Padraig McCreesh wins round 2 of MTB League, & underage MTB league kicks off

Cuchulainn's off road league moved to Ravensdale Forest park for the second round of action. This round saw over 25 riders gather for a mast start event. After some fast & technical riding Padraig McCreesh was the winner on the night. Padraig had just over 30 seconds to spare on runner up Gary Winterlich. Another 30 seconds back in third was Pierce Doheny.  Caroline Martinez was first lady on the night and came home in 6th place.
 
In addition to the senior race, the junior off road league was also launched. Shane Coll was the winner after some exciting racing. He beat out Eoin Carthy (2nd) & Comhall Ferriter (3rd). Kristian Grace was the first girl on the night.
 
On the sportif front, Cuchulainn had a large contingent of riders take part in the recent Gullion Tour, promoted by Aramgh Down Cycling Club. The 100km route took in the fierce climb of Slieve Gullion & was made that much harder with rain & hailstones.
 

Round 3 of the Bike Station Cycling League held it's first mountain top finish of the year, with the 43km route finishing atop the Long Woman's Grave. While definitely not the steepest climb in the league, that award goes to Flagstaff climb, the combination of gradient, length & rough road surface makes it no easier than the other climbs.

 
Even before the climb had begun the fast moving scratch group had caught all those before them. At the base of the climb, 2016 & 2017 league champion Alan Bingham of Newry Wheelers launched an attack. Only Cuchulainn's Liam Dolan was able to go with him & the 2 forged on ahead where Bingham took the win. Rounding out the podium was Ardee's Tomas McCabe, with more Newry riders Colm Quinn & Sean Featherstone in fourth & fifth. The support race went to Cian O`Shaughnessy ahead of John Lennon and Kevin Byrne.