Bikedock Belles

Apollo CC hosted the Championships and had planned testing courses for all agegroups - with the wetness of the grass making it even harder for wee legs (and big legs!). The U8s had a 4-lap course, with an incline around halfway, which suited Fraser Harrower and saw him put in one of his best races so far....and ending up with the silver medal. Adam McCaughtry had another solid race, finishing 6th and Christopher Duncan 15th. All three of these Young Guns represent Dromara CC.

Please note that Alex Harrower did not race....creating his own challenge at the sidelines by cycling around and dodging oncoming riders...and the lake ! And nearly breaking Belle Cathy's other ankle !

The U10s had the same course as the U8s, but had to complete 7 laps. Kelly Wilson rode solidly and took home a silver medal. Younger brother Ben had a great race and narrowly missed out on the bronze medal. Sam Duncan proved that his bigger bike is what he needs, and rode at a constant pace, smiling all the way (particularly when he was free wheeling - much to the distress of his dad!). Sarah Elder rode well and ended as 4th girl. Kelly, Ben and Sam ride for Dromara CC and Sarah rides for Carn Wheelers.

The U12s had a larger and very hilly lap to complete - and had to do 5 of them ! As if "the hill" wasn't unnerving enough, 5 minutes before the start Max Melville got a flat tyre. There would be no delayed start, so while 5 people set about changing the puncture (too many cooks spoil the broth??!!), Max got Fraser's bike set up just in case his puncture wasn't fixed in time! The repair happened quickly enough and Max set off for the tough race on his own trusty stead. This was an energy sapping course, with 1 hill being tough enough, but 5 time meaning a test of endurance and strength ... which Max has proved time and again he has.

It took Max 2 laps to find his rhythm, in part due to a great start by Rory (Blessingbourne Estate's representative in his new Trailbadger jersey!) in his debut participation in one of these races (what a debut given the tough course!) and in part due to jumping gears. However Max's experience saw him overtake Rory and move into Bronze medal position, which he held until the finish. Emma Elder finished with a Bronze too. Max rides for Dromara CC and Emma for Carn Wheelers.

The Young Guns have had a fantastic XC series and it bodes well for the Cyclocross series. There is growing interest in their actvities and newcomers are likely in the next few weeks. In the next few years there will also be some newbies - one of whom was at the sidelines on Saturday .... Ethan Booth, son of Belle Cathy, who showed keen interest in the goings ons from his vanatge point on his bike seat ! A few of the kids wished they were being pedalled around in a seat having tackled the grassy hill !

Having enjoyed the usual post-race treats, as well as great chips (the only food that hits the spot after hard racing .... in the Belles' eyes!) from the cafe, many of the Young Guns stayed on to cheer Belle Andrea in the adult race. Thanks so much to all, it is such a buzz and help hearing you all shout out in support. Anyway, despite protesting that she is not an elite XC racer, she headed off in the elites on her tod and surrounded by elite men....well, not surrounded for very long ! Ahem. Baptism of fire, but while the ultra endurance sessions have sapped some speed, she could have kept going and going ... and enjoyed (yip! enjoyed) the long grassy hill on each of her 6 (yip! 6) laps.

Ding Dong !

Andrea