Mullan takes the top step at Necarne

Sunday saw round 2 of the Ulster cyclocross league take place at Necarne Equestrian centre in Irvinestown, Co.Fermanagh. Dromara had a large travelling contingent with riders representing the club in almost every race and a number of podium places won on the day.

The course was very dry, it hasn’t rained in Fermanagh since the Ulster Cross country champs in September it seems. A lot of work had gone into the course and the grass was mowed to a well groomed number 1 back and sides. The speed of the course was intense.

Top result on the day was in the mens B race where Nathan Mullan said goodbye to the introductory category with a fine win and an automatic upgrade to the A race for the rest of the season. Nathan led from the start and whittled the group of chasers down to just two for almost the entire race, a bit of cat and mouse on the last few straights as both riders seemed content to wait for the final sprint, but it takes a strong man to outsprint Nathan and he took the win comfortably. Graham Beckett had a great race to take a top 10^th place finish with Brian Wilson not far behind in 13^th spot. Mike Barton and Robert Davison slugged it out in a close fought battle for 26^th and 28^th place finishes respectively. Stephen Nugent unfortunately had a mechanical and had to retire after 3 laps.

B race warm up routine

In the U14 race, Ben Wilson took a superb 2^nd place, moving up the placings every week. 4^th in week one, 3^rd in round 2 and 2^nd this week. Everyone down to the bookies for a flutter on round 4.

Lisa Millar was our sole represtative in the Elite Ladies race. Unfortunately, despite a great start and leading the field out on lap 1, a niggling injury forced her out of the race early on.

In the Elite Mens race Barry Kellett took a hard earned 3^rd place after a very fast tactical race. A big attack from James Curry on the last lap ensured he took the win, with Barry, Graham Boyd and Lewis Ferguson fighting for the remaining 2 places. Barry put in one last bid to break free from the other two but Lewis Ferguson was matching him on the final straight and floated over the boards while Barry opted to run, leaving the all important gap for the North Down rider to take the second step on the podium.

Peter Davison had a superb race and was 2^nd Junior on the day, displaying some great skill to make up time that other riders couldn’t find. See the video below for more lessons on handling and bike skill.

Martin Grimley was next home in the A race, finishing in 10^th place in the M40 field, with Derek Graham just behind in 13^th M40. Richard Cown rounded out the “growing old gracefully” category with a 15^th place finish in the M40 group.

Thanks to Lakeland CC for a superb event and hopefully we will see at least as many riders from the club at next weeks race in Dungannon, hosted by Island wheelers.
Full details, as always, are available at www.ulstercyclocross.com