DCC gets an Ulster CycloCross Championship
Many consider cyclocross to be a steeplechase with modified road bikes on a 2km course over hill and dale; others consider it muddy hell.
What a cyclocross season it has been with Dromara CC. After a superb Ulster cyclocross series came the Ulster CycloCross Championships which brought the best Cyclocross riders to have one final race. There is no “B” race and no where to hide in a race like this.
The rain and ice had subsided to leave the Drum Manor course at Cookstown in perfect conditions to test even the most experienced cyclocrosser. Of course the course always needs churned up so the MTB Support race is always at hand to do that job.
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In the MTB Support race saw Peter Davidson take a well earned 9th place with Robert Davidson producing an excellent performance to show the auld man still has fire in the belly to take 10th place.
The next race saw the Veteran Men and the Ladies Vet and Open race take place. In the Mens Veterans race Paul Mawhirt and Derek Graham fought it out at Drum Manor in the M40’s. Derek Graham producing an awesome performance and proving he just loves the muck however witha couple of laps to go and inside the top 10 disaster struck and a puncture would end his race. Paul went on to take an excellent 8th place finish. In the M50’s Mike Barton showed he still loves this cyclocross sport coming in 8th place.
Derek enjoying the mud
Paul tackling the mud and taking 8th Place in the M40’s
In the ladies race Dromara CC’s Lisa Millar and Martina Hawkins started the Race which was going to be a very hard fought affair. Lisa having only recently recovering from injury was looking to capture some of her early form. Martina who has been racing the MTB all season and decided to try the cyclocross a go.
The Ladies race was closely fought with the leader changing through out the race. With such a hard race it took real determination to plough on until the end. When the finish flag had been waved and the dust had settled Dromara CC has their very own Ulster Cyclocross Champion Lisa Millar.
Battling to her Ulster Champ Victory
Martina having only taken up the sport has shown that the muck is just another challenge to over come. She provided a spirited performance to claim her Silver medal in the Lady Veteran Category. Next year no doubt we will see her back looking to go one better.
Martina enjoying her first Ulster Championship and getting a silver
The final race of the day was the Mens Elite and Mens Junior’s to complete the day. In the Mens Elite race Barry Kellett, Graham Smyth, Richard Cowan and Graham Beckett started in a very select field of cyclocross racers. The race started with Barry “holeshot” Kellett leading the way onto the field but was soon hunted down by Glenn Kining who is having an amazing season. With Glenn away Barry dug in to hold onto his second place and collect and very impressive silver medal in the Ulster Championship.
Barry taking his silver medal
With the top three away it left the Graham’s and Richard to battle out the other positions. Graham Beckett shot off at the start and looked like he was having a great race but the Drum Manor course is harder than it looks and Graham Smyth and Richard finally got pass to have there own personal battle. Graham S managed to improve his cornering but Richard C is still running into tree’s that wont get out of the way. After that incident Graham S had a gap that he held onto right until the line……next time Graham…… next time.
Out of my way trees!!!!
So all in all a very successful trip to the Ulster CX Championships with an Ulster Champ and two silver medals to bring home. Finally hats off to Carn Wheelers for running a very well organised event.
Just the nationals to go now on the 11th January 2015…..see you there??
