Some photo’s I took in the early years of the project, some maybe not as good as the recent ones, but I was learning the game (still do but a bit better equipment now) My wife Maggie use to do overtime so I could travel to Belgium to see my Irish “poulains” racing, In 2008 I had a £200 sponsorship from Bikeworks Bangor (not trading anymore)) and £250 I think it was from the Northern Ireland Cycling Federation, which went in full to help to pay the costs of the visit of Belgian Team Decock- Capino to the P&O Tour of the North, it was the start of something I didn’t think it would become such important part of my life. Now I can give some financial support to the riders who I sent to Belgium as graduates as I have now some proper backing, in the early days they had to pay for the trip. Thankfully the guest team such as Decock kitted them out fully. They now not involved with the project anymore but still so grateful for what they have done for my project and Irish riders at the time. Enjoy another 15!! (Feature photo was taken at the “Gullegem Koerse” a kermesse for pro’s and invited teams…This attracts each year the top pro’s from all over Europe and watched on the course by over 20.000 supporters)

Fact finding Visit to N-Ireland from the Decock team, with Stefaan Verbeke (team leader) and owner Xavier Decock (DS)
Night Criterium in Lisburn (2009 I think) with Micky Murray winning, Peter Hawkins was second and Thomas Martin was 3th.
Kermesse in East Flanders…Peter was 3rd and I had £20 on him each way (Bookmaker asked me If I knew him and was he any good, I told him he’s not very good) He was at 20/1 and 5/1 payout for been placed…about the only time I had one over the bookies..lol!!
My grandson Matthew and his hero Roger Aiken at a workshop organised by Apollo CC in Craigavon
“Mister Tour of the North” Ryan Connor at the openings weekend in Annaclone many years ago, Ryan lives and works now in the USA
Ladies team Phoenix CC at the 2013 Nationals in Carlingford with team boss Eamon Burns
2013 Nationals Carlingford with Peter and “den langen” Conor Dunne
Pro Jack Wilson (An Post) in talks with Colm Watson (Vc Glendale) at the 2013 Carlingford Nationals
Philip Lavery leading the way with Matthew Brammeier and Conor Dunne at his heels at the Nationals in Carlingford
Tour of Connemara podium saw a very young Eddie Dunbar winning the KOH prize, Cian Delaney won the race overall, My wife and I acted as back up in the car for the Stamullen team. I think it was Easter 2013 when the TOTN was cancelled due to snow
Sam Bennett signing some jersey’s in Carlingford, I bet he done a few since then!!
Kermesse in Beitem West Flanders with 2 of my graduates as guest riders for Decock-Sportivo, Jonny Cole (Madigan) and Peter Lilly (Banbridge)
Pro David Mc Cann at the Champ of Champions 25 TT in Newtownards held here by Paul “Kneteman” Robinson from Ards CC
My good and loyal friend Tommy Lamb (CU) on his way back from the TOU in Omagh…we got stuck on the motorway
When Peter was living in Belgium as a full-time rider he did a bit of bar work for his guest parents to repay their kindness…The bar was the supporters club of the Decock team and run by his guest family