Future Racers, Trailbuilders and Olympicians under 8’s/10’s NPS race report 
Under 8’s Race report The future racers, trailbuilders and Olympicians of Irish mountainbiking got the days racing off to a brisk start with 3 laps of the U8’S specific course. The tape went up and the 11 strong field from six different clubs across Ireland roared up the fireroad, they then took a sharp left into the forest make very tricky by the sharp incline that preceded it. Showing great skills and balance as they entered the technicial section was Lewis from XMTB, Sam and and Christopher from Banbridge alongside Tom, Jack and Frank from Carn Wheelers. The riders then swept down the fast and technical section while parents and supporters watched, encouraging and held their breath ! IMBRC’S very own Alannagh Murphy showing her class as was Shane from Phoenix CC. Once more up the fireroad and not much in it in the race for medals Christopher Curry of Banbridge CC with a lead over IMBRC’s David McGarr and the two Desmond’s Donnacha and Fionn of MBCC in hot pursuit. All rode strongly to maintain these positions in the final lap, Christopher crossing the tape to take a well deserved win from David in second and Donnacha in third. Alannagh Murphy crashed coming out of the singletrack on the last bend, showing great determination and spirit she jumped straight back on to finish strongly and claiming first girls spot and second IMBRC medal of the day! Well done all, the future of MTB in Ireland very safe !
Under 10’s Race report Two grids and ten riders lined up for the 3 lap under 10’s race, the course being twice the size of the u8’s loop. Mark Buller (Banbridge cc)
got off to a great start in lap one followed closely by Drew Armstrong (XMTB)
and Cathir Doyle of Carn Wheelers. Epic’s Ross Ennis was pushing hard as were Banbridge CC’S Jack Baird and James Buller. A Strong field in the girls race comprised of Katie Jordan from IMBRC alongside Anna Russell and Sarah Elder both of Carn Wheelers but out in front and building a lead was Niamh McKiverigan. There was some movement in positions in the forest with Mark managing to stay ahead of Drew but only just with Cathir chasing 3rd as they entered the final lap. A fiercely fought battle saw Drew Armstrong put in a big effort to overtake Mark in the final stretch of the race for first place, with Cathir coming in third. Niamh McKiverigan lead from start to finish to claim the girls prize followed by Carn wheelers duo Sarah Elder and Anna Russell second and third. Well done to all, this was a tough course raced well by all !
Many thanks to Centra for sponsoring the goody bags as an extra prize, the Cycle Inn for continued support and Haribo for the yummie jelly's. I have some photos of the prize giving which I will post asap. I hope you all enjoyed racing as much as Davey and myself and all the other marshals enjoyed being part of it.
Many thanks Dave
