(PART 2 OF THE CRITERIUM STYLE RACES THIS WEEK) The Ards Town Centre races, hosted by Ards CC, and sponsored by the *Ards and North Down Borough Council* A very wet night in my hometown, but we had some dry moments too...A4 race won by Barry Mitchell-Ards CC, and the main race won by Lindsay Watson-Powerhouse Sport (A1-2-3) Wednesday 21st June...the results and some photos...

Photos David Mc Veigh and team BP Media, results time team Ards CC and Ian Barfoot (photo finish operator)

Alister said “First up was the A4 race over 20 minutes plus 1 lap. After a fast start, a group of 6 edged clear of the disintegrating field. On the sixth lap Barry Mitchell (Ards CC) attacked strongly. Joe Giles (AHC Racing) gave chase, with the other 4 getting tailed off. As the laps progressed, Barry powered into the distance and it became clear he wouldn’t be caught. He ran out a clear and popular winner, with Joe hanging on for second at 1 minute, and the other 4 sprinting it out for third (Keith Hooks NDCC) a further 30 seconds later”

Report Alister Martin (web master Ards CC) “The final race of the night was the A1/A2/A3 race over 30 minutes plus 1 map. Lindsay Watson (Powerhouse) and Nathan Keown (Dan Morrisey) attacked from the start. After a couple of laps Nathan fell back to the bunch, while Lindsay powered on alone. Behind the lone leader a chasing group of 8 formed, but despite numerous attacks they were unable to close the gap. Lindsay started lapping riders, and he eventually caught and passed the entire field – a phenomenal performance. Behind, Glen Kinning eventually managed to escape the clutches of the other 7 to take a clear second. A crash with 3 laps to go took out Ian Inglis (Kinning Cycles) and Nathan, although fortunately both only suffered cuts and bruises. That left Daniel Todd (Dromore) to take third ahead of ever green Kirk Sloan (North Down CC), Stuart Millar (Ards CC) and Johnny Adams (Killinchy). Stephen Hanna (VC Iveagh) took first unplaced A2, and Ben Healey (Ards CC) delighted the home crowd by taking first unplaced A3“

My nephew Kieran Mc Namara…took up cycling after a motorbike accident, MTB his speciality, but dips his toes in Road races now and then too!!

The under age races (U8 & U10-12 & U14-U16 )

So proud of my grandson Toby, for the first time he was racing, this in the fun race, Toby is a autistic boy age 7, got the jersey donated by ex-continental pro Matthew Devins ( Trinity Racing) 2 years ago…he even took his jersey to school to brag yesterday…so happy for the boy…he said it was the highlight of his life… only 2 weeks without stabilisers and finishing the race…loves the rain…we will make a Flandrien of him for sure (just don’t tell his mum yet..lol)

Next up were the under 8s, racing over two laps. First boy was Thomas Crimble, from Rory McCullough and Noah Finnegan. First girl was Sophia Campbell, followed by Emily Smith. Picture from Stephen Beattie (Ards CC) above…the winner of the Boys U8 race, the rest went home due to the bad weather

The Under 10s raced over 4 laps, with Edward Reynolds first ahead of Leo Gallagher and Jake Rockett. Amelia Finnegan was first girl ahead of Lucy Reynolds.

The under 12’s also covered 4 laps, with Sean Heverin coming out on top ahead of Cody Smith and Dillon Finnegan. Ava Baker was first girl, followed by Skye Spence