Bikedock Belles

The weather during the week again made for a leg ripping course on grass and mud, but all the Young Guns enjoyed the slip n’ sliding during the race - so much so that they continued to slide in it after the event . . . . although, without their bikes !

Once again the sun was shining, although the temperature made for a lot of numb fingers – and that was just the spectators. Unfortunately Monthly Duncan, the habitual provider of good, hot coffee at the races, was not at Malone House. We’ll forgive her though – and wish her a speedy recovery….for our own selfish purposes too! Monthly McCaughtry has still failed to produce quality crisp wraps at this winter series! Although the best picnic competition has fallen by the wayside the last few weeks!

First off at 1040am it was the U8s, with Fraser Harrower again being given a lead position in the starting grid. Having won for the first time last week, Fraser was keen to see if he could do so again – and despite having been very ill during the week, felt strong after his Frosted Wheats (“breakfast of champions”!) on Sunday morning. He reached the first bend in 2^nd position, behind Daniel Donnelly of Newry Wheelers (whom he collided with last week), but within a further 50m had blasted into the lead. A lead, which he held until the finish line after 3 laps – but at times only just! It was an exciting and nail-biting race to watch!

Once again Adam McCaughtry was fighting his own battle a couple of places behind Fraser, with great photographic evidence of a collision with his mate Jack Brynes (visiting from London but taking part as an honorary Young Gun)! Both mums said after the race that it could have been the end of a beautiful friendship…..oh, the boys’ friendship as well!

Having been ahead of Jack for the first 2 laps, Adam lost his lead in the final lap and came in just behind Jack – who had an impressive ride in his first ever race. Jack came in 5^th, and Adam continues his strong ranking with a great 6^th place.

Once again, just behind Adam, was Sam Duncan and his 7^th place matches his best finish to date – which was last week. Sam is riding consistently and is showing signs of progress every week, with his smiling face also a constant during the races. 

Zak Tsoutsas slipped (very appropriate!) down the finishing places at Malone House, to 14^th position, but this is unlikely to impact his overall series position too much and most importantly he again loved the event and is eager to race again this weekend. His mum is eager to find new ways of keeping warm for the last two races of the series – and also eager to find a replacement lens cap before her husband finds she lost it on Sunday!

In 17^th position was Christopher Duncan, who loved every minute and had clearly forgotten his upset of falling off his bike last week. Christopher shows true Young Guns’ spirit and is learning with every race, and loving it!

The Young Guns can also claim another “point of note” at Malone House. For the first time in the finishing places there was an “unknown” listed! Except the Monthlies and Young Guns know exactly who the rider was ….. silent, but deadly Alex, Fraser’s little 3 and 1/2 year old brother, who again tootled about at the back of the race! And again, enjoyed the mud and smiled all the way! Oh and he wasn't last - there were 2 DNFs (did not finish) below him!

There were 26 riders in the U8s and 6 of those were Young Guns, racing for Dromara CC. There were also 2 other U8s riding for Dromara CC.

U8s complete, it was the turn of the U10s and there were 10 competitors.

Max Melville, a newcomer compared to the top 3 in this age category, was absolutely awesome at Malone House and rode the course “to the Max”! to finish 4^th behind 3 very strong and experienced riders. This was by far Max’s best race to date. His stamina was evident, as he continued to close the gap on 3^rd place in the final lap of the 5-lap course.

If there had been a 6^th lap….who knows?!

Max has impressive endurance and is gaining in both speed, and race/course awareness and skill. In just a handful of races since he started earlier this year, his ability has come on leaps and bounds, to the point now that Santa may be bringing him a proper bike!!

Hey, it’s as well Santa has sat nav to get to a great bike shop on the Ravenhill Road!

Ding Dong! (merrily on high)

Andrea