Irish NPS Round 3 - Carlingford

Irish NPS Round 3
Carlingford
3 May 2009

Sunday 3 May 2009
Carlingford
Irish NPS Round 3

Round 3 of the Irish National Points Series of cross-country mountain bike racing took place on Sunday 3 May 2009 just outside Carlingford. The event, hosted by Cuchulainn Cycling Club, has always attracted a large gathering of mtb riders due in no small part to its central location along the Belfast to Dublin corridor. The course layout had not been altered much since last year with the main noticeably difference being a new route around the stream to make this section more rideable. The course had been a lot drier than last year but there was still the challenge of slippery rocks and roots to contend with. The weather on the day was very changeable with outbreaks of rain and sleet followed almost immediately by warm spring temperatures when the sun appeared from behind the gray clouds.

The start of the racing was delayed due to the volume of traffic and the number of riders still waiting to sign on. Eventually the course was cleared and the under 8s got away for two laps of a special course around the car park. Mark Buller (Banbridge CC) took the honours followed by Drew Armstrong (Dromara CC). In the 5-lap under 10s race it was a Banbridge one-two with John Buller beating his club rival Stuart Dunlop for top spot. Ben Hanna (Dromara) came 9th having just moved up to the Under 10s. In the Under 12s race it was Eoghan O'Reilly (Epic MTB) who finished first ahead of Richard then Joseph Baird both with Banbridge Cycling Club.

The under 14s circuit consisted of a large part of the adult course which may have put some of the riders off as only four appeared on the start line. This was a close run race between rivals Chris Oakley (XMTB McConvey Cycles) and Zak Hanna (Dromara CC). Chris crossed the line first with Zak only seconds behind.

The start line was then moved to the lower car park for the more senior races which were delayed until 12:30. In the under 16 race Banbridge rider Matthew Adair was in dominant form winning comfortably. This after winning in this age category in round 2 and coming third at the recent Scottish XC event in Aberfoyle. Next away were the sports men and women who had to complete two laps of the full course. It was encouraging to see the number of riders was up from last year. Rory MacLiam (The Edge) repeated his round 2 win ahead of Alan Bingham (Cuchulainn CC) and Kris Muldoon (Apollo). Unfortunately the other results from the sports race were not available after an administration error by the organisers. This did cause some annoyance among the sports riders but hopefully will not put the organisers off hosting another round at Carlingford. Within every event there are 'races within races' and in the sports race this was no exception. Away from the top spots was the rivalry between Stephen Prentice (Banbridge), Ronnie Ogilby (XMTB McConvey) and Martin Grimley (Dromara). This course suits Stephen the most and he proved himself by taking the lead ahead of his rivals early on and increased the gap throughout the two laps. This despite falling down a rocky slope and badly cutting both knees. With the adrenaline pumping Stephen went on to finish ahead of Ronnie who was followed a few minutes back by Martin. Stephen got four stitches in but hopes to be back racing soon.

The main competitive races of the day started around 2pm with the Elite men and women heading off first. The seven elite men had to complete 5 laps of the main course and it was series leader Peter Buggle (Rocky Mountain) who finished 3 minutes ahead of closest rider Gerry McCabe from the host club Cuchulainn CC followed within a minute by Aidan McDonald. Banbridge's Liam McGreevy was again a DNF this time with a rear wheel puncture.

In the four lap women's Elite race the top two positions were swapped over from the last round with Ciara McManus this time finishing ahead of Jackie O'Hagan (MAD). Silvia Gallagher taking third place.

In the four lap junior race the top four positions did not change from round 2 with Conal Higgins (Sorrento) finishing almost 10 minutes ahead of William Boyd (XMTB McConvey), who was 18 minutes ahead of Sorrento's Matthew Cosgrove and David McKenna.

The riders in the 'Expert' category left one minute later for their four laps and it was the host clubs Ray O’Shaughnessy (Cuchulainn CC) who took the win ahead of David O'Neill (Swords) who won in round 2. Behind David was unattached rider Kevin Stanley who has been in the top 10 in both previous rounds.

The vets (over 40s) had three laps of the course to complete. This category was won by Michael Jordan (IMBRC) ahead of Robert Lamont (XMTB/McConvey) and Paul McMenamin (Leisurelakes). Out of the battle today was round 1 winner William Mulligan (Banbridge) who got a rear wheel puncture. Further back in the finishers was Derek Hanna (Dromora) who had just returned to cross country racing after breaking his ankle 15 months ago.

In the Masters race it was another success for Oisin Boydell (MAD) who had won the opening round. Oisin was followed by Gordon Lucas (Team Worc), and Alfie Wallace (Epic).

This was a tough challenging course. The next round is at Magheramorne Quarry and will be hosted by Team Madigan.

Photos by Martin Grimley