Warrenpoint wins for Wheelers as four riders pedal to personal best times

Paul McManus, West Down Wheelers, after the time trial at Warrenpoint.

On Thursday, eight riders from West Down Wheelers headed to Warrenpoint to take part in a 10 mile TT on a flat road and in perfect conditions with half of them grabbing PBs.

Firstly, Paul Wilkinson pedalled his way to his fastest time yet and that is saying something as he has produced some super times over the years. His time of 20.50 was breath taking. He was, unsurprisingly, the fastest category three on the night. Not too far behind him was Darren Lynass who rode his fastest ever time of 21.12. Darren is getting faster with every race and he’s not the finished article yet.

Paul McManus was showing what an excellent TT rider he is when he clocked a 21.41. Make no mistake, a 21 minute ride is a fantastic achievement.

Matthew McKinistry, Andrew Hodgen and Geoffrey Tate in happy mood after West Down Wheelers' time trial at Warrenpoint.

The success didn’t stop there as John Clyde powered his way to a PB with a 21.47. You can’t ask for much more as the Wheelers’ four fastest riders had PBs.

Some of the club’s up and coming riders also stepped up. Matt McKinstry had a superb 22 minute ride, Andy Hodgen a 23 and Geoff Tate a 25. What made their times more impressive was the fact they were riding their road bikes with Tri Bars.

Allister McCourt, who was off the bike for four weeks and just back on it after a holiday in Canada, had a 23 minute ride which is first class.

On Tuesday, they held a very tough 17 mile TT, starting in Loughbrickland, cycling via Rathfriland and finishing in Banbridge.

West Down Wheelers' Paul Wilkinson warms up before his superb ride at Warrenpoint last Thursday night.

There is rarely a good turnout for this due to the toughness of the course but what an unbelievable night it was Paul Wilkinson.

He flew round in a time of 38 minutes, which was absolutely brilliant. In second was Darren Lynass on his new bike for the first time with a superb time of 39 minutes with John Clyde third on 41 minutes.

Matthew McKinstry had a 42 which was a PB and this after breaking spokes riding over to the race.

This has been a very good year for the Wheelers. Matt, Andy and Geoff have got faster every week since the first TT.

The Wheelers’ attention will now be focused on the fast approaching McKinley three day stage race. The Wheelers entered a 3 man team but only Paul Wilkinson got in. He will surely do well as he’s in the form of his life.