Action from the last round of the Ulster ‘Cross Series in Moira a fortnight ago
With no fewer than five Ulster cyclocross titles up for grabs in Belfast’s Ormeau Park on Sunday, the intensity of the season is about to reach a new level for those hoping to come away with medals.
Roger Aiken (Banbridge CC) will be the clear favourite to take the men’s elite crown.
After dominant victories in the first four rounds of the Ulster Cyclocross series, the former international road rider also went to Dublin a fortnight ago and where he beat national champion Robin Seymour (Team WORC) into second place in the latest round of the Stevens Supercross Cup.
Aiken’s toughest competition for the Ulster title will most likely come from teenager Matt Adair, who has decided to put off a planned trip to Belgium to take in some major cyclocross races in favour of sitting exams.
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Last year’s champion Conor Campbell (Newry CC) is sitting a relatively lowly 15th in the Ulster Cyclocross series overall so it should be interesting to see how he fares on Sunday; which as well as being the Ulster title race is also the fifth and penultimate round of the Ulster 2011 series.
Campbell’s team mate Peter McConville was a bronze medallist in the Ulster elite championships last year and also picked up the vets title. He will likely have a say in the outcome of the vets race this year and may not be too far from the action at the head of affairs in the elite race.
Aside from Aiken and Adair being favourites to fill the gold and silver medal positions respectively, Jason Henry and Tim Edgar (both unattached) have had a good season so far and should also influence Sunday’s race.
As well as the elite men’s title and men’s vets title, there are also the male and female junior titles to settle as well as the team prize.
Barring major incident, Adair should take the junior men’s gold medal, though he may well be challenged by road international Jack Wilson. Stuart Ballantine (XMTB McConvey Cycles) will also be in the mix for a medal.
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Like the first four rounds of the Ulster series, Sunday’s racing will see a full programme of underage and support races, all laid on by the promoting club XMTB McConvey Cycles.
Newry will most likely start as favourites to retain the team prize while the women’s title may well be lifted by Lisa Millar (Dromara CC).
The course takes in part of the circuit used for the spring MTB series. The main part of the circuit runs along the grass close to the football pitches and the perimeter fence, before riders have to negotiate a steep climb back in through the trees.
While there are Ulster titles down for decision, all races are “open” events, meaning riders not from Ulster can take part but will obviously not be eligible for a medal in the title race.
If riders who do not belong to a club in Ulster or are unattached to a club but living in Ulster, do not fill the top three in the races the Ulster medals will go to the three highest place Ulster riders.
All riders will be chipped for timing purposes.
Pre-entry and Sign on
- Sign on will open on the day at 09:30.
- Pre-registration closes at 9 pm on Friday, 18th November.
- (To pre register click here)
Race times
- Under 8s - 10:40
- Under 10s - 10:50
- Under 12s - 11:05
- U14, U16, MTB Support Race - 11:30
- Cyclo-cross race - 13:00
(Sign on close 15 minutes before the start of each race)
Race fees
- Under 8s, Under 10s, Under 12s - £2 / €2
- Under 14s, Under 16s - £5 / €5
- Juniors & Seniors - £10 / €10
