Date: Sunday 2 Septembe 2012
Event: Ulster Series Round 6
Location: Craigavon Watersports Centre
Host club: Apollo CT
The final round of the Ulster Cross-Country Mountain Bike Series for 2012 took place at the familiar Craigavon Watersports Centre. The race was organised by Apollo CT who, after running the race on a Saturday for the last 6 years, changed to a Sunday as this seems to be the more popular day for mountain bike racing. Indeed the number of attendees when up from 123 in 2011 to 165 in 2012.
The race circuits were based largely on the set up from 2011 with the Under 8s, 10s and 12s kept within the grass hill area near the centre and the other race categories using the hill as well as the main loop around the lake. The organisers were on site from early morning setting up the course with Martin Rogers co-ordinating the squads. This area is relatively flat so any incline is exploited to maximum effect. The racing is fast and suits certain riders more than others. The weather on the day was very pleasant with the sun even making an appearance.
There was lots of supporters around the mini course set up for the youth races which seen some great racing across all categories. A prize giving was held for the youth riders before the senior races began. The finish line for the senior races had been moved from its usual position in previous years so that the riders had to complete “the hill” one more time before the finish. This last push did see some changes in the final race positions as tired legs gave up on this final section.
Overall it was a great event. Many thanks to Apollo CT for organising the day. The club wish to thank Craigavon Borough Council for their continued support.
Results here