Irish Marathon Mountain Bike Championships

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"152","attributes":{"class":"media-image aligncenter size-medium wp-image-361","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","width":"300","height":"200","alt":"Declan McCabe Nationals"}}]]Last Sunday (September 18th) Ballyhoura in Co. Limerick hosted the Irish Marathon Mountain Biking Champsionships & it proved to be a good day out for Cuchulainn Cycling Club`s off road specialists. The race followed 65km of off-road tracks in the forests of the purpose built mountain biking facility. In addition to long climbs and technical sections the track has the famous Ballyhoura boardwalks, wooden structures traversing areas too boggy for standard trails. They are treacherously slippery when wet and require 100% concentration, which is tough when you are already tired from racing.
 
The best result of the day belonged to Aidan McDonald who took home the bronze medal in the Elite race. The Elite race was won in commanding fashion by full time rider Ryan Sherlock of Dublin, but Aidan more than held his own in 3rd spot. Not far behind Aidan was Ray O`Shaughnessy in 4th position. In the Vets race Gerry McCabe finished in 3rd position, however as first irishman home he claimed the National Title. Gerry's brothers Johnny & Declan finished 9th & 23rd respectively in the same race. Also in the same race Fergus McCann finished further back behind Declan. In the Masters race Stephen Kelleher had a top 10 finish, with Sean mcAvoy just putside the top 20. David McKeown also competed in the Masters race, finishing in the top 30. Meanwhile in the underage section Aaron McCann came home in 8th place.
 
Places are still available for the club's overnight social trip on Saturday October 15th. Leaving Dundalk riders can choose between 3 routes of varying length as they make their way to The City North Hotel. Bikes will be transported separately & the ride home the next day will surely be a more relaxed affair. Details can be found at www.dundalkcycling.com
 
The club will also be holding a serious of meetings in relation to planning for the 2012 season. These will cover all aspects of cycling, such as Ladies, off-road, racing, Lesiure, etc. Details of the meetings can also be found at www.dundalkcycling.com