North Down Riders on Track

It’s been a busy time for North Down track cyclists lately. Paul Swenarton was in Manchester competing in the European Masters Championships. In addition, Nathan McLeer has just returned from the UK Schools Games, in Cardiff, where the Northern Ireland team was managed by Anthony Mitchell.

For young McLeer this was the trip of a lifetime. He was in awe at the massive opening ceremony and the feast of racing which awaited the youngsters from the province. In many respects the event was the culmination of a long season of hard work for Nathan. With the UK Schools Championships in mind, the team had been expertly prepared by Anthony and coach Brian Cardy.

Their preparation involved numerous visits to Orangefield track in Belfast, in addition to trips to Manchester and even continental Europe. This preparation did not go to waste and the performance of the Northern Ireland team drew much acclaim. Particular note was made of their performance in the Madison, which was described as; ‘a well oiled machine’.

Certainly the experience will stand Nathan in good stead as he embarks on his junior career. He told me this week that he can’t wait to tackle the junior events and with a good solid winter’s training, the sky is the limit.

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Ferguson Best in North Down Grand Prix

Local North Down cyclist Paul Ferguson had a superb performance in the Acquatech North down Grand Prix when he crossed the line in 6^th place after 50 hard miles on the Donaghadee, Groomsport, Springwell circuit last weekend. The race was won by Glenarm’s Conor McAllister who had been aggressive all day and was in fact involved in a break with Thomas Martin (Clann Eireann), Niall Shannon (Maryland) and Davy McKnight (Dromara CC) as early as the first lap. This break-away group worked well together and it looked as if it would succeed when they gained a full minute advantage on the rest of the bunch. For five of the seven laps they managed to stay ahead of the field, but on the penultimate lap an eight-man counter attack closed the gap. At the head of this group was the pink and black of North Down, in the form of Paul Ferguson, who was having a commanding race.

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North Down GP

This weekend will see the cream of Ulster cyclists in action on the Donaghadee – Bangor Coast road when the North Down Grand Prix takes place on Sunday. With backing form North Down Borough Council and local firm Aquatech, a full field is expexcted to compete for the generous £700 prize fund.

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