Christopher McGlinchey drives for home during the eighth round of the Ulster Cyclocross Series in St Columb's Park, Derry. The 21 year-old has made a fine return to competitive action having been injured in a crash while out training last month (Picture courtesy of Toby Watson)
By Brian Canty
Winner of the latest round of the Ulster Cyclocross Series, Chris McGlinchey said his victory comes with a slight asterisk beside it as the field that assembled in St Columb’s Park in Derry didn’t include league leader Roger Aiken (ASEA) or the flying Glenn Kinning (Kinning Cycles).
The ChainReaction Cycles man still had to beat the likes of Darnell Moore (Caldwell Cycles) and James Curry (Banbridge CC) in what were some pretty heavy conditions.
“The legs were feeling much better than last week so it would have been great to have the likes of Roger and Glen racing, just to see how I faired and to see where I’m really at,” said the 21 year-old.
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Darnell Moore on his way to 2nd place on the day, he pushed McGlinchey all the way (Photo: Toby Watson)
A month on from being hospitalised after he was hit by a car while out training, McGlinchey has made a great return – and he now wants to push on for the rest of the year and into the road season next year.
“I'm just doing ‘cross to race; my main focus this winter is on improving my fitness for the road season," explained the former downhill international turned road rider.
“I'm very competitive and I was missing racing so I thought racing this would be good fun.
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“I managed to get up to first by the end of the opening lap yesterday,” he added of how matters played out in the cold and wet conditions.
The talented James Curry of Banbridge leads McGlinchey, far right, and Moore, at back, on his way to 3rd place in the Foyle CC-promoted race (Photo: Toby Watson)
“But I went down on a tricky corner and was playing catch-up the rest of the race.
“I just got into a steady pace and managed to make my way up to the front on the second last lap and then held a lead until the end.”
His winning margin was a mere five seconds over fellow U23 Moore with Curry a further 40 seconds back.
“It's been good to get back racing. My leg seems to be all good again and I’ve only been back training for just over a month now.
“I haven’t thought about the nationals or what my plans are for the season, we’ll just keep training and see how the form improves.”
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