Ulster CX heads to Larne for Round 4
CYCLOCROSS is a wonderful sport that involves getting to ride around a field in the middle of winter when temperatures are close to zero whilst covering yourself in muck, leaves and heaven knows what else. What’s not to enjoy?
A few years ago race entries overall struggled to reach the 100 mark-now with the sport in Ireland taking off it is rare to see entries below the 300 mark, such is the popularity of cyclocross across the island, and it’s great to see so many riders taking part.
Dromara Cycling Club members are basking in this fantastic winter sport. More and more members are switching to cyclocross to maintain their fitness over the winter.
Round four of the Ulster series took place at Seacourt in Larne with this round being hosted by Team Madigan. Once again club members were out in force as the sun shone on the race circuit that overlooked the Irish sea.
In the under 14 race it was Ben Wilson who has been getting better and better at each round and his hard work finally paid off with the top step on the podium after a great battle, a well deserved win after coming back from injury. Frasier Harrower has also been making in roads and came 14th.
Davy Broome fully focused
In the cyclocross ‘B’ race it was Davy Broome who was the first Dromara rider home as he stormed to an excellent seventh place. Brian Wilson was next in 12th place, with Graham Beckett and Paul Mawhirt coming in 23rd and 24th respectively. Adrian Booth finished in 35th place whilst Mike Barton placed 49th.
Alas John Shanks who just loves to bend wheels when out on the bike, however todays effort was a classic with his carbon seat post finally giving up on him. Better luck next time.
Can’t trust carbon
In the women’s cyclocross race Diane Wilson was our representative and she didnt disappoint. It was only last week that Diane secured the ladies title at @GarminUK Mourne Skyline MTR in 4hrs 33 mins! beating a very elite field. With all that in her legs Diane still managed to take 2nd place.
Diane showing her skills on the bike
The cyclocross ‘A’ race saw Barry Van Kellett in his new speed suit finish just outside the podium places in 4th place. The race between DCC members is hotting up and through out the race there was plenty of close racing:
Martin showing his running skills to the youngsters
Graham Smyth managed to win the battle above and take 38th place, with Peter Davison and Martin Grimley not far behind in 40th and 41st place. Richard Cowan rolled in over the finish line in 52nd whilst Derek Graham rounded off the club members in 64th.
“What part of jump didn’t you understand bike”
In a previous report we had a quick video on the lessons regarding how to get over the planks at cyclocross however young Barry has tried a new method of trying to ride through them:
Might have to strike this off as an option.
Once again a brilliant showing from the club-great to see cyclocross booming in the club and hopefully it will encourage more to get out and enjoy what the sport has to offer.
The next round is hosted Bangor-more details can be found at www.ulstercyclocross.com.
