Martin Grimley reports: “The first round of the Ulster Cyclo-cross series 2023 took place on Sunday 1 October at St. Columb’s Park in Derry/Londonderry hosted by Foyle Cycling Club. This is the 15th year of the Ulster series. Remarkable it has been 5 years since we had last raced at this site. With the new bypass the journey to the city was quicker than in previous years. The weather forecast was looking good for the day with warm autumn temperatures and lots of blue sky. The only rain was a brief 5 minute shower during the last race of the day. Not enough rain to change the course conditions. As before, the main action took place on the running track with the sign on and registration tent located beside the track. All race starts and finishes were on the track as well” Here the full report https://ulstercyclocross.com/wp/?page_id=1812&fbclid (photo above Marcus Cromie-Shimna Wheelers, one of the most photographed cyclist in Ulster, loves mud and craft beers)

Photo above of the A-race winner Travis Harkness (Scott-Bright Motor Group U23) A personal well done to Travis, as always great to see my bursary holders doing well, and already his second win of the season, and his 3rd podium in 3 races!!

Glenn Kinning, M40 Champ and second on the day in the A-Race (two podiums within 8 days)

Pleased to see a long time friend getting back to the form he had a few years ago. Barry Kellett – Dromara CC taking 3rd spot on the A-race podium

In all came down to the sprint finish with Eimear Nicholls (Triathlon athlete and her first ever CX) taking the win just ahead of Aliyah Rafferty (Island Wheelers JNR) . Taking third place was Elena Wallace (Harps CC *photo below)

Ashton Moore (Strabane Lifford Cycling Club) perseverance got him his first CX win (B’ Race) at Junior and Senior level, his Belgian socks make this great photo even better!! I bet his parents David and Sharon must be over the moon!!

Chris Mc Cann-Inspired Cycling had a great year on the road, and continued this with another great performance now off-road!!

Gavin Clarke (Banbridge CC) taking 3rd in the B’ Race, beating Dariusz Buchowicz (Team Caldwell Cycles) for the last podium place!!

In the mountain bike support race the winner came from Donegal, Gerard Curran (Tir Chonaill Gap CC) to strong for the other 2 in that cat, and clocks his second podium of the season!!

Dr Fred Macsorley -Apollo CC still very much active as Masters 60+, a soft spoken gentleman and OBE holder for his para medic work in the motorcycle sport, and loved by us all!

There is no under age pictures taken by Jerry, except this one of Emer Heverin (Kinning Cycles) leading the U16 girls, which she won. But plenty you can find on Toby Watson’s https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008650729508 page

Inspired Cycling won the Team Prize in the A’Race with Chris mc Cann, Jason Henry (above) and David O’Neill … For Full results go to https://ulstercyclocross.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ulster_Cyclo_cross_2023_Round_1_FoyleCC_Results.htm

Round 2 of the 2023 Ulster Cyclo-cross Series will take place at CyclocrossNI in Portadown, hosted by Velo Cafe Magasin this Sunday 8th October… Details of the event can be found on www.ulstercyclocross.com and entry details on https://eventmaster.ie/event/qnL0sP7SQq