Round 2 of the NPS Coming Up & Weekend's Results, Jimmy Flynn 2nd in Batterstown

On Sunday April 29th Cuchulainn Cycling Club will host round 2of the Mountain Bike National Points Series at its custom built off-road facility at Bellurgan Park.. The park, which was already considered the best off-road racing track in the country, has seen further work over the winter, with club members spending a lot of their free time clearing paths, laying gravel & generally upgrading the riding conditions. Gary Shiels, acting as race director, will oversee a full day's activities from underage races right up to the best mountain bikers in the country. Cuchulainn has become a force to be reckoned with in mountain biking, with underage riders like Aaron McCann right through to multiple off-road champion Aidan McDonald. These 2 riders along with many others in the club and from across the country will be battling it out for points in the series. Any club members available to help should contact Gary at 087 7700037.

Thursday last saw the 2012 FPM Accountants Summer Cycling League kick off with a 10mile time trial, with over 60 riders competing. The results showed it was one of those strange nights when weather conditions meant everyone was slower than expected. Gerry McCabe was quickest on the night, however riders didn't beat their times set on New Year's Eve. This was unexpected as at this time of year everyone is much fitter than during the dark depths of winter, however it proves whatever your fitness, a strong wind trumps all. Gerry had 15seconds to spare over Colm Quinn, with Newry's Kevin Lynch in 3rd. The first lady home was Celine McPhilips, with Sarah Fagan in 2nd & Lisa Neary in 3rd. Next Thursday night the action moves to the Ballymac for a race out to Greenore & back. Those interested in racing need to register beforehand at www.dundalkcycling.com

On the open racing front the result of the weekend went to Jimmy Flynn in the IVCA in Batterstown. Having missed the break Jimmy jumped from the main bunch and rode hard to bridge the gap to the leaders. In the sprint for the line Jimmy was narrowly edged out into second. In the other IVCA race Sé Weston finished in 7th position, the same position Sean lighran claimed in Sunday's A3 race in Stamullen. Two of the club's ladies, Annette Dawe & Suzy Macking travelled to Dublin on Tuesday night to take part in the first round of the Wheelworx Women's Cycling league. The 6 ropund event kicked off with a time trial where Annette took 8th position, finishing less than a minute off the podium, with Suzy mackin a bit further back.

A new date for the calendar is Sunday May 6th, when Carrick Wheelers will promote the inaugural North East Cycle Challenge. Riders can depart Carrickmacross & choose between a 100km Drumlin Challenge or a 30km Oriel Challenge. Entries can be got in Carrick Cycle Center