Date: Sunday 1 December 2013
Event: Ulster Cyclo-cross Round 7
Location: Seacourt, Larne
Host club: Team Madigan
Seacourt Community Centre on the outskirts of Larne was the setting for Round 7 of the Ulster Cyclo-cross series. Host club Team Madigan has used this venue since 2010 and it is easy to see why as it boasts a large venue hall, kitchen and showers as well as an expansive grass area that is undisturbed by other users. The weather was fine, dry with hardly a breeze, similar to the event held here last year. This location is high up on the coast line and offers great views of the lough with the boats coming in and out.
There had been little rain in the lead up to the event which made for a fast course for all riders. The Under 6s, 8s and 10s made use of the grass section to the right of the community centre. The course designers had switched the direction of the race and extended the course. The youth riders were spurred on by lots of encouragement from parents and other spectators. The Under 12s were moved over to the adult course taking in most of the start area but not making use of the lower section. Around 11:30 the Under 14s, 16s and mountain bike support races for men and women took place. Chip timing had been provided for these riders and the subsequent cyclo-cross riders which took the burden of time keeping from the organisers. The cyclo-cross races were combined for this round with the A’ race setting off first followed one minute later by the cyclo-cross female riders and then one minute later by the cyclo-cross B’ riders. The course suited those riders more accustomed to riding road races as the pace was high from the start and the grass course was not technical. Spectators gathered around the bank where a twisting section had the riders dismount and run up the hill. The photographers were based around the tricky, narrow gravel section at the far end of the course. This was the place to find fallers as the gravel at the entrance to the section was pitted in places to give the riders quite a jossle as they braked heavily to make the right hand turn. After the races the riders were able to enjoy a hot shower followed by hot food in the hall. Many thanks to the hardworking team from Team Madigan.
Cyclo-cross A’ race
1. Roger Aiken
2. Ronan McLaughlin
3. Rory Maguire
Unplaced veteran – Cathal Smith
Unplaced junior – Chris Oakley
Unplaced supervet – Eamon McConvey
Cyclo-cross Females
1. Claire Oakley
2. Gill Smith
3. Lisa Millar
Cyclo-cross B’ race
1. Keith Hooks
2. James Ambrose
3. Raymond Kerr
Full results here
Photos
David McVeigh (FlickR) – here
Commissaire: Dany Blondeel
Assistant Commissaire: Martin Grimley
Report by Martin Grimley
