Aiken makes no mistake in Belfast, but teenager Adair also shows his class

Former national cyclocross champion and Ras stage winner, Roger Aiken has made it two out of two today, winning the second round the Ulster Cyclocross Series in Belfast.

The Banbridge CC rider had taken the opening round in Lurgan two weeks ago and travelled to Dublin last weekend, where he finished second to Robin Seymour (Team WORC) in the first round of the Supercross Cup.

He showed his skills and form again today, taking victory in Lady Dixon Park in fine style from junior Matt Adair, with SportActive’s Ryan Sherlock rounding off the podium.

The same three riders filled the podium in Lurgan Park a fortnight ago, but on that occasion Sherlock took second ahead of Adair.

However, today the junior rider went like a rocket from the gun and while he was bested by Aiken for the win, he managed to see off Sherlock this time around.

Aiken was untouchable today, powering away from the start to such an extent that the race behind was always only going to be for second place.

The fact that Adair got the better of such an experienced and strong road and off-road campaigner as Sherlock underlines the 18-year-old’s ‘cross ability.

The vets’ prize today was won by Peter McConville (Newry Wheelers) from Gerry McCabe (Cuchullain CC) and Robert Lamont (XMTB- McConvey).

Despite the rain of the past few days, conditions were dry in the hours leading up to the race meaning the course was in pristine condition, making for a fast race.

Indeed, the 140 riders that rode the seven races – from U8s to elite – enjoyed beautiful sunny and dry conditions for all of their events. The crowds also turned out in great numbers, with hundreds attending what was a great family day.

Ulster Cyclo Cross League Round 2 – Lady Dixon Park

Elite
1. Roger Aiken (Banbridge CC)
2. Matt Adair (U/A)
3. Ryan Sherlock (Sportactive)
4 Evan Ryan Team (Worc)
5 Mark McKinley (SportActive)
6 Tim Edgar (U/A)

Veterans
1. Peter McConville (Newry Wheelers)
2. Gerry Mccabe (Cuchullain CC)
3. Robert Lamont (XMTB- McConvey Cycles).

Super Vet
1 Johnny McCabe (Cuchulainn)
2 Paul Le Blanc (Newry Wheelers)
3 Declan McCabe (Cuchulainn)

Women
1 Val O’Neill (Phoenix CC)
2 Gill Smith (U/A)

1st unplaced junior
Cormac Clarke

MTB Race (males)
1st John O'Neill
2nd Barry Kellett
3rd Darren Hughes

MTB Race (females)
1st Andrea Harrower
2nd Kerryann Hughes
3rd Diane Wilson

U14, U16 to follow

Under 8s (boys)
1. Fraser Harrower
2. Jonathan Campbell
3. Shea O'Kane

Under 8s (girls)
1. Charley Dunlop
2. Kayla Grimley
3. Rosie Savage

Under 10s (boys)
1. Drew Armstrong
2. Mark Buller
3. Cathir Doyle

Under 10s (girls)
1. Kelly Wilson
2. Sarah Elder
3. Anne Mae Samuel

Under 12s (boys)
1. John Buller
2. Craig McCarthy
3. Max Anderson