Wheelers perform at Criteriums in Castle-Douglas and Dumfries.

May the 23rd saw the first round of the Scottish Power Renewables Criterium series come to the streets of Castle Douglas. In the youth category we had 4 riders : Ryan Fenwick, Ross Green, Richard Scales and Morgan McConnell. The race started off well, with all riders moving fast round the crowded streets of Castle Douglas. The race lasted for 20 mins plus 2 laps, however not long into the race Ryan had a spectacular blow out, which put him out of the race. Richard and Ross were in the leading bunch with Morgan not far behind. As they progressed to the finish, a mix up in the number of laps to go, allowed the quick thinking Richard to see the chequered flag and sprint to the line, gaining second place, with Ross on the same time in 4th position followed by Morgan in 8th. In the category 4th race, Neil McConnell in his debut at road racing, started on the grid and finished a creditable 29th, only 4 laps down on the leaders, but cheered every lap by an enthusiastic home crowd. Next day the 24th May saw the racing move to Dumfries with a tight twisty course round the streets of Dumfries town centre, including the cobbled section on the High Street. The youth race had the same 4 riders, but after watching the boys on Saturday, Jenna Fenwick decided she would take up the challenge in Dumfries and join them. This race saw Ryan and Ross break away with Scott Lindsay from Edinburgh and the 3 of them kept out in front with the crowds waiting in anticipation of a sprint finish, hearing a bang 100metres from the finish line, where Ryan and Scott had collided with each other and the barriers, which allowed Ross through to take the win. Ryan and Scott limped over the line carrying their bikes, to finish 2nd and 3rd and straight to the first aid tent. Richard came in a creditable 4th position having to work hard on his own, to stop the rest of the pack catching him up. Morgan came in 6th position overall and first in youth B, which was an excellent result, as he had restricted gears in this race. Jenna finished well to take 3rd female place and 2nd in youth C race. Neil again appeared in the category 4 race and after his race the previous day, was more aware of what was going to happen. Neil finished in 24th position out of a field of 35, which was an excellent race for him. Ryan and Scott had a few bumps and bruises but have been back out on their bikes again, since.

In the elite race the crowds experienced the thrill of the top British cyclists whizzing round the streets. This included local rider Gareth Montgomery now riding for Sigmasport Specialized Team, who had appeared the previous night on ITV4, competing in Milton Keynes. Gareth finished in 10th place in Castle Douglas and 14th place in Dumfries.

By Ross Green (with a little help from Dad)