On a bright and sunny Saturday morning, a rarity in the winter, a group of Shimna Wheelers departed Newcastle heading towards Downpatrick along the coast to meet the Killinchy and La Lanterne Rouge cycling clubs who participated along with the Wheelers in the highly successful inaugural inter club time trial series.
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Shimna Wheelers Club Secretary Eugene Carville presents the inaugral trophy to Peter Disney from Killinchy CC, winners of the 2014 league[/caption]
Mark Rafferty, spokesman for the League, said: “The series included nine events with each club hosting three in their local back yards. All events were professionally run and non-competing volunteers from each club played an important role in marshalling, thus ensuring the safety of participants and other road users.
“Following a bit of banter in Downpatrick, the three clubs headed off for a social spin with some questionable directions and last minute shouts!
“The clubs reached Loughinisland GAC clubhouse hungry for some hearty and warming stew. Once the stomachs were satisfied Shimna Wheelers race organiser Marty McVeigh presented the winners trophy to the Killinchy Cycling Club who narrowly beat Shimna Wheelers by two points.
“So well done to the riders who participated in the series and a big thank you must go to all the volunteers who made the time trials possible. Judging by the winter training being done, 2015 is going to be a faster and more competitive series.
“All three clubs agreed the inaugral event was a great success and an excellent opportunity to contribute to the development of competitive cycling in the East Down area. Plans are already underway for what will hopefully be an even bigger and better league in 2015.
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Shimnas Marty McVeigh ready for action.[/caption]
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