Roger Aiken took his second win in as many weeks when he claimed round seven of the Ulster Cyclocross Series in Ormeau Park Belfast (Photo: Toby Watson)
By Brian Canty
Roger Aiken was a clear winner in the seventh round of the Ulster Cyclocross Series on Sunday afternoon in Ormeau Park, Belfast; the Team ASEA rider blitzing the 60-rider field.
He had over two minutes on runner-up Graham Boyd (Xmtb McConvey Cycles), with junior rider Cameron McIntyre (Banbridge CC) netting a brilliant third place.
Indeed, a day after the club was voted Club of the Year at the annual Cycling Ireland awards – mainly because of their continued development of young riders - Banbridge had a second junior in the top 10; John Buller.
But the day belonged to the irrepressible Aiken who took off on the first of eight laps and wasn’t seen again before the finish.
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Just like last week, when he was victorious in Craigavon, Aiken took advantage of a slightly weaker field.
Absent were Glenn Kinning (Kinning Cycles) and national champion David Montgomery (Chain Reaction Cycles), both of whom raced the World Cup in Belgium, along with junior David Conroy (Scott-Donnybrook Landscaping).
The women's race gets underway in Belfast, with eventual winner and reigning national champion Fran Meehan front right, number 206 (Photo: David McVeigh - The Belgian Project)
Next week’s round in Derry is the penultimate of the series and Aiken looks hard to bet against at this stage.
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He led Barry Kellett (Dromara CC) at the top of the standings by five points prior to Sunday’s outing and Kellett could only manage fifth in Belfast.
Kinning, who has taken three wins from four starts is fourth in the series; some 25 points behind the leader.
However, while Aiken is well ahead, tight battles are in store in other categories.
One man who made a welcome return to competition on Sunday was Irish U23 road international Chris McGlinchey.
The Chain Reaction Cycles man has been recovering from a severe leg injury he sustained after being hit by a car while out training last month.
Fran Meehan (Aquablue) made the journey North to Belfast and duly scooped the women’s event.
Ciara McManus (Summit MTB) and Gill Smith (Phoenix CC) kept her honest throughout the six laps.
But Meehan’s winning margin of over one minute showed she is in great form as the national championships start to loom.
Ulster Cyclocross Series, Round 7
Ormeau Park, Belfast
Promoted by Xmtb McConvey Cycles
‘A’ Race, 8 laps
- Roger Aiken Team ASEA
- Graham Boyd Xmtb McConvey Cycles
- Cameron McIntyre Banbridge CC
- Jason Henry Unattached Ulster
- Barry Kellett Dromara CC
- Darnell Moore Caldwell Cycles Omagh
- Christain Nachtigall Phoenic CC
- Chris McGlinchey Chain reaction Cycles
- John Buller Banbridge CC
- John Bogues Phoenix CC
‘B’ Race, 6 Laps
- Ciaran O’Hagan Caldwell Cycles Omagh
- Glenn Dunwoody Shelbourne Motors-Orchard Wheelers
- Colin Deane Ballymena RC
- Raymond Brownfield North Down CC
- Mark Hanna Velo Café Magasin
- Brian Wilson Dromara CC
- Chris McCann Banbridge CC
- Michael McMullan North Down CC
- John McLaughlin Cookstown CC
- Ian Cochrane Banbridge CC
Women’s Race
- Fran Meehan Aquablue
- Ciara McManus Summit MTB
- Gill Smith Phoenix CC
- Kathryn Aiken Banbriddge CC
- Shannon Buller Banbridge CC
- Claire Oakley Xmtb McConvey Cycles
- Diane Wilson Dromara CC
- Mary McRory Carn Wheelers
- Julie Rea Phoenix CC
- Alwynne Shannon Newry Wheelers
Full results of all races can be found by following this link.
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