The club mountain bikers continued to build on their successful start to the year at the second round of the Vitus First Tracks Enduro Cup in Bigwood. The Enduro racing is becoming ever more popular with 279 riders descending on to the small forest close to Narrow Water, Warrenpoint.
In a competitive field of Junior men Shimna Wheelers club members Alistair Baron and Aidan Hawkins stood 2nd and 3rd respectively on the finishers podium. In the Pro men’s category Jimmy Mac pushed his bike hard on every stage to finish 7th. In the very popular Vet men’s category 53 riders competed for the spoils with club member Eddie Hawkins taking 6th place.
The race conditions were difficult after several days of heavy rain made for six wet and technical stages. The riders were fortunate that the rain stayed away on the day for the race itself however Alistair and Aidan got soaked when the heavens opened for the podium presentations!
On the road racing front Stevie represented the club at the Tour of the Mournes. A quick look at Stevie’s average speed told you all you needed to know about the racing – fast, hard and unrelenting. In fact the majority of club members would have struggled to hang on the back for more than a few miles! Stevie contested strongly in the peloton for the 72mile race around the Mournes and finished highly in the bunch sprint at the end.
[caption id="attachment_56506" align="aligncenter" width="540"]
The Sprocket Rockets pictured last Saturday.[/caption]
The Sprocket Rocket success continued on Saturday with an amazing day all around. The weather didn’t disappoint this week and we had a full turn out from the Sprocket Rockets. A few new technical skills were added and everyone did really well. We would like to offer a massive thanks to all the coaches, helpers and parents for their support. Another great day for all Shimna Wheelers to be proud of.
Shimna Wheelers members supported their neighbouring club Dromara at the Coastal Sportive. The event was well organised with great food stops provided. However a few of the Wheelers were heard muttering about a headwind. I would never have imagined a coastal event being breezy!
Over the past couple of weeks there have been a number of Strava entries by members from an island in the Mediterranean Sea. A couple of photographs have also appeared on the club Facebook page from these warm weather training camps. One photograph almost looked like a modelling photoshoot for the new club kit. More news to follow as it breaks!
As always the club cycles continue throughout the week with spins on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday mornings and an evening spin on a Thursday. New members are welcome and encouraged to join in the club cycles. Please visit the club website for further information:
www.shimnawheelers.com]]>
