Report by James Curry

Banbridge Cycling Club’s off road contingent travelled to Glendalough Estate in Wicklow to compete in the recent Round 3 of the Irish National Points Series cross county mountain bike race hosted by Epic MTB club. On arrival the team were keen to get a feel for the course – it was fast with switchback climbs, technical descents and sweeping burns.  Nice!

First up to the start line in the under 14 race was Mark and James Buller.  Both lads rode a strong race with Mark finishing in 5th position and James 8th. Next up was John Buller in the under 16 race.  John rode very well finishing in 2nd position, coming in just behind the race winner. John’s getting faster all the time and this was a fantastic result for him.

The senior races were held in the afternoon following the conclusion of the youth race programme.  It was the turn of Gareth McKee, James Curry and Simon Curry’s to go out and try to get a win for Banbridge – first off was McKee.  Gareth rode a super race finishing 2nd behind the ever so strong multiple National Champion Robin Seymour of the host club.

Our own National Junior Champion James Curry had another fantastic outing in his category, the Banbridge lad taking another convincing win ahead of David Conroy of DLCO Scott Cycling. Unfortunately Simon Curry had a crash on lap 2, forcing him to withdraw from the race with an injured hip.