Last weekend saw the Island Wheelers gain 6 National medals, which was a good reward for their long journeys, at the XC National championships which took place in Fossa, Killarney, hosted by Killarney CC.
Racing started at 10am on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning with Aliyah 3rd in the girls and Ciaran put in a great ride to claim 4th in the boys U8 race.
Next up were the U10s, Shane got 4th in a sprint to the line for 3rd and Adam rode a powerful race again, just missing out on the win in another sprint finish.
Race of the day had to be the U12’s, in what was a thrilling race, the 3 friends Darren, Ben (Dromara) and Dean (xmtb) who have contesting for podium spots and playing together all year, had a race for the line to become national champion. The race was nip and tuck the whole way with the 3 boys making a break on the 2nd lap from their closest rivals, and from that point we knew that one of the boys were going to win the race. The boys snaked through the single track, making it look easy! They then entered the field and with the finish line in sight, Ben made his move winning by a tyres width from Dean with Darren in 3rd, with only a second! separating the 3 lads on the line.
Sean who was competing in the Masters category was our only senior rider on the day. Sean was under pressure before he even started as both his sons had picked up medals in the youth races earlier in the morning. In what was a poor start by Sean’s standards, he soon found his rhythm and worked his way up the field and at one stage in the 3rd lap was in 2nd place. With a 4th lap to do tiredness and the heat played its part, Sean held of rivals and crossed the finish line in 4th, behind some very strong S1 and S2 riders. Well done Sean, 1st senior rider with a national xc medal for the wheelers!
Well done to all members and their families for representing the wheelers.