On Sunday 22nd October Killinchy CC hosted round 4 of the Ulster cyclo-cross series at Delamont Country Park, Killyleagh. This was our first time hosting a cyclocross event which was in planning by Scott and myself for the last year.  In the last few weeks running up to the event the catering, marshals and the course was finalised and looked good.  Then storm Ophelia hit with torrential rain, followed by Storm Brian just before the event!  We had our work cut for us that’s for sure.  After listening to the wind all night I got up and walked the course at 6am, Scott doing the same in the other direction.  Half of the posts were blown down and all three fields needed re-taped! But a quick message to the club members group and the troops came rolling in still in darkness.  What a great wee club to be part off!

Anyway it was all hands on deck to get the course ready again just in time for the first of the 300+ riders to arrive.

With the sign-on, catering, timing teams and marshals in place it was time to start the kids’ races.  First off were the under 6s with young Finn and Max representing Killinchy. We had Faye in the U8s, Rosanne, Elliot, Josh and Cole in U10s with Elliot grabbing 2nd spot.  In the 8 lap U12s race were Reuben and Zac, with Reuben taking the win.

During the kids prize giving the KCC team were getting the main course ready for the U14s, U16s and ladies races. Young Andrew rode the KCC colours in the tough 2 lap U14 race and our Claire rode well hauling her MTB around in the ladies race.

After the U14, U16 and ladies races it was time for the ‘A’ race with myself giving it a go.  I have to say I was a bit tired after plodding about in wellies for 3 days but I got around ok with a bit of leg cramp on the last 2 laps!

Next was the ‘B’ CX race and the MTB men support race.  We had Richard, Rod, Michael, Andy, Chris, James, and dirt virgin Phil in the Bs.  They all finished the 4 lap race.  Well done to Richard on the win!  It was great to see plenty of black and orange.

During the prize giving the big clear up began that went on until dark!  I don’t really know what to say to all the Killinchy members and non-members that helped on the day and the lead up to the event – Just a big THANK YOU from Scott and I.  I don’t think we totally knew what we were taking on a few months back!  I described the course as marmite – not because of the sticky ground conditions but because some loved it and some hated it.  But its fair to say most had a ball, both riders and spectators!

Also a big thank you to the guys at Delamont/Down Council , Killyleagh Nisa, Martin and Lisa, the Belgium Project , other clubs for the loan of posts, all the photographers and to our sponsors the Poachers Pocket Gastro Pub in Lisbane, Chain Reaction Cycles . Sorry if I have forgotten anyone!!  Next week we head to St Columb’s Park in Derry for round 5 hosted by Foyle CC.  A few photos below. More info and results on www.ulstercyclocross.com .

Cheers

Ross.

 

 

 

 

DELAMONT CX MAP V3