward journey was at a much faster pace averaging 18 mph.  The Members of the West Down Wheelers would like to thank all those who took part and support the event.

THE Chairman of the West Down Wheelers, Billy Maxwell, was full of praise for the members and officials at the club's 20th anniversary dinner in the Belmont last Friday night.

What a year it has been with over 20 riders taking part in all the club races. Schoolboy sensation Noel Doyle was the pick of the bunch at the prize table and he is certainly a star for the future.

Billy went on to praise the new recruits who rose to great heights this season. The club can look forward with pride to 2010 with more new members on the horizon.

Clive Adamson introduced the prize winners and David Cartmill had all the pictures on the big screen. Clive added that Billy deserved all the credit for bringing in new members. He went on thank all the members for turning out in the races and thanked the Dromara riders, Darren Weir, Davy McKnight and Stephen and Aaron Baines who were given a tremendous reception for their surpport and efforts.

Main trophy winners were Noel Doyle, Paul Wilkinson - who won six trophies and was named as the club’s best all rounder - and Davy Cartmill won clubman of the year.

Other award winners included Mervyn Cantley, John Kernaghan, Mark Alexander, Paul McKinstry, Jonathan Cromie, Chris Hodgen, Paul McManus and Clive Adamson.

Club officials Billy Maxwell and Derek Gamble received a 20th anniversary cut glass, as did marshalls Bertie Wilkinson, Mervyn Maxwell, John Mercer and Vincent McAfee.

All the riders who took part in the club races received 20th anniversary cut glass awards.

The club would like to thank the guest speakers Mr and Mrs Tommy Lamb for coming along to hand over the awards. Two ladies, Barbara Wilkinson and Barbara Gamble, received fruit baskets for their help with the teas at this years GP Race in Katesbridge.

There were also good prizes in the draw and this was made by Brenda Maxwell, wife of the Chairman. This was a brilliant night for the Wheelers and organizers Billy Maxwell and Clive Adamson can feel pleased with their efforts. There was also a surprise gift for Peter Lilley who was celebrating his 18th birthday.

The 2009 Philadelphia Marathon was sold out say race organizers, the “Philadelphia Marathon” completely sold out and there was no waiting list for the event.

As many as 20,000 runners are estimated to have lined the starting line for the 2009 Philadelphia marathon including West Down Wheeler Keith Dawson wearing Bib # 843.

Keith had a remarkable Marathon finishing 176 overall in a total finishing field of 15, 872 in a time of 02.56.52. 

A Pre-Prize Night Dinner meeting will be held on Friday 20th Nov at 7.30 in the Banbridge Leisure Centre.

Prize Night Dinner will be held on Friday 27th Nov in the Belmont Hotel. Guest Speaker will be in Attendance.

Please advise number of guests and preferred Dinner choice.

Tuesday 13^th October - 8.00pm sharp - Banbridge Leisure Centre.

Registration:

Apologies for absence:

Minutes of previous AGM:

Chairman’s Report:

Treasurer’s Report:

Election of Officers:

Any Other Business:

Club Runs, Spinning Classes, Collection of Winter Jackets by those members who placed an order, please bring any outstanding money, Boxing Day Charity Run etc.

On Tuesday 25^th August the West Down Wheelers held there 10tt on the Warrenpoint Road, the prize was the Poppy McKeown Cup.  With the Race season drawing to a close and everyone now at pick fitness and on this course was the last chance to record a good fast time and bring to an end what has been a busy season.  With riders form other clubs, Dromara CC, East Antrim Audi, Banbridge CC and Post Dublin, it had to be good night and it surly was with 7, PB’s and 17, 23’s a good night all-round. Even more so for young Noel Doyle, who had already caught the attention and respect from the other club members in the Road Racing discipline, now was the time for Noel to prove himself as a time trialist.  At the start of the season and his first ever 10tt Noel recorded a 28.19 which wasn’t a bad time at all.  So when he crossed the finish line on Tuesday night he shocked quite a number of onlookers when he clocked a credible 23.26, a good class time for a U15, he was more than well please, plus another piece of silverware to collect at the presentation night.

Young Noel Doyle joined the West Down Wheelers in the autumn of 2008 and at this point he immediately began a hard winter training program in preparation for the 2009 and his first race season and cycling career.

It was during the first couple of opening races competing at club level that Noel an unknown in the ranks surprised the wheelers with his fitness level and how quickly he gained the ability to read a race.  On 28^th April he sprinted across the finish line to take his 1^st race win and the first leg of the John Maxwell Trophy and the first leg of the A/Pursuits held on the Loughbrickland Circuit which is described as one of the toughest on the wheelers calendar. 

Then on 26^th May the second leg of the John Maxwell Trophy and A/Pursuits was held on the challenging Rathfiland Road Circuit, this was a race that required some of that aul craft and cunningness that comes with race experience, but this was no problem to Noel, he worked hard and took his turn each and every time at the front, with about a mile to the finish it was evident that a sprint would decide the outcome, with 200 yards to go Noel upped a gear in readiness, about 50 yards to go he’s out of the saddle and again he sprinted across the line to take 1^st and only just by a wheel.      

Then on Tuesday 9^th June at the Donacloney Road Race he found himself up against a strong field of riders from four different clubs.  The race consisted of five laps of mixed terrain, Noel didn’t get this one easy as the pace was fast from the word go. Using some of the aul craft that he had now gained during the previous races he was able to stay with the main bunch and in the closing stages on the final straight with only yards to go he was again able to outsprint the pack and cross the finish line to win and clinched this his third win of the season and the first leg of the Imperial Cup, Noel was now fast becoming a young star in the ranks of the west down wheelers.

The last leg of the John Maxwell Trophy and A/Pursuits was on 30^th June, the start line was on the Rathfriland road, it would take in some the toughest climbs and hills in the area including the deadly Cattle Hill, then finish at the Quarry.  At this stage Noel had already won two of the three John Maxwell Trophy and A/Pursuits which earned him the Trophy, all he had to do was finish.  But that’s not how Noel saw it; again he took his turn at the front each and every time.  As he worked his way round the course he could be seen reading the race and studying the form of the other riders. With a very fast and various last three miles, Noel give it his all, he hung in and was the 2^nd Wheeler to cross the finish line.

Good on yeah Noel.

 It’s with great sadness to hear that Paul Healion, one of Ireland's most talented cyclists and winner for the last two years at the West Down Wheelers, Eric Maxwell Memorial 10TT died in a car accident last night.
.
Paul Healion Irish Criterium Champion died in a car-crash at St John’s Fort in Ardee, Co Louth last night Sunday 16th August. The crash occurred at around 9.30pm and Paul died in hospital following the accident. There were no other vehicles involved in the crash.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul's family and friends.

May he rest in peace.

Jonny Cole of Team Madigan takes the West Down Grand Prix after fifty miles of hard and fast racing. The race was held over five laps of the ten mile circuit at Katesbridge. This was a race run with no S1 and S2 riders however the event attracted a full field of S3's Women, Vets and Juniors.

The race managed to stay together until the final lap where Jonny Cole got away in a five man break consisting of Peter Lilley (Banbridge CC), Tommy Wilson (Ballymena RC/Scott), John Madden (Bann Wheelers) and Aidan Lavery (Curran Racing). Jonny Cole proved the strongest and managed to take the win in a hard fought sprint just piping Peter Lilley yards form the finish line. Liam Curran (Curran Racing) lead in the main bunch to take the sixth place.

Paul McManus and Mervyn Cantley (West Down Wheelers) both had a good race finishing in the main bunch.

West down Wheelers would like to thank all those who turned up to competed in the event, and thanks to the Marshalls, Motorcycle, lead car, the ladies who helped with the Tea, Coffee, food which were on offer after the race, St John's Ambulance who were on hand to administer first aid to the injured riders.

Congratulations to the Commissaire Mr. Aaron Wallace on a job well done and this his first year.

West Down Wheelers wish Adrian Finnegan a quick recovery.

Result of West Down Grand Prix at Katesbridge

1. Jonny Cole Team Madigan 1 hr : 59 mins : 30
2. Peter Lilley Banbridge CC st
3. Tommy Wilson Ballymena RC/Scott Tiles st
4. John Madden Bann Wheelers st
5. Aidan Lavery Curran Racing, Bangor st
6. Liam Curran Curran Racing, Bangor @ 30 Secs

Unplaced Junior - Peter Williams (Juiced Orchard Wheelers)
Unplaced Veteran- Simon Curry (Banbridge CC)

August 4th       10 mile TT       R/friland Road       Outlook shield

Three of the Wheelers, Peter, Paul and Merv took part in the Queen’s Duathlon in Belfast yesterday Sat 27^th June. The runs were 3.2k (2 mile) in length along the Wolff Road and Queen's Road, the runs were before and after the bike ride, the bike route which was 16km (10 mile) in length and involved 5 laps of an out and back route.  Peter finished in a fantastic 3^rd place; Peter is really beginning to show good form during his preparations for the up and coming Iron man competition in August.  Paul was well and truly on track to beat any of this previous times which was evident on the first run, then disaster struck, he puncture on the bike route, disappointed as he was he did say there‘s always next year.  Merv finished in 60^th place, Merv who was taking part in this his first Duathlon put in a great effort, Merv was really please with his first run and even surprised himself, he also had a good bike ride, and however during the home run his legs began to complain, it was as if they were carry lead boots.The members and committee of the West Down Wheelers would like to congratulate the team on there efforts. Well done.

On 16th June the West Down Wheelers held a 20 mile TT on the Castlewellan Road.  Paul Wilkinson was the fastest man of the night with a fine time of 48.16 which won him the Steven Savage Memorial Sheild.

Noel Wins the Donacloney Road Race in style on Tuesday 9th June. Noel is fast become a young star in the ranks of the west down wheelers, with a strong field of riders from four different clubs he has now clinched this his third win of the season which is not even at the half way stage. With two out of three A/Pursuit wins under his belt both on the tough Loughbrickland Circuit and the chalenging Rathfriland Road he has won the John Maxwell Trophy now with Tuesday nights win he's got the Imperial Cup in his sights.   

June 2nd 10 mile TT         Dromore/Lurgan      McGowan shield  . . . . . . . .   Results Listed

         4th 10 mile TT         Warrenpoint Road   Eric Maxwell Mem   . . . . . .   Results Listed

         9th Road Race          Donacloney             Imperial cup  . . . . . . . . . . .   Results Listed

         16th 20 Mile TT       C/wellan Road         Steven Savage Memorial  .  Results Listed

         23rd 10 mile TT       C/wellan Road         Outlook shield  . . . . . . . . .   Results Listed

         30th A/pursuit         R/friland Road        John Maxwell All Start 7.00 pm sharp.

A big word of thanks goes out to all the Marshalls who helped make the Eric Maxwell Memorial/Dave Kane 10TT on the Warrenpoint Road Thursday night 4th June a big success. The job was not an easy one with such heavy traffic flow on both roundabouts, your much appreciated efforts made this a much safer and enjoyable night for all the 64 participating time triallists.

The Eric Maxwell Memorial 10 TT will be held Thursday Evening 4th June on the Warrenpoint Road, this will be run as part of the Dave Kane. Start 7.00 pm sharp.

Young Noel Doyle surprised the wheelers on Tuesday 28^th April when he sprinted across the finish line to take 1^st place. This was the first leg of the John Maxwell Trophy and the first A/Pursuit which is known as one of the toughest on the wheelers calendar. Noel has entered into this his first season as an unknowen now he's competing at club level racing and already showing signs as a star of the future, he has caught the attention and respect of the other club members during both TT and Road Racing disciplines. His hard winter training program has paid off and remarks like “he is quickly picking up some of that old craft” could be heard at the finish line gathering.

Island Wheelers promoted the PJ Logan road race on Sunday 29. Due to demand for places two events were organized. The “A” race saw Vets and S2’s receiving a five minute handicap over the S1’s.

The “B” Race was a massed start event over 7 laps of the hilly circuit. The race stayed together and despite several breaks, the main bunch never allowed the gap to exceed fifty seconds.  In the final straight it was Paul Wilkinson of West Down Wheelers who made a final         marianlamb@cyclingulster.com   effort to get away  and he held his lead to cross the line as the winner. This victory now sees Wilkinson move to the second category ranks.A bunch sprint decided the remaining places with North Pole’s Rory Devlin once again proving he has both the legs and the head for the sprint. He took second place well clear of the others and gaining enough points to join Wilkinson as a Senior 2 rider.       The winter training is now paying dividends.   marianlamb@cyclingulster.com     

                         James Philips of West Down Wheelers also had a good race but this wasn't to be his day.

marianlamb@cyclingulster.com  

 The final placings saw Mel McCann of Team Madigan just take third ahead of North Down’s Noel Boyce. A fifth place for Mark Sweeney (Omagh ) was enough to give him his two points while Junior Adam Rayner (Juiced Orchard) took the final point.

A Race                                                            B Race
1. Sam Craig (North Down) @ 3-32.57              1. Paul Wilkinson (WDW) 2-02-21
2. Gordon Scott (East Antrim Audi)@ 33secs   2. Rory Devlin (Nth P CC) @ 1min 4 sec
3. Gary Cranston (East Antrim Audi)                3. Mel McCann (team Madigan) st
4. Shaun Grey (Juiced Orchard)                     4. Noel Boyce (North Down) st
5. John Madden (Bann Wheelers)                    5. Mark Sweeney (Omagh Wheelers) st
6. Richard Watters (Harps CC)                        6. Adam Rayner (Juiced Orchard)

Bright but windy conditions greeted a 105 riders Saturday’s (28^th March) Ciclisport Grand Prix organized by East Tyrone Rt Auto Parts. There were two races on offer with the 'A' Race catering for Vets under 50 and S1 and 2 riders. The rolly course saw riders getting the benefit of a strong tailwind on some sections balanced out by an equally strong head wind in others with the pace of the race fluctuating with some parts being very fast indeed.

The 'B' event had some strong riding with a number of riders trying to break away however the main bunch were having none of it and apart from some riders being  dropped in the early stage the race stayed fairly together with the two bunches merging.   marianlamb@cyclingulster.com   A two man break of Ballymena’s Leo McAllister and East Tyrone’s Noel Wilson formed and managed to stay away almost to the line but in the penultimate lap they were joined by Rory Devlin (North Pole) Old Bleach's Alan Graham, Omagh's Mark Sweeney and West Down's Paul Wilkinson who opened a gap on the remainder of the field and fought it out in the sprint finish. McAllister proved strong enough to take victory with Wilson knocked into sixth position by the sprinters Alan Graham (Old Bleach), Paul Wilkinson (West Down). Rory Devlin (North Pole) and Mark Sweeney (Omagh Wheelers)                                                         marianlamb@cyclingulster.com

A Race                                                  B Race
1. Martyn Irvine - Curran racing            1. Leo Mc Alister - Ballymena Scott Tiles
2. Frazer Duncan - Curran racing          2. Alan Graham - Old Bleach
3. Paul. Mulligan - U/A                          3. Paul Wilkinson - West Down Wheelers
4. Gordon Scott - East Antrim Audi       4. Rory Devlin - North Pole CC
5. Dane Dunlop - Lakeland CC                5. Mark Sweeney - Omagh Wheelers
6. Gary Cranston - East Antrim Audi      6. Noel Wilson - East Tyrone RT Auto Parts

Saturday 28^th Feb saw a good start to the 2009 road race season for the West Down Wheelers. This first road race a 50 mile event was at Annaclone with over 100 riders signing on. Our man Wilkie had a good start to the opening race showing good form, riding strong   and with his attack attack racing style he certainly shook the field up from the word go, but then in the 2^nd lap disaster struck when he punctured, unable to make contact with the service car his race was over.  

                                                                        marianlamb@cyclingulster.com

Peter had a good opening race, he looked strong and with his steady not getting to excited riding style he finishing in the main pack, Peter did both himself and the club proud.  

                                                                                         marianlamb@cyclingulster.com

This was the first open race for Paul who only joined the club last year, he also finish in the main pack and to make his debut to open racing at Annaclone, well he should be holding his head high, well done, the winter training is paying off.             marianlamb@cyclingulster.com

Wilkie wasn’t going to give up, he headed to Nutts Corner on Sunday fully armed with extra wheels and a service crew to compete in the Phoenix Grand Prix, again in this race from the word go Paul let the                                               Photo Darren Crawford  field see that he wasn’t afraid to attack, finishing in the leading pack in what was a fast and furious race he can also hold his head high. high.
                                           
WDW would like to thank Marian Lamb and Darren Crawford for the Photo's.

This coming weekend 8^th March we hope to see the lads race at the John Haldane Memorial in Hilltown.  

The club meeting held on Monday 16th Feb 09 had a good and encouraging turn out of West Down Wheelers in attendance. Various topics were discussed, these included the 2009 race programme which was reviewed and passed by all members, the first race will be on Tuesday 7th April. 

The new club Kit/Colours was also on the agenda, the Artwork and colour swatches will be presented at the next meeting.  

Club Chairman Billy Maxwell welcomed representatives from both the MacMillan Cancer Care and the St John's Ambulance Services.  Club member Jonathan Cromie presented £450 to Kelly McClimond and Sally Mahon (MacMillan Cancer Care) who warmly thanked the WDW for the generosity.  Club member Paul McKinstry presented £220 to Christine McCormick, Alison Green and Alison Ingram  (St John's Ambulance Services) who also thanked the WDW.

This club meeting has been scheduled to take place on Monday 16th Feb at B/bridge leisure centre. Commencing 8pm sharp as the meeting room is available for a limited time only and there is a lot to cover, please be on time.

Please note Club Jerseys to be worn.

 Ok Guys we hope you all thoroughly enjoyed Christmas and the new year Holidays.

 In the Schedule section you will find all the dates for the up-coming races. 

Also, the next meeting scheduled is for Mon 16th at B/bridge leisure centre at 8pm. This is to hand over the cheque to MacMillan Cancer Care and St. John's Ambulance service. Club colours to be worn please.

Lastly, could anyone let me know if there is a problem with the forum or has everyone forgot about it.  Remember that the forum is different from the blog page. Throw in some feedback and let me know........

Have fun !