A West Down Wheelers club meeting will be held in the Banbridge Leisure Centre on Friday 16th December 2011. 7.30 Sharp.

1. Collection of 2012 Cycling Ireland Membership Application Forms and Club Membership, please check out the correct Fee from attached Link. http://www.cyclingulster.com/documentation/2012%20Ulster%20Fees.doc

A West Down Wheelers club meeting will be held in the Banbridge Leisure Centre on Friday 21^st October 2011. 7.30 Sharp.

1.         All those wishing to attend the club dinner and prize giving on Friday 28^th October 2011 are asked to bring along the correct money   for all attending guests. (£22.00 per person)

2.         Orders for 2012 club clothing will be taken. (50% deposit is required).

3.         The new club casual Hoodie complete with badge and emblem will be on display; all those wishing to purchase one can place an  order on the night. (50% deposit is required).

4.         Any new or interest cyclist intending to join the West Down Wheelers are also welcome to come along.

5.         Any other business.

NOTE:- The West Down Wheelers AGM will take place at 7.00pm on Friday 23^rd Sept 2011 in the Banbridge Leisure Centre.

All club members are asked to attend.

All last year’s winners are asked to please return there Trophies, Cups, shields etc.

 The 2011 West Down Wheelers prize giving and dinner will be held on Friday 28^th Oct 2011 in the Belmount Hotel.

Tonight the West Down Wheelers draw the curtain after what was a wet and very windy final Time Trial for the year 2011.

Venue Change.

Tuesday 23rd Aug, 10 tt will be run on the Rathfriland Road. This change is due to road works etc on the Warrenpoint Carrageway.

This was the first time that West Down Wheelers organized a two race event, race ‘A’ Category A2 and A3 riders, race ‘B’ Category A4 riders.  Two almost full fields lined up for the West Down Grand Prix at Katesbridge.

The ‘A’ race was fast and furious with multiple breaks and attacks, it was on the last lap that the riders had to tackle the notorious Rathfriland hill, and this was the make or break point during the race for many of the riders. It was a group of approximately ten riders who made it the finishing straight and a sprint was to reside the outcome. It was Damien McDonald (TVR) who took a well deserved first place just ahead of Daniel Steward (Ards CC), third was  Ray Brownfield (NDCC), forth  Patrick O’Brien (Orwell CC), fifth  David Wherity (Swords CC) and sixth was David McKnight (TVR).   

The ‘B’ race had a number of early attacks during the first and second laps but was quickly pulled back. It was on the third lap that Devon McIlwain (Ballymoney CC) who made an attack that caught everyone of guard he pulled away, with 5 mile mile to the finish line he was thirty eight seconds in front and not to be caught he remained away till the finish line. The main bunch remained together for what was described as a fast and furious massed sprint for the line, It was Gareth Rogers (Banbridge CC) who took second place just ahead of Ian Walker (West Down Wheelers), forth was Peter Vester (Apollo CC) fifth, Geoff Hewitt (Phoenix CC) and sixth was Brian Geddis (Ballymena Scott Tiles)

Dany Blondeel and Aaron Wallace were Commencers for the event. Cycling Ulster fully Dany Blondeel commented that the West Down Wheelers promoted a safe race with lots of caution signs on the circuit, plenty of static marshals with three on all corners and junctions and motorcycle marshals.

West Down Wheelers would like to thank St Johns Ambulance for there support at the event.

Again this year, the customary feast afterwards, would not have been possible without the help and support of the two Barbara's, who fed the riders and spectators before and after the event.

Reults Race ‘A’ - West Down Grand Prix
1. Damien McDonald (TVR)
2. Daniel Steward (Ards CC)
3. Ray Brownfield (NDCC)
4. Patrick O’Brien (Orwell CC)
5. David Wherity (Swords CC)
6. David McKnight (TVR)

Reults Race ‘B’ - West Down Grand Prix
1. Devon McIlwain (Ballymoney CC)
2. Garth Rogers (Banbridge CC)
3. Ian Walker (WDW)
4. Peter Vester (Apollo CC)
5. Geoff Hewitt (Phoenix CC)
6. Brian Geddis (Ballymena Scott Tiles)

First Unplaced West Down Wheeler A4 - Alister Walker.

West Down GP Saturday 20^th August.

The West Down Wheelers will promote the West Down Grand Prix at Katesbridge on Saturday 20th August 2011.  No pre-entry required, just sign-on, on the day at the Katesbridge Hall, post code BT32 5NG.

The 56-mile 5 lap (A) Race for A2 and A3 category riders will climb the tough Rathfriland Hill on the last lap; there will be cash prizes for the first 5 to cross the line.  The 44-mile 4 lap (B) Race for A4 category will have cash prize for the first 5 riders over the line.  Prizes sponsored by Banbridge Borough Council.

Sources from North Down CC state that their last year’s winner Matty Blayney, who just edged through to take the Sprint win, will return to defend the title.

Simon Williams (Team Basso-Todays Cyclist) added to his season tally of victories today when he won the 'A' race at the Madigan Grand Prix. Sean McCann (Island Wheelers) edged out Jason Taggart of Ballymoney in a bunch sprint for the win in the 'B' race.  West Down Wheelers Alister Walker certainly showed a bit of form when he finished in a creditable third place. Rumor has it that this is just the start of something really big.

The Sportactive UWA Road Race League event was won by Claire Oakley (WXC MTB UK) while the over 50's race saw Phoenix's Geoff Hewitt cross the line first.

Madigan Grand Prix Results - 06/08/11

'A' Race
1. Simon Williams (Team Basso-Todays Cyclist)
2. Liam Curran (Curran Racing)
3. James McMaster (Curran Racing)
4. Bryan McKinney (Ballymoney CC)
5. Gary Cranston (East Antrim-Audi)
6. Richard McCullough (North Down CC)

'B' Race
1. Sean McCann (Island Wheelers)
2. Jason Taggart (Ballymoney CC)
3. Alister Walker (West Down)
4. Tom Rafferty (Slane Cycles)
5. Ed Boyle (Phoenix CC)
6. Josh Daly (Banbridge CC)

Sportactive UWA RR League Race
1. Claire Oakley (WXC MTB UK)
2. Amy Brice (Phoenix CC)
3. Tonya Moran (Phoenix CC)

Over 50's Race
1. Geoff Hewitt (Phoenix CC)
2. Paul McGuckin (Banbridge CC)
3. Noel Munnis (North Down)

Patrick Withers (Admin Officer)

Due to the ongoing roadworks and the laying of gas pipes on the Warrenpoint Carriageway there has been a Venue Change.  The new Venue for the Poppy McKeown 10 tt on 19th July will be on the Rathfriland Road.

Venue Change:- Venue change this Tuesday 21st June 2011 due to road works and laying of gas pipes on the Warrenpoint Carriageway.  New venue for 10 mile tt will be on the Castlewellan Road, at the usual start location.

Big Wilky had a great race when competing in the Tour of the Mournes.  He got away in an early break on the out skirts of Newry. The group worked well together as they battle with a headwind on the carriageway. However it was not to be as the main bunch caught them outside Kilkeel. Wilky finished and cross the line in the second group, and stated that he was delighted with his performance.   

Members of West Down Wheelers attended the Kilbride CC Charity Ride which covered some 65 mile of long drags, tough hills and at times a persistent headwind.  It was Davy who took the 30 at the end of the fast decent down into Glenarm. A mid stop lunch was served at the Glenarm Baptist Church; John helped himself to his share of the sandwiches, rolls, cakes etc, and that of others to fill the hunger gap gained on the hard climbs. Newcomer to cycling Stevie is starting to show good form after his first winter training session with the Wheelers and he to had a great outing on this which was a tough event. Back at Kilbride Presbyterian Church car park more food was served at the barbeque, Burgers, tea, coffee. This was a great day's outing for all those who attended with plenty of craig and with a fun atmosphere in the car park everyone agreed that it had been a great event.

Dave Hoy, Kilbride CC stated that a total of 110 riders turned up to support this worthy charity.

Please note that the start – finish locations for tonight’s ( Tuesday 26th April )Australian Pursuit have changed, instead of starting at loughbrickland the new start location will be on the Rathfriland Road and finishing at Ballydown..  These changes have been made because of roadwork’s and traffic lights on the course.

This A4 race was yet again another hard fought event with the pace hard and fast from the start. The course with its drags and descents took it's toll on many riders as there was never any chance to rest. The wheeler duo of Mark Alexander and John Kernaghan rode strong through out the race. On lap two John lost his water bottle and had to continue on until the end of lap three on empty, it was at this point that A Baines (VTR) showed a bit of spotsmanship and passed across his spare bottle. John and the members of West Down Wheelers are very greatfully.  In the end it was a complete unknown who just happened to say he was going to have a go. Jeff Robinson of Bray Wheelers left the group and no-one reacted until it was too late, he soled home well clear of next placed riders.  Mark Alexander was the leadout for John Kernaghan and the pair time it well as they headed the sprint towards the finish line, but as John made the move to take second place disaster struct as his foot came out of the pedal.  It was then down to Alexander to give it his all to clinch the second place with Ryan McDermott (West Tyrone Velo.com) taking third.  Both John and Mark are showing real form and are having a great start to the year.  Mark Alexander has now gained enough points to move him from the A4 cat rider to A3. Congratulations form the Wheelers Big Lad.

On Saturday the West Down Wheelers traveled to Cookstown to race in the Ciclisport GP. The six man team consisted of Paul McKinstry, Ian Walker, Alister Walker, John Kernaghan, Mark Alexander and Davy Cartmill. With fine, dry conditions and full fields for both events A and B, a good day’s racing was on the cards. The A Race setting off first with the Wheelers lined up to do battle in the B race. After a steady first lap it was John Kernaghan who upped the pace mid way round the second lap making a break to test the strength of the opposing teams, it was the Carn Wheelers and West Tyrone CC who quickly gave chase to close the gap. Alistair Walker rode steady during the open two laps and towards the end of the third took his spell at the front to keep the presser on and demonstrated that he will be one to watch out for during the coming events. With a mile to go it was the duo consisting of Davy Cartmill and team mate Ian Walker who took the lead working together to string out the chaseing field, then with half a mile to go it got fast and furious with all the top riders coming together for what was going to be a closely fought bunch sprint.  John Kernaghan made his way up to the front with Mark Alaxander on his wheel, with only about 50 yards to go John Kernaghan give it his all to lead out Mark Alexander, 10 Yards to go John peeled of to allow Mark Alexander a clear view of the finish line, Alexander then bolted forward however in the end it was Cathal Doyle (Carn Wheelers) who just edged out Mark Alexander of by a tyre width.

Paul Mckinstry to finished in the bunch, he said he had a great race this being his first season of open racing.    

Results CicliSport GP 2011 – B Race
1. Cathal Doyle (Carn Wheelers)
2. Mark Alexander (West Down Wheelers)
3. Tony McPeake (U/A)
4. Barry McKenna (West Tyrone Velo CC)
5. Kevin McAlinden (Banbridge CC)
6. Eugene Power (Omagh Wheelers)

 J Kernaghan, A Walker, I Walker, D Cartmill, P McManus, C Adamson and M Alexander all took part in the Cody Challenge 22 Jan 2011.

Photo Marian Lamb, Cycling Ulster.

West Down Wheelers Club Meeting Monday 17th January 2011 in the Banbridge Leisure Centre commencing 7.30 pm Sharp.

2011 Cycling Licence Membership Applications.  

Please bring along any proposals or concerns.

Note:- Would the person who has the West Down Wheeler # 6 Arm-band from Saturday's West Down GP please contact Billy Maxwell.  Home # 02840671150. Mob # 07743101379. Many Thanks WDW.  

Blayney Takes West Down Grand Prix

 A full field lined up today for West Down Wheelers' Grand Prix event at Katesbridge. A tough course was on offer for the participants. Cycling around at the start I asked my guide, Adam McCullough, to stop on a hill so I could take pictures and he said, "Which one, Marian?" He proved to be right as at times I felt I was back in the Pyrenees with mountains in the background and lots of rolling roads.  The race which catered for A3 and A4 riders was no walk over but the bunch remained intact much of the way. Attacks from Mark Kavanagh (Lakeland CC)and Mark Brown (Phoenix CC) were quickly pulled back in.  By the last lap bets were on the sprinters with well known 'fast men' Mark McCullough (Ballymena Scott Tiles) and Stephen McAllister (Ballymoney CC) hot favourites to take the title. However coming to the line, the mass bunch sprint saw North Down's Matty Blayney edge through to take the win just ahead of relative unknown, Anthony Doyle (Unattached). This was a great win for Blayney, perhaps his best reult of the season.  Third and fourth place was a difficult call with Ballymena's McCullough and Andrew Hedley of Bikeworks neck and neck. In the end the online camera gave it to McCullough. Gavin Magowan of Dromara CC and Stephen McAllister of Ballymoney completed the scoreline.  West Down promoted an excellent event with lots of marshalls and motorbike outriders as well as a great feed afterwards. Many thanks to the two Barbara's who fed the riders and spectators both before and after the event.  Aaron Wallace of Banbridge was Comm for the day and at one point felt the need to stop the race after four laps. He warned the riders about the rules of the road and advised them that he would not tolerate any unsafe riding. Cycling Ulster fully support Aaron and all our Comms in helping to keep racing as safe as possible for all concerned.  Aaron Wallace of Banbridge was Comm for the day and at one point felt the need to stop the race after four laps. He warned the riders about the rules of the road and advised them that he would not tolerate any unsafe riding. Cycling Ulster fully support Aaron and all our Comms in helping to keep racing as safe as possible for all concerned.

Report by Marian Lamb ( Cycling Ulster ) 

Reults - West Down Grand Prix
1. Matty Blayney (North Down)
2. Anthony Doyle (U/A)
3. Mark McCullough (Ballymena Scott Tiles)
4. Andrew Hedley (Bikeworks)
5. Gavin Magowan (Dromara CC)
6. Stephen McAllister (Ballymoney CC)

First Unplaced A4 David Clarke (Team Madigan)

First West Down Wheeler John Kernaghan.

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

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