More Mud sweat ‘n’ Gears |
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A grey cool day brought us to the majestic
setting of Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor for The National Cyclo Cross
Championships.I was unable to take part, much to my disappointment, as
Dromara CC are not affiliated to world cycling body, the UCI. I managed 5
laps of the course before the main race started. The course was about
75% grass and 25% forest trails and a small river to ford.
Bob Patterson & Ronnie Smyth were
riding for The Banbridge Cycling Club team, with Roger Aiken as its leader.
With Don Travers return, Willie Mulligan, Paul Anderson and Jon Runicmon,
they were strong contenders for the team prize.
A mass charge down hill over the open grassland,
made the start look larger, than the 46 riders who were entered. The first
lap only covered half of the complete 2 mile course, but battle had been
joined by the young pretender Roger Aiken and the 13 time champion Robin
Seymour, who were both well clear, of the already well strung out
remainder of the field.
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Ronnie lead Bob for 6 of the 7 laps, but Bob was
closing in when Ronnie's chain jammed on the last lap, losing him a number
of minutes. I watched the two leaders out of the last forest section,
leaving them 200 yards to go. A fast compacted path section before the 75
yards of grass to the finish line, saw the more experienced road skills of
Roger give him the advantage and the victory over Robin by a mere 2 seconds.
Bob finished a very creditable 25th and Ronnie 33rd.
The team prize was won Team Worc from Bray Co
Wicklow, with Banbridge in 2nd place. Willie Mulligan was the best placed
vet in 18th place, with Bob not to far behind.
From may spectators perspective in was a great
race, a bit cold after riding the course, but the wet feet from the river
was probably to blame.
The Ulster Cyclo Cross Championships, will be
held in Lurgan Park on Sunday 23rd January 2005, hosted by Apollo CC. I will
be taking part on that day, as Dromara CC will be affiliating to Cycling
Ireland. If all goes well, we will then run a round for next years league
series.
Trevor Annett; secretary.
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Bob |
Ronnie |
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All photograph reproduced by kind permission of Marian lamb - www.cyclingulster.com &
Eric Blayney www.mtbleague.com |
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