Curtosy of: Cycling Ulster

Roger Aiken (Banbridge CC) was the star of the show at Banbridge CC’s Cyclo Cross, held on Saturday in the magnificent setting of Banbridge Academy. For the second time in 2007 the famous old County Down school hosted cyclo cross action, Saturdays course proving much faster than the course used for the Irish Championships back in January.

The cyclo cross race was an eight lap affair with Aiken and the infamous ‘yellow tights’ shooting into the lead as the riders tackled the climb up to Mount Misery for the first time. On the drop down from ‘Misery’ Aiken pulled clear of the pack as he swiftly negotiated a series of hairpin bends. By the end of the opening lap Aiken looked in total with the pursuing pack including Liam McGreevy (Banbridge CC), Glen Kinning (Castlereagh CC), Robert Lamont (XMTB), Mark Allen (Swords CC) and having a rare outing, Banbridge C’s off road legend Don Travers.

On the second lap Aiken was joined by McGreevy at the front of the race, the pair rapidly moving clear of a third place battle involving Kinning and Lamont. Strong riding English exile Mark Allen, who now wants to be known as an Irishman, was closing moving in on the Lamont/Kinning dual, with Don Travers having to contend with hard riding Graham Boyd (XMTB). On the third lap Kinning retired from the action due to not feeling well, this leaving Lamont in third but quickly coming under pressure from Allen. Aiken turned on the style on the fourth lap as he attacked young McGreevy to pull out a healthy lead. By the halfway point the race order was, Aiken, McGreevy, Lamont, Allen, Travers, Boyd and Epic rider Rory Walsh who was charging up the rankings after a slow start.

Roger Aiken rarely has a race without some sort of drama and sure enough on Saturday misfortune struck again. Just after starting the sixth lap he sustained a rear wheel puncture. In spite of the puncture Aiken actually still led the race as he entered the pits to change the wheel ending the sixth lap. McGreevy couldn’t believe his luck as he moved into the lead with the unfortunate Aiken still in the pits. Aiken rejoined the race in second place, but with only two laps to go it seemed unlikely that he would catch the young leader. At the end of the penultimate lap McGreevy took a brief look behind him only to see the flying yellow tights rapidly closing in.

Aiken retook the lead on the final lap as McGreevy’s legs seemed to give up on the short but sharp climb just after the start. Over the remainder of the final lap McGreevy did his best to get back on terms with Aiken, but the former Irish Champion defended his lead superbly, crossing the finish line 4 seconds ahead of the young pretender. Allen attacked Lamont on the final lap to secure third place, though fourth finisher Lamont was the first of the Vets to cross the line. In a dramatic dash to the line for fifth, Travers just got the verdict over Boyd, the finish that close that the pair were credited with the same time.

Rory Walsh finished on his own in 7th with Newry’ Gary Henning just pipping Banbridge rider William Mulligan for eighth, young Mulligan taking second in the Vets class. Tenth place went to Apollo’s Ali McSorley, the last rider not to be lapped by the leaders. Ali only returned home from Uni for the Xmas break on Friday night and is looking forward to the Irish Champs in Tymon Park. One place behind Ali was the third Vet finisher, his dad, super smiling Fred. The list of finishers was completed by Bann riders Simon Curry and Maurice Mayne.

In the MTB race Banbridge rider Phil O’Neill overcame a determined challenge from U-16 ace Jonny Beers (XMTB) to win the seven lap encounter. Taking a brilliant scond was Dromara CC’ Derek ‘Deek’ Hanna who left Bann ridrs Paul Anderson and Stevie Prentice in his wake. It has to down as one of Deek’s best ever results. In the Womens five lapper, Val O’Neill took another fine win ahead of fellow Bann riders Harriett Mayne and Nicola Oldham. Matthew Adair (Banbridge CC) grabbed another U-14 win though this time out Orchard Wheelers Mantas Spirgius was a very close second. Third place went to one of Emyvale’s young stars, the all smiling Niall McAree having an excellent ride to the final podium placing. XMTB’s Claire Oakley was the first lady finisher in fourth place.

Mark Downey proved to strong for the competitors in the U-12 race, the Banbridge rider leading throughout to cross the line ahead of Chris Oakley (XMTB) and Dan Runciman (Banbridge CC). Banbridge CC scored again when Jams Curry won the U-10 race in fine style ahead of Conor Nairn (XMTB) and Rachel Mayne (Banbridge CC). John Buller took the honours in the U-8 race, the young Banbridge rider finishing his 2007 season unbeaten. Runner up was Richard Baird with fellow Bann rider Shannon Buller in third.

Well done to all at Banbridge CC for a great event ay a superb venue, and the vegetable soup was very welcome on such a cold day. What a pity more of the cycling community did not support the event. The next Cyclo Cross action is on 30th December in County Cavan, promoted by TC Racing, the final workout before the Irish Champs on 6th January.

Category: Cyclo-Cross » Race Report |

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