Banbridge Cycling Club

MTB News

K-Capital Cup- Round 2, Moneyscalp Wood

Robin Seymour (Team Worc) moved a step closer to representing Ireland at the 2008 Olympics with victory in the second round of the K-Capital Cup, held at the picturesque setting of Moneyscalp Wood near Newcastle in County Down. Promoted by Banbridge Cycling Club, the event attracted an entry of 176, including Belfast’s Conor McConvey who was having his first MTB race after breaking his shoulder five weeks earlier. The entry also featured three reigning Irish DH Champions. Thankfully the weather was kind, though the blasts from a chilly wind were balanced with some hot action on the new course.

The Elite Men faced seven laps of Moneyscalp, last used for an XCO event in 2000, the new course featuring some tough climbs and tricky downhill sections. Joining the leading Irish riders on the grid were visitors Adrian Lansley, Paul Beales, Lee Williams and the Belgian trio of Patrick Gaudy, Cedric Gaudy and Jorgen Flion. Seymour blasted into the lead from the start, out for the first time on his new Colnago bike. Ending the first lap Seymour enjoyed a 30 seconds advantage over Niall Davis (IMBRC), Adrian Lansley (Pedalon) and Conor McConvey (McConvey Cycles).

By the end of lap two Lansley had moved into a clear second as Davis and McConvey battled for third. The order remained the same until lap six when McConvey attacked Davis and set off after second placed Lansley. Seymour however was keeping a watching brief on his rivals; various sections of the course enabled the riders to see time gaps to other riders.

The riders set out on the final lap cheered on by the large contingent of spectators, many willing McConvey to snatch second from Lansley. McConvey did catch and pass Lansley on the last lap, but the English rider responded by moving back to second on with less than a third of a lap to go. To he sound of the whistles blown by course marshals, Seymour exited the final single track section for the short run to the finish line, the Wicklow rider taking his first win in the series, but more importantly increasing his lead in the points table for ‘the race to Beijing’.

With the final single track section in full view of the spectators massed at the finish, the noise level erupted as they saw McConvey trying to overhaul Lansley in the dash to the finish. However it was Lansley who got the verdict as the pair charged over the line. Davis was fourth and still holds second place in the standings for Olympic qualification, McConvey scoring his first points at Moneyscalp. Welsh rider Lee Williams rode to a strong fifth with Ryan Sherlock (MAD) looking very strong as he crossed the line in sixth.

Patrick Gaudy (Team Barracuda) was the first of the Belgian trio to finish, though their weekend was somewhat wrecked by hire car problems, which saw them having to be taken to and from the event by Banbridge CC, this also including leaving the team back to Dublin Airport…thanks Budget Car Hire! Young Belgian rider Jorgen Flion was happy to take some UCI points as he finished in eighth with the ageless Joe McCall (K-Capital/Rocky Mountain) in ninth. IMBRC’s Dave Barry took the final ranking point in tenth place. XMTB rider Graham Boyd just missed out on his first ever ranking point as he finished in 11th, an excellent ride by Graham. Belfast rider Simon McConnell (U/A) finished 15th, making up for his disappointment in not finishing the opening round due to mechanical problems. The final Olympic selection event will be K-Capital Round three at Djouce Woods which is already looking like a classic with entries from Sweden, Poland the Czech Republic, Switzerland and the returning BCF Team led by Oli Beckingsale.
Banbridge CC’s Liam McGreevy kept up his wining form with victory in the 5 lap Junior race, leading throughout to cross the line ahead of Paul O’Reilly (IMBRC) and Neil McGimpsey (XMTB). Scottish rider Jack Richards rode to victory in the Experts event with Luke Manning a superb runner up. The result could have been much different had Irish DH Champion Ben Reid not retired with two laps to go, Reid having dominated the event from the start. Third finisher Oisin Boydell (UCD) took the leaders jersey for the class. Special mention must go to fourth finisher, Gary Henning of Newry Wheelers, better know for his on road performances, this was by far Gary’s best ever Off Road performance. The only other Ulster finisher was Dromara CC’s Ross Galway in 15th, Ross starting to get used to the longer race distances after his move up from the Sports Class. It was good to see Dromara,s MTB king, Derek Hanna spectating at the event as he still recovers from injuries he sustained in a road spill.

James McCluskey (IMBRC) notched up his second win in the Masters Class, James finishing almost ten minutes head of runner up Gordon Lucas (Team Worc) who was just happy to finish after suffering a DNF at the opening round. Epic’s Rory Walsh finished a strong third with MAD’s Fergal Killkenny showing excellent form with his fourth place finish. Clive Caldwell (Total Cycling) is really back in form scoring an excellent 6th with Andy Wallace of Northen CC a great 8th, Andy showing good form early in the season, before his big move up to the Vets next year! Other Ulster finishers were, Richard Greer (U/A) 17th, Glen Armstrong (North Down) 19th. Paul Ferguson is listed as 28th, not sure if this is correct.
Aidan McDonald (ApolloCT) won the Vets race and also took the leaders jersey for the Vets category. Having spent much of the previous two days working on the course, Banbridge CC’s William Mulligan did well to hold off Cuchulainn’s Gerry McCabe to snatch second. Paul McMenamin (Leisure Lakes) took 6th just ahead of the ever smiling Andy Burns (Orchard Juiced) and Peter McConville (Newry Wheelers). Other Ulster finishers were, Simon Curry (Banbridge CC) 10th, Jon Runciman (Banbridge CC) 17th, Paul Anderson (Banbridge CC) 19th, Maurice Mayne (Banbridge CC) 20th and Fred McSorely (Apollo CT) 21st. In the Elite Ladies Class, Mel Spath (MAD) took the win ahead of Ciara McManus (U/A). North Downs Jes Laird was back in action after her nasty spill at the opening round, however Jes retired with mechanical problems.

Scottish visitor Douglas Shearer easily took the Sport Mens event held over three laps. Runner up Mark Solon took the leaders jersey as Chain Reaction’s Sean Donnelly opened his account in the series with a fine third place. Elite DH rider Gareth McKee (Banbridge CC) rode to an excellent 6th in front of a trio of Ulster riders, Matt Casey (XMTB), Justin Reid (XMTB) and Mark Potts (Omagh Wheelers). Irish Junior DH Champion Ewan Doherty ran much of the last lap to take 12th with Dromara’s Martin Grimley 13th and Ronaldo Ogilby (XMTB) in 14th. Junior DH ace Johnny McKee (Banbridge cc) was 16th, Stevie Prentice of Banbridge CC fame 18th and reigning Irih U-16 DH Champion Davy Graham (Banbridge cc) 23rd. The Sports Womens Class was won by Linda Haug (Sorrento) ahead of Rachel Wisdom (Team Worc) and Val O’Neill (Banbridge CC). XMTB ‘s Julie Watt was well pleased to take 4th in the Ladies race with Banbridge duo of Nicola Oldham and Harriett Mayne in 5th and 6th.

Banbridge lad Matt Adair took the honours in the U-16 event ahead of William Boyd (XMTB) and Robert Scanlon (Team Worc). In the U-14 race find of the season Robert Anderson (Orchard Juiced) took his first major win. Having one of his best ever outings, Kyle McEwan (XMTB) finished runner up ahead of fellow Club rider Chris Oakley.

For the promoting Banbridge Club the day began well in the youth events held over the small course. In the U-8 race, Stuart Dunlop had a narrow win over Shenna McKiverigan. Having missed the opener due to illness, John Buller won the U-10 category from round one winner Richard Baird. Spare a thought though for young Morgan Walsh who travelled all the way from Galway to suffer a mechanical on lap two of three while in second place. James Curry once again controlled proceedings in the U-12 outing, crossing the line ahead of fellow Bann riders Rachel Mayne and Joseph Baird.

Banbridge CC would like to thank the following for helping to make the event such a success. Para Medic Paul Hardy, he was able to sit and finish his crossword, thankfully with only a couple of minor incidents to deal with. UCI Commissaire Tony Ferrari, he had many kind words to say about the event. Angela Oakley from XMTB for helping with timekeeping and Eddie Boyd of XMTB for volunteering to marshal. Gavins Recovery of Kilkeel for taking our Belgian friend back to their B+B in Newry on Saturday evening, free of charge. To Banbridge CC member Maurice Mayne, who not only took the Belgians to his house dinner, brought them to and from the venue on Sunday, and then….drove them to Dublin Airport!!!!! Finally, to the small team that constructed the course, and who had to adapt it at the last minute to damage caused by the weather.
Well done all.

Banbridge Dominate Youth races at K-Cap Round 1
On Sunday the first round of the International K-Capital Mountain Bike series took place in Kilruddery Estate in Bray with the event attracting a total of 250 entries. Weather conditions were excellent and Banbridge CC riders enjoyed a successful day. The Senior races all took place over the main course which was 8km long and a challenge to all riders.

Banbridge CC’s Liam McGreevy, Irish Junior MTB Champion, dominated the Junior race, held over three laps. Liam led from start to finish to beat arch rival, Dubliner Paul O’Reilly, by almost five minutes. In the Vets race William Mulligan had a superb debut on his new bike to claim fourth place after an epic dual with Dundalk rider Gerry McCabe. Simon Curry was 15th and Paul Anderson 21st. Dromara rider Ross Galway made his debut in the Experts Class and did well to finish 14th.

The Sports riders competed over a slightly smaller course with Stevie Prentice finishing in 21st, a superb result for the local rider. Nicola Oldham took fourth in the Sports Ladies Class as Harriet Mayne finished fifth, first time out on her new bike. Banbridge CC enjoyed a great set of results in the Youth events. Matt Adair easily won the 2 lap U-16 event, the Bann rider leading from start to finish in what was his debut in a major U-16 event. Having his first outing after breaking his wrist when playing rugby, Michael Runciman did well to take fifth place. In the U-14 race, Dan Runciman finished in fifth, though this could change to fourth as the result is being investigated by the event organisers. The U-12 race gave Bann rider James Curry his first major win in the class, James taking a fine start to finish win.

The U-8 and U-10 races took place over a course set out in a field which was nothing sort of pathetic. Both events proved successful for Banbridge. In the U-8 race Stuart Dunlop and Sheena McKiverigan dominated proceedings. Stuart eventually took the win with Shenna runner up. Richard Baird easily won the U-10 race, the Loughbrickland rider leading throughout and lapping all riders up to third place. The next round of the K-Capital Series tales place on Easter Sunday at Moneyscalp Wood and promoted by Banbridge Cycling Club.

Mud Lark in the Park
XMTB Winter League Rd 1
Kids everywhere, parents with strained vocal chords and Robbie Lamont chasing ladies around the BMX track, yes, it could only be the opening round of the world famous Winter MTB League at Castle Park in Bangor.Promoted once again by XMTB, conditions were muddy following the rain of the preceding week.However this did not stop a day of great action to open the 2008 MTB season.How good it was to see so many new faces, of all ages.

The honour of being the first winner of 2008 went to Banbridge CC lady, Shenna McKiverigan, the best cyclist to come out of Gilford since the legendary JohnThompson.  Shenna led from start to finish to win her first big event, though it was a close run affair with fellow Bann rider Stuart Dunlop a close second.  Bann completed the top three as super smiler Mark Buller finished in third.  Newcomer Kyle Patton did well to finish in 4th as Team Madigan’s Kendal Mackness had one of her best ever finishes to grab 5th.  Another new face, Owyn Powell was 6th as ‘capt’ Jack Baird, yes another Baird, had his fisrt major race for Banbridge to take 7th.  Callum Stewart though the mud was great as he finished in 8th with the mighty atom, Chris Curry slithering his way to 9th.   Niamb McKiveriagn took time of from her new career as race photographer to finish in ninth, apparently Niamb has some great action shots from Tymon Park in Dublin, including someone flashing false teeth!

Last years U-8 supremo John Buller(Banbridge cc) had his first outing in the U-10 ranks, as did many of his main rivals from last year.  It was a case of business as usual for the young ace.  In an interview to the media after the race, John said that he was in a hurry to finish as he wanted to get ready to see his dad make his race debut!  The battle for second saw the usual pair in contention, the Bann duo of Richard Baird and Shannon Buller.  Recovering from a bad start, Richard grabbed second place on the last lap, as ever helped by his mum, the ultra vocal Ann, European Shouting Champion and possible candidate for Come Dancing(but I did not tell you all this!Grease is the word!) Shannon finished a very close third as the pair dashed through the puddles to the finish.  Shannon’s mum is taking shouting lessons.  New XMTB member Greg Bell was an excellent 4th as another XMTB ace, Calum Nairn finished 5th.  Yer another new XMTB rider, Joel Smyth crossed the line in 6th with super cool Jack Lamont (mini tree trunks) a close 7th. In his first ever race Matthew McBratney totally enjoyed the experience as he finished in 8th, crossing the line like a true professional with arm raised, much to the delight of Granda!!!!

The U-12 event brought another batch of young stars moving up the ranks from last year.   For Banbridge CC’s James Curry it was a perfect start to his U-12 career as he led from start to finish.  XMTB’s Conor Nairn chased James throughout the four lapper to take a good second.  Banbridge lady, Missy Rachel Mayne, had her first U-12 MTB outing to take a very strong third.  Alex Bell, another new XMTB starlet, did well to finish in 4th with the battle of the race fought for 5th between Ty Mackness (Team Madigan) and Joseph Baird (Banbridge CC).  This pair had a brilliant dice around the BMX track on the final lap with Ty just getting the verdict at the finish. XMTB lady, Aimee Ogilby finished just behind this pair, in 7th as Bann’s Jill Curry took 8th.

XMTB broke the golden run of Bann victories as Chris Oakley had a dream debut in the U-14 class, scoring a start to finish win.  Dan Runciman (Banbridge CC) was runner up, as Claire Oakley finished third before returning to look after the latest Oakley, Sam, woof woof.  Stuart Ballantine was 4th ahead of new XMTB riders, Nathanael Smyth and Curtis Bell.  Dromara CC’s sole rider was Dean Colhoun, he finished in 8th but certainly enjoyed the jumps on the BMX track. The remainder of the Dromaraites were in action at their own Trailquest event, but will hopefully be at Castle Park this Sunday.

Matthew Adair produced a start to finish win in the U-16 race, a thrilling contest which also featured William Boyd (XMTB) and Mantas Spirgius (Orchard CC).  The race took place over 8 laps of the main course and in the early stages Matthew worked hard to stay ahead of William with Mantus making up for a slow start.   By half distance Matthew had begun to strengthen his lead as William found his place come under pressure from Mantus who was a revelation on the tricky grass climb just after the start/finish area.  In the closing laps Matthew maintained his advantage to take the win on his U-16 debut.  William ran out of ‘juice’ in the last couple of laps and was overtaken by Mantas, the Orchard rider finishing in second, an excellent result for the strong young rider who only made his MTB debut at Craigavon last September.  Hopefully more of the Juicey Clan will be at Bangor this Sunday. Ryan Williamson impressed as he finished a close 4th with another new face, Jamie Clarke in fifth.

And so to the support event, the Adult race.  This was a 10 lap affair with 30 riders doing battle.  At the end of the opening lap Tree Trunks Lamont (XMTB) held a narrow lead over Paul McMenamin (Leisure Lakes), Lewis Ferguson or was it a Frazer Duncan impostor (Northern CC), Tim Edgar (XMTB) and Glen Kinning (Castlereagh CC).  At the end of the next lap Kinning had moved into the lead and that was the last the rest of the field saw of him, except when he lapped them.  By the finish the well known roadie, clubber and DJ had lapped all up to fifth place! XMTB Dinosaur, Trunks Lamont finished a very strong second, this after at one stage man handling a lady on the BMX track, what an Old Ham he was!!!!!!!

Lewis Ferguson finished on his own in third after struggling with a slick on the back wheel.   Paul McMenamin took fourth on the new bike that Santa brought him with Tim Edgar having a rare MTB outing to finish 5th.  Graham Boyd had his first outing in the Senior ranks to take 6th with Michael Holland just holding off Andy Sideways Godfery to snatch 7th.  All round MTB dude, Luke Ireland rode well to finish in 9th, with Eamon McConvey, the Newry version, completing the top ten.  Irish MX star Gordon Crockard supported the event as he did last year, finishing in 11th as Paul Anderson was the first of the Banbridge squad to finish, in 12th.  Jonny Beers was the first of the Junuior riders, 15th with Anne Duffy leading the ladies as she crossed the line in 17th.  Special mention to Maurice Mayne (Banbridge CC) who finished an excellent 18th the result of a long winter of training.  The fact that he beat fellow Bann member and newly qualified commissaire, Stevie Prentice. Will cause much amusement in the Dromara MTB ranks, it would be worth having a check on their message board!  Another big mention for Daddy Buller, on his race debut taking 21st, though the team manager will have four cycling kits to wash tonight.

Well done to all at XMTB for a great event and to the members of St Johns who had nothing to do.  The second round of the series is this Sunday when all races will be handicapped. So get the word out and be there.
Report by Andy Potts
Photo By Marian Lamb.
For more photos of the days action , see the Cycling Ulster Website, here.

2007 Eddie Sands MTB Extravaganza

Fun was the order of the day on Sunday as Banbridge Cycling Club held the annual Eddie Sands MTB Trophy event and BBQ at the Ballycross MTB course. Light rain failed to dampen the spirits of the riders and their supporters, though it did make conditions slippery on the grassy sections of this brilliant course. For the first time at an Eddie Sands event, there was fancy dress, music and race commentary, DJ Funkychicken coming out of retirement for the event!

The U-8 riders were the first into action with a four lap event. Run under a time handicap, Irish and Ulster Champion John Buller was last away and in the early stages it was his brother Mark that led the way. Stuart Dunlop took over at the front to lead on laps two and three, however on the final lap John Buller finally moved into the lead to score a narrow win over Stuart Dunlop and a fast finishing Richard Baird. Gilfords top lady mtb racer Shenna McKiverigan showed excellent cyclo cross skills as she finished in fourth, followed over the line by Shannon and Mark Buller. This race was followed by a two rider U-5 race with Jack Baird, dressed as a pirate, crossing the finish line along side Chris Curry.

The U-13 race brought produced a great win for James Curry, the U-10 rider overcoming a three minute handicap to win the five lapper. Dress as a clown, Dan Runciman did well to cross the line in second. There was a huge cheer for William Heslip as he took third, William having helped design and build the course. Rachel Mayne was fourth as Joeseph Baird recovered from a little trip over the bars to finish fifth.

The next race on the programme was the Eddie Sands event and before the start the atmosphere was one of unbearable tension as the riders prepared for one of the most important mtb races of the year. The race was run on a handicap system, riders being given a number of laps to complete in the fastest time possible. For Irish Junior Champion it was a case of 15 laps while his main rivals had only 12 laps to cover.

Jon Runciman was the leader on course for three laps before a charging Liam McGreevy hit the front on the fourth circuit. The young Loughbrickland rider, known as ‘the Whippet’, set a blistering pace as he fought his battle with the clock. Behind him William Mulligan, manager of the Ballycross course, was the only rider to get near Liam.

The first rider to complete his quota of laps was Maurice Mayne, the time set by master chef Maurice giving him the win in the Vets section. Jon Runciman had one lap more than Maurice and still finished a close second in the Vets challenge. Third Vet was William Mulligan, he had faced an uphill battle against the clock as he had to complete three more laps than Jon and Maurice.

Paul Anderson took the honours in the feature Senior section of the Eddie Sands race. Paul finished his 12 laps with young rival Matthew Adair grabbing second. For Liam McGreevy it was a superb performance, lapping everyone up to fourth place, but eventually took third on the timed handicap. Michael Runciman was fifth ahead of comeback kid Sam Curran. Well done to Stevie Lindsay, the local rider had his first mtb outing for almost a year and still took sixth. In the Ladies challenge Nicola Oldham took the win ahead of Harriet Mayne.

Following a superb BBQ, a special four team relay race was run, including members of Banbridge CC touring section, Pedar McGreevy, Gerry Beggs and Stevie Curran. For this event the course was lined with very vocal supporters, the noise level increasing as more than one rider took shortcuts. In the end the winning team was that of Joseph Baird, Maurice Mayne, Jon Runciman and Paul Anderson. In the mums race, Hazel Buller scored a superb victory with Heather Heslip in second and the ‘big cheat’ herself, Ann Baird in third. The final race saw a dead heat between John Baird, Johnathon Buller nad the Funkychicken.

This was a brilliant fun filled event and many thanks to William and Ruth Mulligan for allowing their home to be used for the event. A big thanks also to Stanley Dougan for the use of his yard and land. As usual any Banbridge CC mtb event would not be complete without the arrival of the touring section, many thanks to the wise old men of the touring section! Finally, thanks to all for supporting the event and helping with the catering.

Banbridge CC shows dominance in Irish DH League

Banbridge CC’s downhill riders took part in Sunday’s penultimate round of the Irish DH League, held in the beautiful setting of Coolaveely Forest which overlooks Ballycastle. The course had been soaked by overnight rain but excellent weather on Sunday helped dry out the track with many of the best times set on the second set of runs. Davy Graham once more ruled the roost in the U-16 class, next season the Ballyward rider will be moving up to the Junior class. Davy’s dad, Steven, also featured in the results as he took a magnificent second place in the Vets class.

Banbridge CC got another win when the multi-talented Joanne McCallum took the Ladies event. In the Junior section, Jonny McKee overcame a few spills to take fourth overall. The ever smiling Stephen McMinn was pleased with his second run which gave him eighth place with Scarva based Josh Chesney in tenth. Gareth McKee finished ninth in the Elite Class, on his second run he had a spectacular crash within sight of the finish, thankfully only his pride was damaged.

Banbridge CC riders' Joanne McCallum and Davy Graham in action.

Podium Places Galore for Banbridge CC MTB'ers

Banbridge CC's up and coming mountain bikers produced the goods at the latest round of the Ulster Mountain Bike Cross Country League, hosted locally by Apollo CT.

In the under 8 category, Banbridge riders took the top 4 placings with John Buller claiming the top spot. In the under 10's Banbridge showed similar domination, taking 3 out of the top 4. This time James curry claimed 1st place. In the under 14's an top 3 placing was also achieved by William Heslip.

Podium places were also claimed by Banbridge riders in the Masters, Vets & Womens Sport categories. To view Andy Potts' full report on the Cycling Ulster web site click here.

(Picture courtesy of Marian Lamb, Cycling Ulster)

Banbridge CC out in force for Ulster MTB XC Champs

On the 15th September neighbouring club Dromara CC promoted the 2007 Ulster MTB XC Championships. Banbridge CC members had a grand day out, achieving no less than 14 podium places! Roger Aiken successfully defended his elite title crossing the finish line with a clear lead which he held from the start. Andy Pott's full report on the Championships can be seen on the Cycling Ulster web site. Congratulations to all Banbrige CC members you took part on the day.

Liam Takes on the World(s)!

Well done to Liam McGreevy of Banbridge CC who competed in the Mountain Bike World Championships on Friday at Fort William in Scotland. Liam, in his first year of the Junior ranks, finished an excellant 57th. This is Liam's first time riding for Ireland and he finished the best of the Irish squad in the Junior Championships. For the full report on how Liam and the Irish mtb sqaud got on check out Andy Potts' report on the Cycling Ulster web site here.