Report of the action
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K-Capital Cup - Round
4 Report of the action |
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| K Capital Cup - Round 4 - Castlewellan
Forest Park 20 April 2008 Sunday 20 April 2008 saw the fourth and final round of the superb K-Capital Cup MTB series. The final event was organised by the County Down club, XMTB and was held in Castlewellan Forest Park. This event attracted around 200 riders from across Ireland and even some from further afield. The day started cold with a strong easterly wind but by the end of the event the wind had dropped and the temperature had risen to finish on a pleasant afternoon. The course was changed from the last time this event was held in this forest due to an archery event that was happening at the same time. This meant that there were a couple of extra loops added to the single-track sections to ensure that the course length for senior riders remained over 3 miles long. The long fire road climb had been reduced, much to the pleasure of the riders, but in its place there was a short, sharp climb up to where the course entered the main forest. The forest floor was in excellent condition, dry and well marked out which made for some very fast times through the trees. XMTB had been working very closely with the Northern Ireland Forestry Service to set up the course. The Forestry Service lending their expertise in clearing several large trees that had fell across the course during the winter. The course still retained the format of two sections of single-track separated by a fairly flat fire road section. This offered the riders an opportunity to take on fluids while attaining great speed to the next section of wood. The 'back' section of the course was more open, giving some room for overtaking and finished on a great downhill section back to the finish line beside the lake. XMTB had organised a PA system and the commentator did a great job of letting the spectators know who was who and since there were several categories of riders on the course at the same time, the commentator was able to let everyone know who was leading. There were 12 riders in the Elite Mens event, held over 7 laps, and it saw another great battle between Robin Seymour (WORC), Niall Davis (IMBRC) and Conor McConvey (McConvey Cycles) this time with Niall getting the win, Robin coming in third and Conor finishing a terrific fourth, after getting a puncture on his first lap. The Elite Women's race was a 4 way affair with Melanie Spath (MAD) completing a hat trick of wins. Well done to Anne Duffy (Newry Wheelers) who finished fourth in this race but 2nd overall. The Junior race, riders aged 16-18, was held over 4 laps of the main course and saw Liam McGreevy (Banbridge CC) take a comfortable win here and for the series. He was followed by Paul O'Reilly (IMBRC) and Neill McGimpsey (XMTB) who finished this race as they had finished the series (2nd and 3rd respectively). There were 19 riders in the Experts category which was won by Ben Reid who had only entered one other race in the series and was unable to complete it. Congratulations to Michael Holland who gained another 4th place result. And well done Ross Galway (Dromara CC) for completing the 5 laps and finishing 12th. In the Masters category (30-39 year olds), James McCluskey (IMBRC) finished ahead of the other 28 riders to win both this 5 lap race and the overall Masters title with an impressive 3 wins and a second place. Another large bunch of riders, this time for the Vets category, lined up for their 4 lap race. In was William Mulligan (Banbridge CC) who impressed all with an excellent win to leave him with second place overall. Also giving a great performance was Paul McMenamin (Leisure Lakes) who finished third at this race and third overall. Further down the line there was a great battle between fellow club riders Maurice Mayne and William Forsythe (Banbridge CC). The largest group of riders on the day were the Sports riders with 45 men and 9 women lining up for their 2 lap ordeal. There was a second win for Kevin Stanley (EPIC) with Matt Hicknott finishing 3rd in this race but first overall. In the Sports Women's race in was another win for Rachel Wisdom who was followed home by Valerie O'Neill who improved one place on her result at Moneyscalp. Further down the line Dromara CC's Martin Grimley finished 23rd closely followed by rivals Ronnie Ogilby (XMTB) and Stephen Prentice (Banbridge CC) who finished in 27th and 30th position respectively. 
(photo courtesy of Andy Potts)
In the under 16 race there was a great win by William Boyd (XMTB) with Robert Scalon (WORC) in second place. The under 14s had two laps of the shortened main course with Robert Anderson (Juiced Orchard) taking the win over Kyle McEwan (XMTB). Dromara CC's Zak Hanna was pleased with his 7th place. The under 12s had a 2 lap course set out just for them. It was a Banbridge CC one and two with Mark Downey just beating James Curry for the win. The under 10s and under 8s all raced around a short circuit which started and finished in the forest at the top of the fire road. Stuart Dunlop (Banbridge CC) won the 2 lap under 8 race with his club mate Mark Buller hot on his heels. Dromara CC's Ben Hanna finished 5th despite being involved in a pile up on the first corner. The under 14 race was 4 laps of the same course with Banbridge CC providing the winner again (John Buller) followed again by club mate Richard Baird. Many thanks to XMTB for a well organised event. This marks the end of a great series of MTB action packed races but not the end of MTB racing for this season. Next week sees the start of the Irish NPS series with the Ulster rounds starting in May. A full list of the results can be found on the K-Capital cup website. For further comment and discussion about this race see our message board Video footage taken at the event Start of the main races Various scenes near the start/finish Photos by R & P Galway. Video and report by Martin |
Zak Starting
Zak passing 
Ross 
Ross through the trees 
Happy to finish 23rd !! 
Happy to finish 30th !! 
Martin & Deek |
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