Banbridge CC’s John Buller won a superb Silver medal at the National Cyclo-cross Championships, held at Tollymore Forest Park on Sunday. The Ulster Junior Champion was unable to reel in the Kilcullen Cyclist JB Murphy.  The Banbridge Cyclist didn’t get a good start, but finally hit his form on lap three.   John said he was very happy to secure silver in front of the amazing support from fellow club members.  He praised his pit crew for all their help and support leading up to the race ensuring his bikes were in perfect running order!

 

 Roger Aiken once again won Gold and the Champion’s jersey.  Banbridge rider Gareth McKee took the lead for the first two laps, before Roger put the pedal down leaving the opposition scrapping for second place.  Gareth, on his third outing of the year eventually slipped back in the field, finishing a superb fifth place. Gareth said it was a tough race and he tried to stay with the leaders but was unable to close the gap.

 

Banbridge rider Ruth Aiken was unable to make progress in the Woman’s Championship but was fourth Ulsterwoman home in an outstanding field.  Race winner, Beth McCuskey from Team Jaden-Weldtite winning from Chicago’s Maria Larkin.

 

Banbridge Riders Don Travers, Mark Kendall and Chris McCann all had respectable races in the Masters’ Classes.  The M40 Champion was the outstanding Robin Seymour, Team WORC and the M50 Champion was Newry Wheeler Des Woods, who again retained his National Jersey. Terry O’Neill, Epic MTB, was gold medal winner in the M60 Class.

 

A big thanks to Banbridge Members and Pitt Crews, Liam McKivergan, Ian Cochrane, Jonathan Buller, Simon Curry, Brian Curran, Phil Beattie, Peadar McGreevy, Matt Adair and Shannon Buller for their great efforts! All the riders appreciated all the support from all the Club members who turned up to cheer them on all around the course.  Finally a big thanks to Dromara Cycling Club who once again hosted the National Championships building a great course around Tollymore and producing another great event.   

TH