“Getting UCI points and gaining experience was the mission for some of our Ulster and Irish riders, and very satisfying results been achieved in Rounds 2 & 3 of the “CX British National Trophy”in October, this at Falkirk in Scotland, and South Shields in North East England. Hopefully this get noted by the powers to be!!!

All photos courtesy of Richard Howes (GB) and report courtesy of one of my resources, with thanks to both!

Irish riders have been competing to chase uci points and gain experience of this standard of event. At Falkirk Dean Harvey rode to 7th elite /5th U23 with Darnell Moore and Lee Harvey in 28th and 41st places out of 70 riders on a hard technical circuit. Áine Doherty scored more uci points in 9th place in junior women with Hannah McClorey in 18th.

Junior men saw 6 Irish riders take to the start line with Liam O’Brien best in 9th place. Joseph Mullen (25th) and Curtis Neill (34th) were both hampered by crashes and punctures preventing them from showing their true pace. Cal Tutty (36th) and Sean Tolan (41st) completed the race with Travis Harkness a non finisher. There was also a large contingent of youth riders making the journey over to this race to gain experience with some great rides as well.

The following week at South Shields saw a smaller group take to the start line with Dean securing his first podium finish at 2nd under 23, also finishing 4th overall after racing with the front runners for the full race. Lee following behind in 46th.

Another strong ride from Áine saw her take 7th in junior women with Hannah Mc Clorey 14th. Junior men saw Liam and Travis struck by sickness with neither finishing. Ciaran Lally completed the race in 51st place. In elite women Roisin Lally (photo below) rode strongly on her home course to take the last UCI point in 10th place (5th u23) with Darcey a non finisher this week.

Well done to our talented young riders, and a thank you to the back-up staff and parents helping our youth “Living the Dream”