By Paddy Kelly,
Bray Wheelers PRO

John Mcdermot a senior member started the ball rolling on what has been described on the cycling circuit as a winning streak.

John has been progressing steadily throughout the season building on the foundations laid whilst attending the pre-season O'Donell training camp in Alicante. The penultimate club race presented the winning opportunity for John. Five strong riders including John formed a breakaway group staying away from the chasing peleton leading to a sprint running into the finish at Calary. In true sniper style. John spotted a gap and went early taking the victory by a bike length. In the BMW Murphy & Gunn Inter-Club League Keith Slowey in Bray Colours delivered the final blow on Thursday evening winning the League outright. Keith accredited his win to his extensive coaching team.

The open races also saw Bray in the height of drama at the Cavan event with Fergal Kelly involved in an unfortunate pre-race accident lucky to make the starting time. All was not lost and Fergal came away content with fourth place. The Wheelers only had one entry in the ten mile trial in Portales John Lynch. Lynch now highly rated for his time trial abilities placed second against an experienced field in the race of truth.

The Veterans section of the club had an intensive weekend taking part in a touring event covering a distance from Bray To Waterford. Liam McKenna was glad to have Denis Dodd along side him at the forefront of the platoon driving the group all the way to Tramore. The Veteran riders are very welcoming to new faces on the Saturday morning spins leaving Kilmacanoque. Stephen Gallagher returning to his old form from injury won a fifty euro prim through the Glen of the Downs. This should give Stephen great confidence and boost his morale.

The season is now drawing to a close with the Club Championships taking place at Calary on Staurday morning. The club looks forward to recruiting some promising new talent next season due to a pre-competition youth development programme. This programme aims to attract young athletes interested in diversifying from other sports to cycling. John Lynch the success story of the programe having made a smooth transistion from a GAA backround has now taken on the role of develop officer. He has given some very positive feedback on George Kelly of GRC and Stephen Lynch of Kilpheader MTB who are currently at the low intesity/high skill stage of their induction training. The club is proud to have a member Jenny McCauley competing in the Olympics at present and hopes to see more talent coming up through the ranks.

August News