Report Martin Grimley (secretary off-road commission) some photos taken from the CU off-road website, with thanks to both
The Cycling Ulster Off-road Commission sent 8 riders to this year’s Inter-regional Mountain Bike Cross-country Championships. The event was held over the 10-11 September 2022 at Cannock Chase hosted by Hope Technology and Crank It Cycling in association with British Cycling. Riders: Aine Doherty, Aliyah Rafferty, Conor Murphy, Curtis McKee,
Caleb McGreevy, Cameron Henry, Cara Suckling and Lacey Aiken Johnston The riders were supported by Brendan Doherty, David McKee and Katie Neill.
On Saturday morning the team had a skills competition with more points awarded depending on the difficulty of the challenge. On Saturday afternoon there was the Elimination race which was based on the points from the skills challenge. Also on the Saturday was the team relay. On Sunday the was a one hour cross-country race for the boys and then one for the girls.The Ulster team 1 got second overall team with Ulster team 2 coming in 9th place. Conor and Curtis were the 2nd placed boys overall. The Ulster team 1 also came third in the team relay.
Some thoughts from the riders themselves.(photos BP Media-David mc Veigh)
Conor Murphy
I had a great weekend competing at the Inter Regional MTB Championships with my team mates Áine, Aliyah & Curtis. Saturday – In the skills sessions I did well and this placed me on the front row for the short track race. In the short track I managed to work my way into first, entering the final corner but I unclipped at the corner and was just beaten for the win. In the team relay I was on was leg 1. After my lap I passed over to Aliyah with the team in 4th place. The team then managed to do a great race and we finished in 3rd place. Sunday – I was gridded on the front row for the XCO. Only a few metres after the start I broke my chain. Luckily the pit entry was only 50m after the start line. The pit team got a quick link fitted and I got back into the race. I managed to work my way back up to 11th by the end of the race. Thanks to Cycling Ulster for the opportunity, my teammates and finally the Katie, Brendan & David for everything over the whole weekend.
Curtis McKee
Very fun time this weekend. To pick up two silvers was a very good and well deserved achievement and a bronze in team relay . Thanks to all the coaches for the great assistance and Cycling Ulster for the opportunity and the cracker of a weekend it was.
Aine Doherty
Great experience at the inter regionals racing in lots of different events and also racing as a team. Huge thank you to Cycling Ulster for the opportunity and all the support throughout the whole weekend.
Aliyah Rafferty
So much fun and so much learnt at the MTB inter-regionals. Big thanks to Cycling Ulster for the opportunity, to the coaches and to Martin, Gareth and Ruth for the weekly skills sessions. They were worthwhile !
Caleb McGreevy
Thanks to all of Cycling Ulster for the opportunity this weekend. I gained lots of valuable experience, thanks to all the coaches for their great advice and support throughout the trip. The team achieved some great results which is something we all be proud of.
Cara Suckling
Had a really fun time this weekend competing in all the events with the team and gained even more experience. Thanks to all the coaches for looking after us all and helping us through the weekend and to Cycling Ulster for the opportunity.
Lacey Aiken Johnston
I had an amazing experience away this week at the inter regionals MTB championships. Thank you to the coaches for all the help over the weekend and to Cycling Ulster for the opportunity.
Cameron Henry
Had a great time this weekend competing across the four different events learning new skills, gaining experience and making nice friends. Thanks very much to all the coaches who helped and supported us over each event and Cycling Ulster for this opportunity. Hopefully be back again soon.
