Podiums all round at Foyle CycloCross
After the stonegate at Armagh CX followed by a muckfest at Delamont last week there was much work in the mechanics department getting the CX bikes back up and running for Foyle Cyclocross. Thankfully the numerous storms had passed and this weekend the weather was kind with the sun finally splitting the trees. The ground may not have dried out but their was plenty of happy faces after the practice lap.
The Junior contingent of Dromara CC were down in numbers this week but the podiums still kept coming with first Aoife Kellett producing another battling performance in the Under 8’s to claim 2nd place on the podium and keeping pressure on Kellett Senior to match or better her result. In the Under 10’s boys race young James Armstrong has been battling to improve his run of 3rd places and today he would put in a brave performance to snatch 2nd place.
The Dromara CC Senior team were also down on numbers but that didn’t stop Mick Foley making the journey up to take part in the MTB Support Race. All season Mick has been improving and has been unlucky not to already be on the podium but a super ride today would see him finally take 3rd place and an opportunity to get his feet on the podium. Hopefully it wont be the last time we see that this season.
The B Race would see the return of John McGuigan to the start line of a cyclocross race and he clearly loved getting back into the action with a superb performance. Bryce Hetherington would keep him company and all his training was certainly paying off as he finish strongly collecting a couple more places before the finish line. The final Dromara CC ‘B’ racer was young Jack Ferguson who certainly enjoyed the drier conditions as he took the lead from the second lap and never looked like giving it up even with a few rolls in the leaves to give others a chance. With Jack claiming his win meant he was upgraded to the ‘A’ Race.
Neil Armstrong had finally got enough points from the B race to be promoted up to the A race and complete the Dromara CC ‘A’ Team. The race was fast from the gun and didn’t slow down any on a much longer lap than previous years. Barry Kellett was in the mix from the go as he took the holeshot into the forest and it would be nip and tuck between Barry, David Montgomery, Ronan Mcllauglin & Graham Boyd. Neither men would let anyone get away and they remained a tight group of 4 for the whole race with the final sprint around the track to sort out the placings. When the dust had finally cleared David Montgomery would take the win with Barry taking second and Graham Boyd completing the podium. With Richard Cowan and Neil Armstrong completing the team and finishing well up the field.
Many thanks to Foyle Cycling Club for putting on an excellent event and a big shout out to all the volunteers who helped make it happen. Next week Island Wheelers will be the host as we head across to Dungannon.
