Cycling Ulster riders had a strong showing at the Errigal International Youth Tour at the weekend.  

Darren Rafferty (Island Wheelers), fresh from his top 10 result in the European Youth Olympics Road Race was in sparkling form once again, taking the overall honours in the under 16 category. The promoting club’s Conor Gallagher finished third in the under 15 ranks, taking 13th overall in the under 16.

Erin Creighton (McConvey Cycles) rode consistently well over the three days to make it onto the podium with third place in the under 16 girls event.

Elijah McGinley also provided the home support with something to cheer about as he made it onto the podium in the under 14 boys category for Errigal CC.

Aine Doherty (VC Glendale) put in a dominant display for the Cycling Ulster team in the under 14 girls category, winning the overall, hills classification and under 13 classification. Lucy Brown also rode well in this category, taking third in a stage and fifth overall. The Ulster under 14 girls team won the team classification.

Conor Murphy of Rostrevor MTB Club led the Ulster challenge in the under 12 boys event, just missing out on overall victory, taking second overall.

Aliyah Rafferty from Island Wheelers CC won the hills classification and took second overall in the under 12 girls event.

Speaking after the event, Cycling Ulster Chairman, Tommy McCague said:

“I want to congratulate Errigal CC on a very well organised event that attracted a large number of riders from Ireland and overseas.

“Well done to all of the Ulster youth riders who took part and in particular Darren Rafferty and Aine Doherty who took overall honours after three days of tough competition.”

A Cycling Ulster Youth Academy (CUYA) representative added:

“The CUYA want to thank Errigal CC for a well organised event. They ensured all the riders were made welcome and were encouraging to everyone no matter whether they were competing for the victory or further down the field.

“I also want to thank all the parents of the riders and well done to all those who represented their clubs, Ulster and Ireland.”

Cycling Ulster want to thank all those involved in helping the CUYA development teams over the weekend in particular the team managers and those who assisted, Clodagh Gallagher, Con McGeever, Peter Brown, Colin Finley and Nicola McKiverigan.


Photo Credit: Sharon McFarland