Island Wheelers hosted Round 5 of the Ulster Cyclocross League at Windmill Wood, Dungannon. This event is now a regular fixture on the Cyclocross Calendar… and it is fair to say the park has never been in as good condition and this was evident in the fast and aggressive racing throughout all categories. We would like to thank Mid Ulster Council for all of their assistance in getting the park ready and for their continued support on the day.
With over 350 competitors there was a packed schedule of racing from 10:00am through to 3:00pm. The morning schedule was made up of Youth Racing and it was fantastic to see such a large turnout, proving just how great shape Youth Cycling is in Ulster.
The CX B Race & MTB Races where both highly competitive with some very tight racing. Bob Talbot of Harps CC took a tight victory over Island Wheeler, Dean Burnside who both finished some distance ahead of 3rd placed Nigel Gibson of Carn Wheelers. The MTB Support race was taken by Sean Featherstone who just pipped Cathal Hendron of Apollo CT.
Unfortunately this race was marred with a nasty injury to an Apollo CT rider and we would like to wish him a speedy recovery and thank our designated first aiders, Order of Malta & Fred McSorley of Apollo CT for their assistance.
In the Ladies Race we had the pleasure of welcoming Irish Elite Champion Beth Mccloskey of Scott Orwell Wheelers who made the trip to Dungannon for the race and she showed her class with a fantastic victory over Trudy Brown VC Glendale & Gill Smith of Pheonix. On a personal note, we are very proud to have been represented in the ladies race by Janice Hepburn & Brenda Ferrity, both of whom put in a fantastic performance on the day.
Our day culminated with the Elite Mens race with Barry Kellet Dromara CC edging a fantastic victory over Graham Boyd of XMTB and Christian Nachtigall of Phoenix in 3rd.
As with all these events, they simply cannot take place without those who volunteer their time to help out both in the run up to the event and on the actual race day itself. There is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes but we can guarantee you it does not go unnoticed and we are grateful for all assistance given.
We would also like to thank a few people although I hope I do not miss anyone out. Thank you very much to local club, Square Wheels who turned up with trays of sandwiches to help with our catering. Thank you once again to all of our Island Wheelers Club Members who gave up their time, both today and over this last few weeks.
Thanks to the Order of Malta & to Fred McSorley who stopped his race early to come to the aid of a fallen rider.
Thanks to Martin & Lisa for their help in comm’ing the event.
Mid Ulster District Council have been amazing over the years and this year has been no different, their work and commitment to making Windmill Wood the best it can be is really evident and it is fantastic to see this once unused park thriving again – not just today but on many weeknights & weekends.
Full results will follow as soon as they are posted on the Ulster Cyclocross Website.
Please click the link for full report, www.ulstercyclocross.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=114&Itemid=66
We will also try to share as many photo feeds as possible over the next few days. Thanks to The Belgian Project for the photo we have used.
THANK YOU ONE LAST TIME TO EVERYONE WHO CAME ALONG AND RACED AT ROUND 5 OF THE ULSTER CYCLCROSS SERIES AT WINDMILL WOOD.