NDCC host 10th and final round of the Ulster CX series

Published by admin on December 12, 2016

It was back to Castle park for the Bangor race after a change of venue last year. The course was totally different than last time using a lot more of the field area but still had plenty of forest trail sections to keep the off-roaders happy. The grass area was surprisingly damp and quickly cut up with the section near the pits nearly unrideable towards the end of the races. The rest of the course was fast paced with only one set of steps to force you off the bike.
We had Elliot in U10s, Reuben and Andrew in U12s, Big Andrew in the mtb support, James giving racing a go for the first time in the CX ‘B’ race and Scott and Ross in the ‘A’s…..

Elliot had a great 6th place while Reuben and Andrew got 6th and 8th respectively in their race. Andrew E just missed out on a podium with a 4th in the 22 rider mtb field. Wee Andrew’s dad and newbie racer James put his CX machine to some use and gave the B race a go and did really well, finishing the race upright! – It was a tough course to be starting out on. Well done James!

In the A race was Scott and myself (Ross). After a weekend of Christmas parties neither of us were on top form but managed to steer the bikes round for 6 laps finishing in 28th and 37th out of the 46 rider field. It wasn’t all bad as I was pleased to finish 12th overall in the league in the senior men category and Scott ending up 16th overall in the M40 cat (even with his mechanicals)!!

Have to mention young Drew who was sick this weekend but finished 2nd overall in the U16s – a great result for him and the club.

Thanks to North Down CC for another well organised event and to Bronagh Kirk and the Belgium project for the photos.

Full result on www.ulstercyclocross.com . Next week is the Ulster championships in Mallusk (U14 and above races) hosted by Kinnings. In the new year we have two more Kinnings league races and the CX highlight of the season that is the Irish Championships, hosted again by Dromara CC in Tollymore.

Andy E on his new toy: