Promoter Omagh Wheelers in conjunction with Ulster Cyclo-cross presents us with the "Ulster CX Champs" this Sunday 5th of January in Fintona Co-Tyrone...a preview

Who could be on the podium?…my personal prediction’s, let’s see if I get it right this time. Event sponsors
Caldwell Cycles, Kellys Inn and Victory Chimp

Thomas Creighton from the Mc Convey Cycles team must be one of the favourites for the Elite podium, with his teammate Graham Boyd on his side, they could be the ones to beat. They have done this successfully several times during the Ulster league season and at their best hard to beat.

Brand new continental pro and ex-National Irish Champ 2018 Darnell Moore (Vitus Pro Cycling GB) could be the one who gives the Mc Convey’s boys a run for their money, his form to the end of the season was superb! Darnell has his pro teammate Christopher Mc Glinchey as support and Chris could be the dark horse of the race!!

**Never write of this fellow…Christopher loves challenges**

In the junior men race, Darren Rafferty from Island Wheelers a clear favourite, his international experience should give him an edge, the other podium contenders could be Ciaran Dixon (Type1 GB), Paul Antoine Hagan (Banbridge CC) and local lads Somhairle Owen Fisher and Joseph Owens a fair chance to reach the podium

In the master’s races, we should see some good battles, my M40 choice would be Alan Bingham (Irish Champ and Newry Wheelers), my M50 winner prediction would be Brendan Doherty (VC Glendale) but Des Woods (Newry Wheelers) could be the danger man

**Last years Irish M50 Champ Brendan Doherty**

The ladies race

In the women’s race who includes the junior ladies and masters, my podium contenders would be this two above…Niamh Mc Kiverigan U23 (Scott-Quanta) and Darcey Harkness (Junior) and for the last step my Dark Horse of the race Eileen Burns (Ballymena RC) who has taken to CX as a fish to water, and already appeared on a podium in 3rd after 3 races! Also a close contender this year is Judith Russell as Master (Phoenix CC) and will ask the younger girls above some questions!

**Eileen became an all-rounder with now CX added to her skills**

**After harvesting X-Mas trees over the holiday period Judith should be fit and ready!**

I will not predict the Underage races as I don’t want to put any extra pressure to these kids but looking forward to these races in the morning. I honoured to be asked to do the MC job and tunes are ready for Tyrone…see you all on Sunday morning in the Ecclesville Equestrian Centre in Fintona