Date: Sunday 29 May 2005
Event: Round 2 Ulster MTB League
Location: Drumkeeragh Forest
Host club: Banbridge CC
Ferguson Triumphs
Lewis Ferguson (BHB) took maximum points at Sunday’s second round of the Ulster Mountain Bike Cross Country League, promoted by Banbridge Cycling Club at Drumkeeragh Forest near Dromara in County Down. The weather may have been excellent for race day, however with constant rain for most of the preceding week parts of the course cut up very quickly.
The five lap Pro/Elite race looked to be heading for a showdown between Lewis Ferguson and Peter Buggle (WORC) as the pair broke clear early on the first lap. Half way around the second lap Buggle was forced to stop to make repairs to a pedal and by the time he rejoined the race he was in third place behind Ferguson and Glen Kinning (Castlereagh CC). Ferguson held a steady lead over Kinning for the remainder of the race to claim his first Irish win of the season with Ravensdale winner Kinning a comfortable second ahead of the luckless Buggle. Inspite of receiving a nine minute penalty, Cycleways rider Niall Quinlan claimed fourth ahead of XMTB’s Tim Edgar.
The well supported Sports race, a three lapper, provided an easy win for Gerry McCabe, the Cuchullian rider winning by six minutes from Tim Walsh, the Phoenix rider making an MTB comeback. Luke Ireland finished a strong third ahead of XMTB’s Gareth Adamson as Banbridge CC rider Sam Curran cane out of retirement to take fifth. Danny Hylands (Madigan) was a convincing winner of the Masters race, leading throughout the four laps. Runner up was Paul Anderson, the Banbridge rider scoring his best result of the season, and the person responsible for the infamous ‘Jurassic Park ‘ section of the course. Apollo rider Paul McCormac overcame a nasty crash to take third. Robert Lamont continued his domination of the Vets Class, the XMTB rider leading from start to finish with Banbridge CC’s William Mulligan once again the runner up. Andy Burns (U/A) took his best result to date with third as Eamon McConvey just held fourth from Declan McCabe (Cuchullian). Andy McCullough had a comfortable win over fellow XMTB rider Conor McConvey in the Junior race.
The Youth races were well supported and provided some of the best action of the day. In the U-16 race, held over two laps of the main course, there was an epic dual between Andy Hunter (XMTB) and Sean Downey (Banbridge CC). The pair circulated together cheered on by their various factions with the battle only ending with half a lap remaining when Downey struck a tree, which let Hunter make a break. At the finish Hunter had thirty seconds in hand over a disappointed Downey, though the Banbridge rider was rewarded by being named on the Cycling Ulster Team for the next round of the British Series in Thetford,Norfolk. A brilliant battle for third saw Neill McGimpsey just edge out Andy Godfrey (both XMTB) and Liam McGreevy (Banbridge CC). The U-14 race was another close affair with Johnny Beers just having the edge over fellow XMTB rider Michael Gordon. Chris Cameron (XMTB) took a safe third as Jessica Laird (XMTB) got the verdict in a photo finish for fourth place with Banbridge rider Matt Quinn. Michael Runciman (Banbridge CC) remained unbeaten this season as he captured the U-12 race ahead of fellow Club member Michael Downey, XMTB’s Robbie Lamont in third. Mark Downey (Banbridge CC) rattled of another win in the U-10 class ahead of main rival Daniel Runciman (Banbridge CC), Marcus Pagels of XMTB filling third. James Curry brought further cheer for the promoting Club by winning the U-8 race by a comfortable margin from Johnathan Dunlop (XMTB) and Rachel Mayne (Banbridge CC). Banbridge CC would like to thank all those who supported their event, as the course had to be constructed over the past few weeks after the original one was wrecked by storms and motorcycle riders, and the week leading up to the race saw constant rainfall. Thankyou.
For pics of all the action click the link below.
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Report by : Andy Potts
Original report location here