Nathan Sturrock
John Buller
Ruth Aiken
Local Clubs were well represented at the Ormeau Park leg of the Ulster Cyclo Cross Championships. Despite initial cold and foggy conditions, there was an excellent turn out of supporters for this ever more popular series. Three National Championship Jerseys were on display as riders Roger Aiken, Des Woods and Orwell Wheelers Beth McCluskey continued to dominate their classes.
Nathan Sturrock celebrated his new Cyclo Cross bike coming first in the Espoir Class. Nathan picked up his new Merida Cross at McGill’s during the week. John Buller was third Junior home on his first outing of the season. Chris McCann was 6th in his class, in a strong field of 60 riders.
Ruth Aiken had a steady race in a fairly busy field. But with Irish Champion Beth McCluskey and some teammates from Scott-Orwell Wheelers, up from Dublin, there was little chance of getting near the podium. Niamh McKivergan rode a storming race to win the Under 16 race for Powerhouse under the watchful eye of her dad Liam, who doubled as Pit Crew for Roger Aiken.
The B Race saw Stephen Prentice and William Forsythe battling it out in the middle of the huge field of 85 riders. Brian Wilson from Dromara had an excellent 2d place finish. Alan Hall from TVR put in very respectable times for the five laps. Teammate Tim Beattie and our own Pete McBride were non-finishers.
Young Ryan McBride made good progress in the frosty and foggy conditions for a superb 8th place! No Sunday morning lie-ins for the Under-eights!
TH
