Fair conditions for the Slieve Croob Hill Climb
The 9th edition of the Slieve Croob Hill Climb Challenge took place on Saturday 20 September 2025 hosted by Dromara Cycling Club. This event also doubled up as the Ulster Hill Climb Championships, the second year in a row this has happened.
The riders were greeted to sunshine when they turned up at Peter Morgan’s cottage at the bottom of Dree Hill. From there it is a 5 kilometre cycle to the top of Slieve Croob which incorporates around 355 metres of climbing (1,167 feet). The first rider set off at 10 am. Once they got to Slieve Croob car park, the riders went through the gate and then picked a line up through the pot holes to the top of the climb where their time was taken. There were no views at the top this year as cloud had settled on the hill which also brought the temperature down. The riders wasted no time returning to the cottage for tea and biscuits.
Well done to the 30 riders who made it to the top. Bad luck for Tomas McCabe who had to stop due to a mechanical.
Only one entry in the M70 category which was won by Michael Currid (Bann Wheelers CC). Alan Watson got a win for the host club in the M60 category with David Nixon (Shimna Wheelers Cycling Club) second.
The M50 category was the largest of the day with 8 riders. Neil McKenna (AHC Racing) repeated his win from 2024. Des Woods (Inspired Cycling) was second with Alastair Gribbon (Carn Wheelers) third.
Among the M40s it was Stuart McCaughey (Phoenix CC) who returned to defend his title from last year and picked up gold again this year. Aaron Parks (Banbridge CC) was second with Simon Torrens-Spence (Crossgar Cycling Club) third.
There were two women competing this year. Rachel Newell (McConvey Cycles) won the Senior women’s medal and Katrina Polack (Armagh City Cyclists) won the Masters women’s medal.
Adam Matthews (Banbridge CC) had a strong ride in the Junior men’s category, taking the second fastest time overall. Second place went to Elliott McKeegan (Team Madigan C.C.) who was just one second faster than James Armstrong (VC Glendale).
Gareth O’Neill (Athlete Nutrition Coach HD) was back to defend his Senior men’s title which he did, setting the fastest time of the day 14 minutes, 42 seconds. Conor Dooney (Foyle CC) was second with Stuart Millar (Ards CC) third and Ryan Burke (Old Bleach Cycle Club) fourth.
A special mention to Richard Nicholl (Banbridge CC) who had completed a 10 mile time trial earlier in the day and then came down to do the 5 km hill climb on his beautiful commuter bicycle with full mudguards and pannier rack.
Gareth O’Neill and Rachel Newell were presented with the king and queen of the mountain jerseys and will have their names engraved on the Slieve Croob Hill Climb trophy.
Commissaire: Phil Dickenson
Results: here
Report by Martin Grimley
Photos
The Belgian Project (Facebook) – here
Eddie Doyle – below
