What a Weekend for DCC
Ulster Cross Country Mountain Bike Championships.
The Ulster Mountain Bike Championships took place in Fermanagh for the first time this weekend in Colebrooke Estate. Despite a decent run of weather and the course running fast the overnight torrential rain changed the nature of the course to a wet, slippery muddy affair.
The riders came from near and far to brave the challenging conditions. After a full series of under-age races with under 6, under 8 under 10 and under 12 races the race moved to the adults course where the non-championship men and women raced and the under 14 and under 16 ulster champions were decided.
At 2pm the race moved to the main stage with Elite riders tackling 3 laps with Banbridges Gareth McKee taking the win ahead of XMTB’s Graham Boyd with our very own Barry Kellett taking third place on the podium.
Dromara CC were once again on the podium with Lisa Millar taking 2nd in the elite ladies, Peter Davidson taking third in the juniors and Robert Davison 3rd in Masters 50/60.
Davy Broome produced a superb ride in the M30 race to get a 5th place with Adi Booth coming in 12th. Not to forget Gibson Chambers battling it out in the S4 event. It really shows the depth of quality that Dromara CC are producing – may it long continue. Well Done to Lakeland Club for hosting a great event.
Dromara CC’s Beckett shines at West Down Wheelers GP
On Saturday 22nd August West Down Wheelers GP saw 80 A4 racers and 80 A2/A3 racers take to the start line. Thankfully the rain stayed away to allow some tremendous racing take place. The A4’s have 50miles to complete which includes the very steep Rathfriland climb on the final lap. The A2/A3’s have an extra lap to do in their race which saw a strong list of riders from Dromara CC with Zak Hanna, David Dickson, Richard Cowan, Ronnie Smyth, Chris “did i tell you i was the fastest TTer in the family” Magowan at the start line. Mike Barton was showing that he is coming into form for the cyclocross season by producing an excellent ride to take 5th place in the Masters Race, however it was in the A4 race where they had their greatest success when Robert McDonald helped lead out Graham Beckett to take a very well deserved 3rd place.
Photo Credit: Bronagh Kirk
Gibson proves mettle at Ulster Youth Champs
This weekend was the Ulster Youth Road Racing Championships which saw Dromara’s Matthew Gibson who produced the ride of the day however lady luck was not with him. Matthew sustained a break from lap 3-4 and maintained it until lap 5-6 only to lose it due to a puncture but still finish on foot – ahead of other riders!!! Showing the true Dromara CC Spirit. Chapeau Matthew. Clearly this is just early Cyclocross training.
Armstrong takes 2nd Junior in epic North Down GP
On Sunday the North Down GP was held with some of the top riders from all over Ireland competing. This race was part of the Cycling Ireland Men`s National Series which was coming to its conclusion. For Dromara CC Matthew Armstrong has been one of our top juniors this year and is getting faster everytime he rides. With this top quality field Matthew worked first for the team attempting to help Gavin Magowan to get into the break. Once this break away had failed he launched his own attack and when the dust had settled he managed to finish 17th Overall and take 2nd Junior. With several professional riders in this race it really shows the potential of this young man.
There is more….
It is hard to believe what great results were achieved this weekend but for those that didn’t get mentioned don’t worry we are watching you. This Thursday is club league with a twist – it will be an aussie pursuit rather than a lapped race. I hear everyone is in scratch but that could just be a rumour.
