Medals Galore at Ulster CX Champs

by Rich · December 14, 2015

With conditions suggesting that the Ulster Champs were going to be a skiing or canoeing champs it turned out to be more a running championship. The rain gods decided that we had enough rain over the course of the week and didnt require anymore up at Ulster Champs.
This was a new course and plenty of hard work from Carn Wheelers to get everything ready was fully appreciated considering the atrocious weather.

First up for the race was the Under 14’s where Ben Wilson has been battling with Darren Rafferty all season but on a technical course like this it was young Ben that prevailed taking top spot on the podium.

Paul Watson on his way to a top 5 finish

In the M50 Dromara had the largest number of riders with Stephen Nugent, Mike Barton, Robert Davidson and Paul Watson. Paul Watson had a tremendous race taking 5th place in a very competitive field.

Robert Davison sporting his new top

The M40 saw Brian Wilson and a new ‘auld lad’ take to the start line. Alas it was too much running for me but Brian battled through to a very respectable 14th.

Brian Wilson all under control

In the ladies race Diane Wilson had a great race taking second place and hunting down first place…if only there had been another lap.

Diane looking relaxed at the start

Finally the main race of the day was the Elite racers which saw Barry Kellett, Nathan Mullan, Peter Davison and Graham Smyth test themselves against the best Ulster CX riders. Barry Kellett after a poor first corner grafted through the field to take 3rd Elite rider. Graham Smyth with no pit bike put in a brave performance to collect a 15th place. Nathan Mullan is enjoying the CX for his first season and certainly showed that he can hold his own taking 19th place. Alas Peter had about as good as race as myself but I am sure he will back faster and stronger for the nationals providing there is less running.