Contributed by: Andy Potts

The International K-Capital Cup series came to a superb end today at Castlewellan Forest Park, the fourth and final round promoted by XMTB. Once again the weather was kind with the forecasted rain thankfully staying away and following the recent dry spell the course was in immaculate condition.

Robin Seymour clinched the Elite title with an emphatic win, Wicklow rider finishing well clear of the Niall Davis, winner of rounds two and three. Scottish rider Gareth Montgomery was third with German rider Bennjamin Sonntag fourth. In the Elite Ladies class. Beth McCluskey once again reigned supreme as she took another convincing win ahead of Tarja Owens, Scotland’s Ruth McGavigan and XMTB’s Ciara McManus. The Junior race was an all Banbridge CC dominated affair as Sean Downey and Liam McGreevy spent the entire five laps in nose to tail formation, with Downey taking the win by less than a bikes length, Downey also taking the overall title.

Team Worc’s French exile Yvan Sugno wrapped up the Experts title with another runaway success. Dave Barry of IMBRC was second as Newry’s Connor Campbell took a fine third. Joe McCall was confirmed as Masters champion following his win over Team Worc riders Dave King Smith and Gordon Lucas. The old mens event saw Aidan McDonald notch up his fourth win in the series to take the Vets title. Cuchulainn’s Gerry McCabe was runner up, finishing a race at last without any blood seaping from his limbs. In his best ever performance, jovial Andy Burns of Orchard Wheelers took third.

The Sports Mens race was won by Cathal McCarthy (MBCC) as XMTB’s Matt Casey snatched a brilliant second with Seamus Byrne(Cuchulainn) third. Robert Magee of the Nomad Club was the overall series winner. Sadhbh Baxter made the long trip from Galway to score her third win in a row and clinch the Sports Ladies series. Newry’s Ann Duffy was runner up with Inga Doak (M.A.D.) third.

XMTB’s Jonny Beers scored a fine win in the U-16 event, Jonny also taking the title. In his best outing for a long time, Chris Cameron took second, as the all XMTB podium was completed by Willam Boyd. The U-14 race was won by Banbridge rider Michael Runciman, though the result could have been different had runaway leader Matt Adair not had to run for much of the last lap after a crank broke off. Matt just lost to Michael in the short sprint to the finish. Dubliner Robert Scanlon took third, a young rider with a bright future. Banbridge rider Mark Downey took the U-12 race from fellow Bann rider Dan Runciman and XMTB’s Chris Oakley.

James Curry completed his domination of the U-10 class with his fourth win in a row. Newry riders Luke Hanna and Cain McConvey were second and third. John Buller clinched the U-8 series with his third win, crossing the line just ahead of fellow Banbridge riders Richard Baird and Shannon Buller.

Many thanks to all the riders who supported the K-Capital series, it has certainly raised the level of Irish MTB. A big thanks at Castlewellan go to the course builders, time keepers and Suzie Mayne’s excellent catering set up.

Race Results from Cycling Ulster »

Category: Mountainbike » |

...........................................................................................................................................................................