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Doyle wins West Down’s Australian pursuit

Wednesday, 7 July 2010

John Kernaghan leads the 2nd group during the Wheelers Australian Pursuit. 27962c

LAST Tuesday night 30 members competed in West Down Wheelers Australian pursuit.
The race started on the Rathfriland road and passed through Annaclone, Rathfriland, Ballyroney, Moneyslane, Katesbridge, McCoys garage, Cattle Hill, Garvaghy, finished near Gibson's quarry.
The 30 riders were from West Down wheelers, Dromara Cycling Club (CC), Banbridge CC, and East Antrim CC. The 1st group included the very young Christopher Weir, J.McGuigan, N.Doyle, and Chrissy Hodgen. About five mins later the big group of J.Kernahan, M.Alexander, A.Walker, D.White, B.McGrath, D.Cartmill, M.McKnight, G.Magowan, J.Adair, S.Wallace, I.Badford, S.Daly, R.Mallon, I.Walker, and D.Weir entered the fray.
A further 3 mins later went D.Hanna, P.Lilley, S.Baines, D.McDonald, D.McKnight, D.Weir, G.Gray, and R.Smyth. The warm, dry and calm conditions meant the first group would be hard to catch. In the first part of the course very little changed, but going up the tough climb at Annaclone, the big second group split due to riders not watching what's going on, which can lead to their part in the race coming to an end.
But after working together they made contact at the co-op near Rathfriland and only time would tell if the big push to get back on took too much out of them. D.Cartmill's race ended when he punctured, meanwhile the limit group of Hodgen, Weir, Doyle, and McGuigan were firing along nicely, but the hard working scratch were gaining on the big second group, and made contact at Katesbridge.
This very big group was now in pursuit of the hard working leaders, with the toughest part of the course to come, starting at McCoy's, climbing from there to the top of the very tough cattle hill, it was surely going to test the fitness of the riders. Christopher Weir showed unbelievable confidence heading up the hill, surely one to watch out for in the coming years.
The four leaders came together at the top but could they hold out to the finish, as the tough climb had sapped up much needed energy. There were numerous attacks coming from the big group but as most of the riders are in good shape it would take a good man to get away.
With a mile to go West Down's Noel Doyle took off on his own hoping for glory and gave it everything to cross the finish line well clear. Next was Chrissy Hodgen coming into view with the big group bearing down on him. But he jusseco about held out to take a very good second place with Paul Wilkinson third , Mark Alexander fourth and James Adair fifth.
Banbridge's Pete Lilley was the first visitor over the line. This was a very good nights racing and a very exciting finish so well done to all who took part.
This week's race is a 25 mile TT on the Castlewellan road, and the next week's race is on 20 July, which consists of a club road race at Katesbridge. Any rider not taking part is asked to turn up and help. Let us know if you are going to help, and also get in touch with Billy to see what he needs for the forthcoming open race at Katesbridge on 14 August.

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