Big turnout at the Killinchy Cycling Grand Prix

Published by admin on


Figure 1 Winner Lindsay Watson 2023 Balloo Inns Cup

The attacks that shaped the results of two of the races at the Killinchy Grand Prix may have been very different, but those who took the initiative came away with the spoils.

Lindsay Watson (Powerhouse Sport) rode most of the main event on his own to win by several minutes while Drew McKinley (Newry Wheelers) took the initiative later in the A3 race with the same result; victory.

The A1-A2 race, in Killinchy, Co Down, was a handicapped event, though the 1½ minutes advantage the A2s were granted over the A1s did not last until the end of the first lap, of six, on the 17.5km circuit.

As the catch was being made, the bunch stalled a little and filled the width of the road on an incline, with Watson deciding to attack on instinct. Odhrán Doogan (Caldwell Cycles) went with him and the duo pulled clear of the bunch.

However, after a about a lap clear, Doogan dropped back to a five-man chasing group. In that group were: Connor McCann (Inspired Cycling), Matthew Kincaid (Newry Wheelers), Nathan Mullan (Velo Café Magasin), Gareth McKee (Cycology Cycling) and Mark McGinley (Four Masters Cycling Club).

Once on his own up front, Watson put the head down for the remaining 4½ laps. He continued on with his solo escape, making serious headway as he went on the rolly circuit. He took victory by over two minutes from the chasing group, with the bunch about three minutes back.

Behind the solo winner, McCann managed to get clear of the chasing group and took 2nd place, with Doogan bringing in the others for 3rd. McGinley was 4th with Kincaid 5th and McKee 6th.


Figure 2 A3 Winner Drew McKinley Newry Wheelers

In the A3 race, eventual winner McKinley was away in several moves but none of them stuck. However, on the final lap he put in a hard dig on the final incline and gained a gap. He rode solo off the front until David Henning (Velo Club Mourne) got across to him.

They then began working together and though the bunch was never too far back, they made it all the way just ahead of the front section of the main field. However, Carl Love (VC Glendale) managed to nip in and pip Henning for 2nd place.


Figure 3 Aaron Fegan Ards CC winner A4

Dan Todd (Dromore Cycling Club) placed 4th, with Craig Sweetman (Stamullen RC) 5th and Jim McCullagh (Carn Wheelers) taking 6th place. Alison Higgins (Four Masters CC) was leading woman.

The A4 race came down to a bunch sprint, with Aaron Fegan (Ards CC) putting in a massive kick to win by a very clear margin from John Paul Rice (Banbridge CC) and Phil Clarke (Unattached). 

Jonathan Bunting (Team Madigan) was 4th, with Kieran McNamara (Ards CC) 5th and Danny Moore (Team Madigan) 6th. Elena Wallace (Harps CC) won the women’s category.

Killinchy Cycling Club wishes to thank the local community for their ongoing support and to local business sponsors, The Poachers Pocket, Finnebrogue and Johnstons Coffee)

(Article courtesy of Sticky Bottle.  Photos courtesy of Sharon McFarland)

A1 Race

1st. Lindsay Watson – Powerhouse sport 

2nd. Connor McCann – Inspired Cycling 

3rd. Odhran. Dooghan – Caldwell Cycling 

4th. Mark McGinley – Four Masters Cycling 

5th. Matthew Kincaid – Newry Wheelers. 

6th. Gareth Mckee – Cyclogy Cycling 

A2 1st. Uplaced Jonathan Taylor – Carn Wheelers

A3 Race 

1st. Drew McKinley – Newry Wheelers 

2nd. Carl Love – VC Glendale 

3rd. David Henning – Velo Club Mourne 

4th. Dan Todd – Dromore Cycling 

5th. Craig Sweetman – Stramullan CC 

6th. Jim McCullagh – Carn Wheelers 

1st. Unplaced female – Alison Higgins -Four Masters 

A4 Race 

1st. Aaron Fegan – Ards CC 

2nd. John Paul Rice – Banbridge CC 

3rd. Phil Clarke – Un-Attached 

4th. Jonathan Bunting – Team Madigan 

5th.. Kieran McNamara  – Ards CC 

6th. Danny Moore – Team Madigan 

1st Unplaced female-  Elena Wallace – Harps CC

Categories: Events

0 Comments

Leave a Reply

Avatar placeholder

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *