Square Wheels CC hosted an outstanding weekend of racing as they promoted the Irish Cyclo-cross Championships at the Palace Demesne in Armagh.
On Saturday there was Ulster success in the under 14 and under 16 title races. There were victories for Áine Doherty (VC Glendale) and Aisha Gannon (Breffni Wheelers) in the girls events while Sam Coleman (Orchard CC) and Curtis McKee (Scott Quanta) lifted the boys gold medals.
The course conditions got more muddy for Sunday making it extremely challenging for those riding in the junior, masters and senior races.
Ulster dominated the medals in the M40 race with Newry Wheelers duo, Alan Bingham and Drew McKinley taking gold and bronze, being split by Donegal’s Paul McCarter (Spellman-Dublin Port). Newry’s Des Woods was second in the M50 race with Jason Henry (Inspired Cycling) rounding out the podium and Deon McNeilly (Shimna Wheelers) won bronze in the M60 race. Travis Harkness (VC Glendale) was the runner-up in the junior men’s race which was won by Fermoy’s Liam O’Brien.
Ulster had another national title in the women’s masters race through Judith Russell (Phoenix), while Heather Foley was third and VC Glendale’s Darcey Harkness took silver in the senior event.
Chris McGlinchey ended a fantastic day of competition for Ulster riders by winning the senior men’s title, edging out Sean Nolan (Evo Pro) in a close contest. Former national champion, Darnell Moore (Caldwell Cycles) was on the final step of the podium.
Speaking following the event, Cycling Ulster Chairperson, Tommy McCague said:
“On behalf of Cycling Ulster, I want to congratulate Square Wheels CC on a fantastic weekend of race promotion.
“Congratulations to all the medallists and everyone who took part in the challenging conditions on Saturday and Sunday.
“We also had the opportunity to launch our new partnership with Phillip McCallen E-Bikes who is sponsoring our regional hubs. It was great to have Evo Pro Racing’s Mitchell McLaughlin take one of the electric bikes for a spin on the course as well.
“I want to thank Square Wheels CC, the Off-Road Commission and all the officials who helped over the weekend. I know volunteers have been busy preparing the venue all week and they put in a tremendous effort to ensure the championships would be a huge success.
“Being from Armagh, I was delighted to be able to assist with bringing the national championships to the city. This was a great way to start 2022, enabling members of the Cycling Ulster Executive to meet with many of our members from across the province and I am looking forward to the rest of the year.”
Visit the Cycling Ireland Facebook page by clicking here to see photos and videos of all the action
Irish Youth Cyclo-cross Championships Results
Irish Junior, Senior & Masters Cyclo-cross Championship Results
