DCC all over the podiums at Bangor CX Mudfest
Before we get started on the report DCC are running Round 6 of the Ulster Cyclocross Series next week at Craigavon Watersports Centre – Looking volunteers for this so get your name down as soon as possible on the forum – http://dromaracyclingclub.proboards.com/thread/1602/craigavon-cyclocross-round-volunteers-required
With the exception of Round 2 at Lady Dixon the weather has been unbelievably mild and dry. It couldn’t last and with NDCC moving their venue back to Ballymacormick Park the rain finally came back as well. To say it was a tad mucky was an understatement but not everyone fears a slippy course.
In the Under 14 Boys race it was Ben Wilson who set the tone for the day with a very tight race to take a well deserved victory by the slimmest of margins. Fraser Harrower managed a brilliant 9th place showing he might also prefer these tougher conditions.
In the Ladies Race it was good to see Lisa Miller back on the bike and battle around a very tough course taking 6th place. Diane Wilson started slowly but worked through the field with those mountain running skills proving very useful. When she passed the chequered flag it was an awesome 3rd place.
Ladies Podium with Diane Wilson taking 3rd
In the Mens B race a record turnout of 10 valiant DCC members took to the start line with young Marty McAnulty lining up after having ridden over in the rain all the way from Belfast! It was a frantic start and energy zapping race, and it was Paul Mawhirt who proved to be the fastest by taking a well deserved 11th place, followed by Davy Broome in 14th just pipping Brian Wilson. Paul Watson had a sterling ride and was unlucky to let Broome and Wilson get away from him however he will no doubt be delighted with 19th Place. John Shanks managed not to break anything on the bike this week so that must have helped, allowing him to take 22nd with Graham Beckett not far behind in 24th. Adi Booth took 43rd, Gibson Chambers 60th and Marty McAnulty came in 69th. Mike Barton was the only DCC rider unlucky (or should that be lucky) enough not to finish the race, having suffered a problem with his clip in pedals. Full respect to all who took part in such atrocious conditions.
In the Main Race of the day Barry Kellett, Richard Cowan, Graham Smyth and Martin Grimley took to a very wet start line. Barry has been spearheading the Dromara CC cause and other than trying to ride through the boards rather than bunny hopping them is considered to suit a technical course. Add a bit of muck and he is a happy man. Barry was knocking the door of second place all day and without a pit crew decided to leave the bike swap a little later than usual giving Roger Aiken the opportunity to get a gap on lap 4. It was a tremendous effort to take 3rd place.
Where are my pit crew?
Next in was myself who finally managed to put a decent race together and claim 4th M40 and 21st place overall – the prize for this effort was that I got to take home most of the park. Graham Smyth who had a superb battling performance dug in to claim 30th place with Martin Grimley in 41st.
Anyone want to apply to be part of Barry’s Pit crew – I hear the pay is superb and the experience gained is invaluable. I hear though that he expects his whole team to be suited and booted for the prize giving 😉
Looking very dapper collecting his 3rd place
Hopefully you have enjoyed this report and are now wondering what to do next – I recommend sticking your name down on the forum so we know what volunteering you will be doing next weekend – remember even an hour makes all the difference – http://dromaracyclingclub.proboards.com/thread/1602/craigavon-cyclocross-round-volunteers-required
Finally a shout out to all the volunteers from NDCC that put on a fabulous event and a truly brilliant cyclocross course. Lets hope we can keep up the same level of professionalism.
