Cyclo Cross Returns to Dundalk

Bellurgan Park last Saturday was the snow covered venue for the first cyclo cross race for nearly 25 years in the Dundalk area. The sport has seen a resurgence in the last number of years, which is adapted racing bike, tackling off road courses. The racing is fast and tough and with the crazy weather over the last two weeks would put most off but not the hardcore riders.

In the Elite race Evan Ryan looked like the man to watch until the end of lap two and a puncture meant he was chasing an on form Joe McCall. Colm Ahern stepped it up a gear today and got himself into second which he held until the end despite the determined effort of Evan Ryan who suffered a second puncture two lap later Up front it was the McCall who kept the hammer down to take the win with Ahern just over two minutes down and a frustrated Ryan just four seconds back after the end of twelve laps. Local triathlon hero Jonny McCabe represented Cuchuliann cycling team with a fantastic 5th place. It was only McCabe's second race at the discipline, but he tackled the difficult course like a master.

In the Experts race Kevin Keane from Dublin wiped the floor with the rest of the field finishing  In second place was Newry's Emaon McConvey and ride of the day was female Mountain Bike star Cait Elliott taking 3rd place in the experts. Cuchuliann's own Sean Loughran from Ravensdale, finished a fantastic fifth place

There will be another race "Jingle Cross" at Ballurgan Park on the  28th of December. all welcome for a days craic in  fantastic surroundings. Big thanks to Erdinger Beer for sponsoring the event.

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Report Courtesy of Myles from Bike Pure

Bike Pure is an independent, global organization for fans and riders to join together in a united stance for a new era of positive cycling. We are 50,000 members in 89 countries looking to restore the integrity of cycle sport and create a nurturing environment for future champions to succeed. We are simply cyclists working for cycling.