Click here for full results (thanks to Martin Grimley, ulsterxc.com)
Ards CC put on a great day of Mountain Biking at Whitespots Country Park today, with racing for all categories from under 6 to senior. With over 50 kids entered, and their supportive parents in tow, music and commentary from the Belgian Project, and a refreshments stall, plus the return of the sun, there was a relaxed and family friendly atmosphere.
First lap of the woman’s race
Glen Curry and Chris White deserve huge credit for leading the organisation – everything from negotiating access with the Council, designing and setting up the course, to organising lead motorbikes and a coffee stall. Brilliant work lads!
Large tyres and a wide range of gears were the order of the day.
And thanks also to the other club members who helped on the day with sign-on, lapping counting, results and marshalling.
YMR (Young Master Rocket) rode a gravel bike. An ambitious choice :-)
And the club would also like to thank Martin Grimley from Cycling Ulster, who basically organised all the sign-on, races, timing and results. Very impressive, and very much appreciated – it allowed the club to focus on the venue and the course, while providing a consistent race day feel to the event. Most excellent!
Martin Grimley – not only a legendary MTB organiser, but he also likes vintage bikes!!
This area (known locally as the lead mines) has hosted motor bike trials for over 80 years, including the famous Hurst Trials. It also has a history of mountain bike racing, although the last race here was in 2005. Glen designed a straight forward course for the younger kids, while adding in more challenging and technical sections for the older riders.
The U12 boys podium
Top three in the Senior A race were
- Dean Harvey, VC Glendale
- Lee Harvey, VC Glendale
- Gareth McKee, Banbridge CC
The B race under clear blue December skies – we hit the jackpot there.
We definitely learnt a lot today. Hopefully we can organise more events like this in the future.
One of the trickier sections on the course. Jonathon Taylor took a tumble here earlier in the day – thanks to Kirk Sloan for taking him up to the Ulster Hospital. We wish Jonathon a quick recovery.
There are loads more photos and videos on our facebook pages (see links under “Forum” at the top of this page). Thanks to all who have posted – and suggestions for future events welcome.