The line-up for the 2017 Banbridge Criterium has now been released and it looks set to be another exciting night of action packed racing in Banbridge town this Friday evening, 12th May.
Multiple time winner on the short 1km course, Roger Aiken, returns once again. In 2016 he was team mate to winner and National Champion Mark Dowling, however he returns now with an independent unattached licence and relieved of team obligations giving him free reign to fight for another win. Also returning is John Buller – the Banbridge CC teenager who put in a brave display last year to secure a hugely popular home team win at the National Championships. Another local, Lindsay Watson, will be a hotly tipped favourite with a string of strong podium finishes this season already, including a win at the recent Killinchey GP making him one of the most consistent riders of the year to date. He’ll be joined by the impressive junior riders on his PowerHouse Sport outfit; Xeno Young & Adam Ward.
Chris McGlinchey of Chain Reaction Cycles has turned into one of the strongest riders in the country in recent years, earning him multiple appointments for National duty with the Irish Team and is sure to be challenging for the win, as will Glenn Kinning of Kinning Cycles who has a history of strong criterium performances and was one of the most aggressive riders on the Banbridge circuit in 2016. Kinning is joined by teammate Gary Cranston, making a return after a quiet season in 2016, he’s already tasted victory this year at the Coombes Connor Memorial in Drogheda and has strong pedigree in criterium racing.
Other notable entries include Gary Donaldson of Omagh Wheelers who has been enjoying a great run of form in recent weeks and full squads from both Newry Wheelers and Dromara CC who will look to use their numbers for an advantage.
Action kicks off at 6:50pm with the Under 14 support race, followed immediately by the Under 16 race at 7:20pm. The feature senior event will be started by Amragh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Deputy Lord Mayor Paul Greenfield at 8pm sharp.
A limited number of spaces are still available for the senior event and entries will be accepted on the night. For further details please contact Race Director Aaron Wallace at aarwallace@gmail.com .
