The course itself had three main sections: a tight technical single track beside the river; followed by a climbing section of fire track (including a short sharp climb which had some of the riders dismount and push their bikes up); this lead up to a fast narrow single track along the top of the forest with a short slippery downhill back to the start/finish.
The first section had been full of roots and was quite 'sticky' in parts. Danny had mentioned that it had rained heavily on Monday night and this part of the course had not fully dried out yet. It did present a challenging section for all riders with few opportunities for any overtaking.
The hill climb really tested the legs of the riders especially the final section which plunged the riders back into the forest where the air was dense and humid.
The top section was not very technical but very quick. However, like the first section, there was hardly any room for overtaking.
So how did Dromara Cycling Club get on I hear you ask?
In the 5 lap Masters race, Derek Hanna finished an impressive 10th and was cheered on by his two very enthusiastic sons, but crossed the line exhausted.. In the 4 lap Vets race, our beloved leader Trevor Annett managed a respective 16th in his first MTB race of the year. Trevor is does not really like the downhill bits and Ben Hanna did mention that he was a coward for walking at the "bomb hole", but Trevor finished and did not seem to be too distressed, must try harder!.
A special mention should go out to Dromara newcomer Alexander Magowan (under 14s) who completed the tough 2 laps of the main course in his first ever race. Alexander's only MTB experience was a couple of practice laps of the Castlewellan course, well done Alexander.
Well done to Dromara but also a big thank you to the race organisers who had set up a great course, with sign in, banners, sign posts to the venue etc and a free bottle of water/sports drink at the end for all riders. It all made for a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Following the success of last years Titanic Duathlon Series, Queen’s University Triathlon Club held the first of this years duathlon series on Saturday 21st April in the historic Titanic Quarter site.
A duathlon involves a 2 mile run followed immediately by a 10 mile cycle finishing with a further 2 mile run. The event is designed to attract anyone interested in multi events sports who are looking for an easy and simple way of getting into the likes of duathlon and triathlon.
109 competitors came to the start line beside the Drawing Office where the Titanic and many other famous liners were designed, including Bill and Ben McKelvey and Peter Swann from Dromara CC
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The first junior was 13 year old Ben McKelvey who also won the special prize for Endeavour Ben completed the course in a very respectable 69mins and even managed to pass a lot of other competitors on the cycle. Definitely a talent to be nutured for the future. |
Bill McKelvey also successfully completed the event with Peter Swann placing a respectable 44th in under 59 minutes.
The event website is www.titanicduathlon.com.
Entry is open to absolutely anyone. No experience is required of duathlon. All you need is any form of bike, running gear and a cycle helmet