Castlewellan to host cross-country event

Castlewellan to host cross-country event

1 August 2018

SHIMNA Wheelers are hosting the Ulster Mountain Bike Cross-country Championships at Castlewellan Forest Park on Sunday.

This year’s championship will be contested on a new course designed to bring out the best in the contestants. The course is a mixture of fire road, trail centre tracks, gruelling climbs and natural flowing single track with plenty of opportunity to over take while challenging technical sections will truly test Ulster’s best. 

This year’s course will take in the fantastic biking sections of Dolly’s Brae and the Moorish Tower providing a real test for all participants. 

Entries via www.ulsterxc.com

The club’s race team headed to Drogheda at the weekend for the Brendan Campbell Memorial Road Race. It is one of the oldest races in Ireland.

First off was the A4 race which involved our own Andrew Porter. He started off strongly and  all was going well until a puncture put an end to his race on lap eight. 

Next was the A1/A2/A3 and junior race which both Luke Roberts and Brian McLornan took part in. This was always going to be a difficult race, but they guys finished well in the bunch with an average over 50miles of 25mph. This was Luke’s first A3 race, a true baptism of fire.

Marty McCourt and Joe Lennon with Paul Lennon of TVR Banbridge took part in the Skoda Ring of Clare 160km Sportive on Saturday.  

The day started off dry, but that was soon to change 5km into the event when heavy rain started with strong winds. All three completed 160km route in a good time, considering the weather they had to face.  

A tough day in the saddle, but well worth it when they reached the finish line. Well done to all  involved, registration staff, motorcycle marshals, static marshals, Garda and food station staff. Great event all round.