Irish National Cyclo Cross Championships preview

This Saturday, 6th January, Irish Off Road Cycling legend Robin Seymour returns to school, and should he pass the test that awaits him he will lift the Irish National Cyclo Cross crown for an amazing fifteenth time.  The National Cyclo Cross Champs take place in the sprawling grounds of Banbridge Academy, the famous old school situated on the Lurgan Road on the edge of the County Down town.  For the promoters Banbridge Cycling Club, this will be the first time they have had the honour of promoting the prestigious cyclo cross event.

The course uses most of the school grounds and is a mixture of tarmac roads, single track, downhill descents, the infamous off camber corner, and the even more infamous run up at the tennis courts, which will have plank step overs to make it ultra infamous.

The 2006 Cyclo Cross showed that Robin Seymour is still the best cyclo cross rider in the country, his only defeat being at the hands of Team BHB rider Lewis Ferguson at Castle Park in Bangor, Seymour hampered with a ripped front wheel.  Ferguson recently won the Ulster title at Rostrevor, a great end to what had been an indifferent year for the young Holywood based rider, and he will be one of the favourites to prevent Seymour from taking the Irish title.  The only rider to beat Seymour to an Irish Cyclo Cross title in the past 15 years was Roger Aiken, the Dromore rider taking the title at Rostrevor in 2005.  Aiken recently rejoined Banbridge CC, and although he hasn’t raced in a cyclo cross event since the 2006 Champs at Corkagh Park, Aiken will be out to bring the title to the Bann Club.

Other names who could threaten Seymour include Dubliners Niall Davis and Dave Barry (IMBRC) and Team Worc riders James McCluskey and Dave Gill.  Ray Brownfield (North Down) pushed Ferguson all the way in the race for the Ulster title and he should prove strong on the mixed terrain of the Academy course.  Castlereagh CC’s Glenn Kinning should also be a front runner with Newry Wheeler Mark McKinley, one of the most improved riders of the season, capable of a top three finish.  The Newry Club have been prominent at cyclo cross events this season, Conor Campbell could be an outside tip for success, the cycle shop owner being a superb all rounder, competing in XC, DH, Cyclo Cross and Road Racing.  Apollo CT’s Alistair McSorley  finished a close second to Seymour in the opening race of the season at Lurgan Park, the young Portadown based rider should also be amongst the leading contenders, he also has the added advantage of being a pupil at the Academy.

The Vets Class will be a demonstration event and will be given full championship status at the 2008 Champs, the battle of the ‘oldies’ being fought between Newry’s Peter McConville and XMTB ’s Robbie Lamont with Banbridge riders Jon Runciman and William Mulligan hoping for strong rides. Apollo Vet Fred McSorley was runner up in the Ulster Vets event, he could have a say on the top three finishers.  The Junior Class should see one of the best races in recent years with Banbridge CC’s Sean Downey a clear favourite to lift the Junior title.  Downey’s fellow Bann rider Liam McGreevy will be another title contender, especially after having recently taken delivery of a new bike.  Dubliner Paul O’Reilly could spoil the party for Banbridge CC after his strong rides 2006, in what was his first ever cyclo cross season.  XMTB’s Graham Boyd is another rider who should grab a medal.

Apart from the main category winners, the battle for the Team prize is always a closely fought affair, with the prize going to the best three riders from a Club to finish, they can be Senior,Juniors or Vets. Team Worc should start as favourites, however they will face strong opposition from Newry, Banbridge and North Down.

Riders who wish to take part in the National Cyclo Cross Championship event are reminded that they must have a 2006/07 Cycling Ireland Licence, no one day licences will be issued for the Champs.  The race caters for Senior Men/Women, Vets and Juniors, and will have a massed start.  No mountain bikes are permitted in the Cyclo Cross race.

The Academy event will also have a full support programme of races, with MTB riders having their own battle, the race for all Senior Men/Women and U-16 riders.  There will also be events for the remainder of the Youth Classes.

Sign on opens at 10am with racing starting at 11.30am with the U-8/U-10 events.  The U-12/U-14 classes start at 11.50am.  The MTB/U-16 event begins at 12.15pm with the National Cyclo Cross Championship scheduled to start at 1.15pm.  Entry fees for all Senior riders is £10 (euro 15), Juniors £7 (euro 10),

All Youth riders £3 (euro 5).  Please help the organisers by bringing the correct entry fee.

Banbridge Academy is situated on the Lurgan Road (A51) out of Banbridge.  The main gates of the school will be closed and all attending are asked to use the back entrance to the school ( a 100m passed the main gates), plenty of car parking space is available and full changing and showering facilities are available.

Category: Cyclo-Cross » |

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