Dromara CC Cyclo Cross - Island Centre Lisburn
The Ulster Cyclo Cross season ended in superb fashion on
Saturday with Roger Aiken (Banbridge CC) clinching yet another victory,
his next outing, the defence of his Irish Championship in Dublin on 8th
January.
The entire event proved an outstanding success for the promoters, Dromara Cycling Club, new members of Cycling Ireland this year. After much haggling with various authorities, Dromara CC only got the go ahead for the race last week. Dromara CC wishes to thank Lisburn City Council, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and CANN for there help in securing this impressive venue.
This was the first ever Open race to be staged by the County Down Club, yet an excellent course was set out, and as for marshals, let's just say they could have taught some of the more established Clubs a lesson or two.
The course was based at the Island Centre in Lisburn,
which sits in the middle of the River Lagan, with features of the course
including fast tow paths, stepped climbs, and a draggy grassy field, just
to slow things down! Thirty two riders signed on for the senior race, held
over ten laps. The opening lap saw the usual suspects move to the front,
Roger Aiken leading a train of riders comprising Andy Layhe and Alistair
McSorley (both Apollo), Peter McConville (Newry Wheelers), Owen Jeffries
(Dave Kane) and Philip Roche (Team Worc). Ending lap two, the race became
a dual, with Irish Champion Aiken and newly crowned Ulster Champion Layhe
moving clear of the pack. Ending the third lap Aiken crashed on a
slippery, grass covered downhill section, remounting to find himself
relegated to second behind Layhe...
On lap six Aiken retook the lead but the Dromore rider still
faced a strong challenge from Layhe. Jeffries was a safe bet for third as
Roche and McConville continued their epic struggle for fourth. Evan Ryan
had broken clear of the all Southern battle, holding a good sixth, the
battle behind him not epic, but bloody fantastic. Oram frantically holding
seventh from O'Brien, Blake-Dillon and Galloway.
As the winter sun eventually came out on a cool winter’s
day, Aiken completed the race to win by 30 seconds from Layhe, an
exceptional ride by both riders considering they both had the cold.
Jeffries, a late starter to the cyclo cross season due to studies, was
third, and a certain medal contender at the Irish Champs. The large
gallery of spectators saw a brilliant sprint for fourth as Roche ran the
final few metres to just pip McConville. Ryan was fortunate to take sixth,
crossing the line a mere second ahead of Galloway. Blake-Dillon, with
Galloway had broken clear of the Southern battle on the closing lap, the
Cycleway rider finishing eighth, and the first Vet over the line. The dual
for the final two top ten places was an all IMBRC affair. Reaching the top
of the final set of steps, only 100m from the finish, Oram was just ahead,
but as the pair charged over the bridge to the finish O'Brien chose to
run, it turned out to be the better option, in spite of Oram making
himself very wide O'Brien just got the verdict on the line. Paul Anderson
(Banbridge CC) was the best MTB finisher in 14th, while Graham Boyd made
his debut in the main event to win the Junior award. Dromara CC had its
second success of the day with Caroline Adams winning the Ladies award. A
prize was given to the best placed Dromara CC finisher, Ronnie Smyth in
12th place, with Gary Gibson 20th. Trevor Annett,
22nd and Nigel Sudlow 27th. Great results for Gary
and Nigel, as for both of them it was their first race.
The Youth races did
not receive much support. In the U-14 class Dromara CC rider Mathew
Patterson had a good win over William Boyd (XMTB) and Harriet Mayne
(Banbridge CC). Michael Runciman (Banbridge CC) took the U-12 race from
Dromara's Ben McKelvey with Banbridge rider Rachel Maine taking the
honours in the U-10 race. 
Dromara CC wishes to thank all who took part, marshalled and helped in any way. Special thanks for the excellent support from Banbridge CC, with their time keeper Wilbur Aiken and Commissar Andy Potts invaluable to us. Last but not least To Cycle-Zone, Railway Street, Lisburn who sponsored the under age races.
On Tuesday 27th of December Dromara CC will be having their annual Christmas MTB Trail quest event. This event is suitable for both Mountain bikes and Cyclo-Cross bikes. The start will be at Brennans Service Station, Seaforde who once again this year are kindly sponsoring this charity event. Start is from 10.30am with a three hour time limit, with groups of 2-3 taking part. Entry fee is £5 for adults and £1 for under 16.
Dromara Cycling Club will be presenting two Charity Donation cheques, relating to profits from Our Hilly 125 in August 2005.
The beneficiaries are, The Wellman Clinic, for prostate cancer and Home start, help for disadvantaged children
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Most of the above was written by Andy Potts and <<<
Trevor is responsible for the rest
Top photos are from W J Lavery wj.lavery@virgin.net while the 9 above your man here were taken by Dennis McMullan
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