Ulster Cyclo Cross Championships
J.C Campbell Kilbroney Cyclo-Cross
This Saturday the Ulster Cyclo Cross Championships take place at one of Ireland’s most popular venues, the Kilbroney course in Rostrevor. Promoted by Newry Wheelers for the second year in succession, the race promises to be a feast of cyclo cross racing. For 2007 the course has been modified to add to the excitement of both riders and spectators.
The Newry Club are once again glad to announce that J.C. Campbell Citroen/Honda will sponsor the event, for the sponsors Colin Campbell said: “I am delighted with the way the event was both organized and recognized in 2006. Cyclo cross is a great sport to watch as well as take part in.”
The prize list is impressive for the race with prizes for underage races and no less than 12 prizes in the senior event totaling £300, including a team prize with Ulster medals also on offer for all the various categories. The main cyclo cross event is open to all riders, though only Cycling Ulster riders can win medals; the same applies to the team prize. So who are the main riders to look for?
The 2007 Cyclo Cross season has been largely dominated by Team BHB’s Lewis Ferguson, the defending Ulster Cyclo Cross Champion, the young Holywood based rider having scored top three finishes in all his races including wins at Larne and Carrickfergus. Ireland’s ‘big two’, Robin Seymour (Team Worc) and Roger Aiken (Banbridge CC) have yet to clash this season, Seymour is down to ride on Saturday with Aiken hopefully getting back in time for the race from a trip to Belgium. Seymour has two wins under his belt this season in the only two races he has competed in, Tymon Park and Corkagh Park. For Aiken his only win was at Castle Park in Bangor where he totally demolished the opposition.
The promoting Newry Club will have their own favourites in the race. Conor Campbell is having a superb season and could spring a surprise on home soil. Mark McKinley missed last years Ulster Champs due to illness, though he did do an excellent job as race commentator! Mark rode in the first race of the season at Lurgan, but was then forced to sit out a number of events due to an injury sustained at work. The other Newry hopeful is Gary Henning who is enjoying his second cyclo cross season and capable of producing a very strong ride. Apart from Aiken, Banbridge have two young rising stars, Liam McGreevy and Sean Downey. McGreevy has had a great season so far and should feature on Saturday. For Downey, the reigning Irish Junior Cyclo Cross Champion, this is an ideal opportunity to add the Ulster title to his rapidly growing trophy cabinet.
One name missing from cyclo cross action so far this season has been Ray Brownfield (North Down), last year at Kilbroney Park it was Brownfield who pushed Ferguson all the way, will history be repeated? Other riders to look for include, Graham Boyd (XMTB), Glenn Kinning (Castlereagh CC), Ross Blaney (Ards CC) and as an outside bet what about Irish Downhill ace Michael Cowan (Chain Recation Cycles). The entry will of course be boosted by riders from the South which will add extra spice to the occasion. Joining Seymour in the Southern attack should be Phil Roche and Dave Gill (both Team Worc), Paul O’Reilly and Luke Manning (both IMBRC) and, English exile Mark Allen who currently rides for Swords CC.
The Vets contest always creates plenty of attention. Having returned to the fold last weekend in Dublin, XMTB’s Robbie Lamont should be amongst the list of contenders, which includes Peter McConville (Newry Wheelers), William Mulligan (Banbridge CC) and the ever jovial cyclo cross loving doctor, Apollo’s Fred McSorley.
For the Newry Club, race organizer Drew McKinley declared: “It is great to have a local sponsor on board. Cyclo cross races have been taking place in Kilbroney Park for 20 years and to have a sponsor of the prestige of J.C. Campbell on board is great for the race and the sport. Last year the race attracted one of the best entries in Ireland, the racing and the weather were both superb. With the facilities, Kilbroney is an excellent venue.”
The programme will include youth races and a mountain bike race. Following racing, Rostrevor GAA will be the venue for the presentations and après race food.
The order of events is as follows:
11.45am U8/U10/U12
12.15pm MTB Race/U16/U14
1.15pm Ulster Cyclo Cross Championship
