Round 1 of the HSBC UK Cross-country series took place at Sherwood Pines over the weekend of 24/25 March 2018. The Cycling Ulster team and other Ulster riders proved without any doubt that our guys and girls are capable of mixing it with the best in the UK. The Cycling Ulster team consisted of Ben Wilson, Cameron McIntyre, Darcey Harkness, Lee Harvey, Niamh McKiverigan and Thomas Creighton. They were supported by Simon Curry, Gareth McKee, Nicola McKiverigan and Gareth Skelly.
Young Travis Harkness was first on the course for Carn Wheelers in the U14’s. Unfortunately after three corners of the 5km course he had a chain break. Not deterred, Travis ran the course to the technical zone which was 2/3 of the way around the course to get it fixed.
The U16 were next with Cycling Ulster had Ben Wilson and Darcey Harkness. Also on the start line as a first year U16 representing his club Kinning cycles was Dean Harvey.
The boys were off first from the back of a 55 rider grid. Both had great starts, Ben was caught up in a touch of bikes which resulted with him over the bars. He dusted himself down and started from the back to claw his way back through the field while young Dean put in a sterling effort.
Dean finished 27th and Ben 41st
Next up was Darcey Harkness for Cycling Ulster. On the last of a 21 rider grid and the first time starting in a bunch Darcey had a good start and a solid first performance to see her finish 14th overall.
The next race was the vets with Brian Steele from Shimna entered. In what was a tough field of riders Brian came home in 21st out of a 66 rider field.
The Junior females followed and Cycling Ulster has Niamh Mckivergan in this race. Again from the back of the grid Niamh showed her track skills and powered through the field on the first bend, the youngest Junior woman in the field she cane home a brilliant 10th overall.
The main men’s event was last of the day with cycling Ulster having three riders.
First off was Gareth McKee in elite men. Gareth lead them off the line through the first bend and onto the fire road. After a gruelling 6 Lap race Gareth finished 9th and McConvey Cycles’ Graham Boyd finished 27th from a field of 33 riders.
Juniors were next and best placed rider was Thomas Creighton for Cycling Ulster in a big field of juniors. Thomas was third overall after a gutsy ride following a bad start. He pulled over 10 places back in lap 1.
Also in Juniors as a first year was Lee Harvey, with experience gained at these events as an U16 it was clear to see he knew how to handle the big bunch placing 8th overall from 22 riders.
Last Cycling Ulster rider off was Cameron McIntyre in expert men’s. Cameron making his come back to off road finished 14th from a field of 43.
It was a great day of racing and great to see so many riders from home giving it a bash!!
