Armstrong continues winning run as Foley takes his first podium
Did someone say winter was coming…..maybe it is delayed. The 7th round of the Ulster Cyclocross series would see Shimna Wheelers host at Donard Park. The Shimna Wheelers commander and chief Marcus Cromie organised his band of helpers to prepare a tough course which would prove very tricky with the wet ground.
The first up to test the course were the U6 crew and young Hetherington and Kellett managed to survive a spill to complete the course. In the U10 girls’ race, Aoife Kellett and Eva Cowan took to the start line to race around a savage course that would have tested all cyclists no matter what age. Aoife and Eva would battle hard to claim 6th and 12th respectively.
James Armstrong claiming the U12 top spot
The U12 boy’s race would see series leader James Armstrong take to the start line raring to go. It didn’t take him long to hit the front and open a gap over the rest but on a wet course anything can happen and on lap 2 he was on the ground. Thankfully he was back on the bike in a flash and building up a winning gap with some superb uphill efforts. The top spot on the podium seems to suit him these days and he doesn’t look someone ready to give it up anytime soon.
The U16 boys race would see Fraser Harrower tackle the full course and with plenty of uphill sections, he was in his element producing an awesome 5th place finish.
Diane Wilson on way to 5th place
Diane Wilson and Andra Hamilton would represent Dromara CC in the ladies race with Diane producing a great race to claim 5th place and not too far off the podium. Alas, Andra’s luck would run out and was unable to finish this week but I am sure she will bounce back for the final round.
Dromara B Racers on the move
The B Race had the largest numbers of the day and is always a very competitive affair. Kellett and McCann were on the front row of the grid with Booth, Hamilton, Chambers, Davison, Barton and Graham chasing from behind. McCann would make the first move and would battle for a podium place all race only to miss out to pick up 4th place. Brian Kellett had a great race to claim 8th place with Paul Hamilton keeping him honest taking 13th. The Booth Chambers battle was taken by Booth taking 17th a mere 20 seconds ahead of fast-finishing Gibson Chambers claiming a top 20 finish. Robert Davison would finish 32nd with Mike Barton taking 37th with Derek Graham falling short due a puncture on the first lap.
Mick Foley taking 3rd place in MTB Support race
The MTB Support race has been Mick Foleys bread and butter this season. Today, however, all that training around Tollymore has paid off with a 3rd place on the podium. An excellent result with no doubt more to come.
The Main race of the day would see Richard Cowan and Neil Armstrong battled it out in a very fast race with Neil claiming 25th place and 37th for Richard. Many thanks to the Dromara Sunday run for calling in to give support to everyone it is always very much appreciated.
Coach Hetherington making sure the B racers have their tactics right
Many thanks to Shimna Wheelers for putting on a great race and big shout out to all the helpers who took the time out of their schedule to make this race happen. Next week is the last in the Ulster Cyclo-Cross Championship and takes place at Ormeau Park. Finally a shout out to the Belgium Project for letting us use their photos.
