It was a pro affair at all angles…The Ulster CX Champs 2019 in Fintona Tyrone had some class about it!!

Photo’s courtesy of “FOTOZONE” Armagh as a guest photographer for us yesterday, results from Martin Grimley and time team Ulstercyclocross, with thanks to both. The race was sponsored by Caldwell Cycles Omagh, The Kelly Inn and SPAR and promoted by Omagh Wheelers and Ulster Off-Road commission (other photos as indicated from the BP Media team)

It was a Vitus Pro Cycling show of strength yesterday in the beautiful surroundings of the Ecclesville Equestrian Centre in Fintona with Christopher Mc Glinschey and new teammate Darnell Moore taken the bull by the horn so to speak…from lap 1 a distance was made between them and the dangerman behind, such as Thomas Creighton & Graham Boyd from the Mc Convey Cycle Team and Lee Harvey from Vc Glendale and they never got in danger of being caught bar accidents off course. The 2 continental pros just showed us why they have that status, as both are very versatile in all disciplines of the sport and well-focused on what they want to achieve. A slip from Darnell was the sign for Chris to attack and keeping Darnell behind him till the finish. What pleased me is that these lads work together till a victory is safe, and then have a battle between them which the crowd very much appreciate. Thomas had to be happy with the bronze as the strongest of the chasers. Lee Harvey showed some real spirit to keep Graham Boyd a bay and taken fourth, Darragh McCarter of Donegal Bay a very respectable 6th.

The course was very demanding and clever designed with 3 hilly sections on a very slippy surface, a drizzly and breezy day made it perfect for a top day in our province, the promoters Omagh Wheelers never disappoint when they organise races, Olly Logan took charge of proceedings for the club and his army of volunteers done the rest, Olly is a swimming coach for the British National & Olympic swimming team and long-time member of Omagh Wheelers, as a big fan of CX he knew to make this course interesting hard and hell yeah he did!! Full results on http://www.ulstercyclocross.com/Results/Ulster_Cyclo_cross_Championships_2019_Results.htm

Earlier in the day, we had the Ladies elite & junior race, low numbers didn’t spoil the class of the race and as expected it was a battle between Darcey Harkness (Carn Wheelers) and Niamh Mc Kiverigan (Scott-Quanta) They took control from the start and disappeared on the horizon for the others hopefuls, with Judith Russell (Phoenix CC) doing what she can to get closer, the eventually master champ just couldn’t get close enough to ask questions to the young guns…but she had the Masters gold in mind and succeeded in doing that. Upfront the battle became to epic standards, none of the 2 girls giving an inch and it became a sprint to the line with Junior Darcey the upper hand in this exciting finish and taking gold in the Junior race. Niamh as second took the elite women title. Judith the gold in the Masters. Perseverance of Andra Hamilton (Dromara CC) and Rachel Mc Bride (Arcane) was awarded with Andra taking silver, Rachel taking bronze in the elite woman section.

The Junior Men Race

If anyone can beat Darren Rafferty in a clear run race as a junior come forward as I think no one can claim this…Dean Harvey of VC Glendale was the one to catch was “the name of the game” for silver, as gold was away from the very early stages of the race…this lad just unstoppable!! Darren should be the favourite next week at the Irish CX Champs, a bookmaker would make this a very big “odds-on” winning the Nationals, yesterdays gold added to his huge collection so far at such a young age!!

The Masters Men 40 and Men 50-60 Champs

Underage Ulster CX Championships Races

Another girl who is unstoppable is VC Glendale’s, Aine Doherty (Under 14) would look good in the Elite race…been started after the Elite women’s race with at least 30 seconds deficit, Aine soon caught up with the older girls and swiftly took them one by one, as she had fewer laps to do, she finished just behind the elite leaders who still had 2 laps to go…I always gonna wonder if she would have beat them if she was in the same race, as the ground she made was awesome… This jersey should stay in West Belfast for another year is my prediction for next weeks Nationals…just another Ulster Champs medal as a reward for her amazing skills