MTB league – Round 7 report

Dromara CC held Round 7 of their Mountain bike League on Tuesday 28^th May. The popular XC format attracted 15 riders to the start line for last Tuesday’s race.

The course itself took in some fast flowing single track down through the picturesque forest with the odd lump and bump with its rocks and roots to keep the riders focussed on their lines. Usually this is the most fun part of the race as it includes features such as chutes and stream crossings, as climbing back up via fire roads on the bikes can be tough!

The handicap system employed for timing purposes allows cyclists of differing ages and abilities to compete against each other on a level playing field, even if the course is anything but. At the end of the evening’s event the podium places were all occupied by those doing a three lap race. Lucky number 7 rang true for Cameron McCusker who claimed top spot with an overall time of 37m 11s. Wannita Broome kept the cadence up and crossed the line 8m 45s behind to take second, and a further 4m back was her son Karter to take a hard earned 3^rd place.

Three riders pulled up due to varying technical difficulties including ‘unlucky No. 13’ Mick Foley who, unfortunately, could not repeat earlier success in the season this time out.

Further down the field saw some hard fought battles between the riders tasked with completing 5 and 6 lap races with only a matter of minutes separating 9 competitors! Ben Wilson stepped up to do a challenging 6 laps, and a chasing Barry Kellett achieved the fastest lap of the evening with an impressive 8m 11s lap. Well done to all who took part on what proved to be a fun but challenging course.

The league continues on the 18^th May with another handicapped XC round.

Report by Bryce Heatherington