It was a return to Lurgan Park for the first round of the Ulster Cyclo-cross season 2014 hosted by Apollo Cycling Team on Sunday 5 October. Only the Friday before race day had seen any significant rain on the park after 6 weeks of dry weather. The park was in super condition with vibrant autumn colours which saw the venue full of walkers, children playing and, of course, cyclists. A special thanks to Craigavon Borough Council for allowing the use of the park and to the park staff for their support. For the 2014 season the overall series has been sponsored by the ChainReaction Cycles Belfast Store who has also provided an event package at the race which included joint branded podium backdrop and banners, cow bells, sweets, vouchers and a raffle prize.
As usual Carn Wheelers were well represented in all categories, the underage riders kicked off the days proceedings with James Russell having a great race in the Under8's. His older siblings Tom and Frank were up next in the Under10's, the boys didn't disappoint finishing within the top 10. In the under10 girls race Eimer Skelly put in a fantastic effort being denied a podium place by only 20seconds! It was even closer in the under12 girls race as new comer to the Carn fold Sara Doyle was denied 3rd by a single second! In the under14 race Sarah Elder took and 1st place with Anna Russell not far behind with a well earned 3rd, Niall Skelly cycled well in the under14 boys race taking 6th in a competitive race. The under16 race saw the Carn girls on the podium again as Emma Elder and Niamh Skelly secured gold and silver consecutively.
Next up was the seniors in the mountain bike support race, Stephen Halferty, Gareth Skelly, Darren & Stephen Mulholland and Sean Bradley all took to the line. Over the course of a tough 6 laps the boys all raced hard and finished well within the field, Sean Bradley was unlucky not to secure a podium place finishing in 4th. In the CycloCross B race the only Carn Wheeler in action was Carl McWilliams, over the 6laps Carl did well putting in a big effort in a tough race. In the female race the green and black was on the podium yet again as Mairead McGurk continued to build on recent form taking bronze, holding 3rd place over the last few laps in a hotly contested race is an outstanding achievement. Next was the main event of the day, the first round of the 2014 Ulster CycloCross series. In for the mud and glory were Johnny Taylor, Barry Russell, Martin Bradley and Ryan Walsh. Over the course of 7 laps in just under an hour the four Carn men left everything the had on the grass in Lurgan that Sunday afternoon finishing well within the field, a great start to the series from which to build to success by the Championships in December. Well done to all the Carn Wheelers who raced, next week is round 2 at Lady Dixon park in Belfast.
