Pictured is The Mayor, Councillor Brian Bloomfield MBE and Councillor Tim Morrow, Chairman of the Council's Leisure & Community Development Committee present the podium winners of the Superstock with their garlands and medals. Congratulations Ian Hutchinson (1st), Michael Dunlop (2nd) and Dan Kneen (3rd).

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is delighted with the success of the 2016 MCE Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week.

During the course of the week the Council worked in partnership with event organisers Dundrod & District Motorcycle Club on a number of events culminating in it sponsoring the first race on Saturday 13th August.

Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Brian Bloomfield MBE, speaking at the official start of the main race day at Dundrod on Saturday, said: “The Council is pleased to have the opportunity to sponsor this annual event which attracts thousands to the area each August.  There has been a long standing relationship between the Council and the Club, which grows and develops each year. 

“The effort of the Club’s volunteers into creating this event is second to none and without each and every one of you I do believe this event would not be as successful as it is. To have the World’s Fastest Road Race in our area is fantastic.”

Ian Hutchinson set a new lap record in the last race of the day at this year’s event, so it is now an incredible 134.089mph! 

Councillor Tim Morrow, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, added:  “As one of the top sporting events in Northern Ireland, the Council is pleased to have the opportunity to sponsor the first race on Race Day and the calibre of riders participating in ‘The Superstocks’ was high with Ian Hutchinson just beating favourite Michael Dunlop to secure first place this year.

“The sounds of the motorbike engines revving on the grid as they get set to race around the Dundrod circuit is fantastic and the speed at which they fly through the straight in front of the grandstands for each lap is just astounding.  The atmosphere on the start grid can only be described as memorable, with the theme tune to the UGP pumping out of the sound system, the engines revving and the exhaust fumes all playing their part.  I enjoyed watching the bikes race throughout the day and I commend the riders for the talent they display when competing.  I am definitely looking forward to next year,” concluded Councillor Morrow.

Other Bike Week events supported by the Council this year included: a world record attempt in Lisburn City Centre (6th August) to bring together in one place the largest number of bike manufacturers.  A Classic Car and Bike Rally (8th August) organised by the Lisburn City Old Vehicle Club saw 138 classic cars and 85 classic motor bikes in a cavalcade from the Lagan Island Centre to Dundrod.  A business marketing breakfast seminar (9th August) was held in conjunction with the Chartered Institute of Marketing at the Dundrod circuit, then later that same evening 200 bike enthusiasts conducted a ‘ride out’ with the famous Dromara Destroyers from Dromara to Dundrod.