Xmtb McConvey Cycles – Spring Series – Round 2 – 23 February 2014
Ormeau Park Belfast
It was a return to Ormeau Park for Round 2 of the Xmtb McConvey Cycles spring series. This event was almost not going to go ahead as the course from the previous round had been very mucky and the weather during the week had not helped it. Thankfully Mark Harvey and Robbie Lamont came up with a new course design that avoided the worst of the areas from the previous week but still left a good challenging circuit for all riders. Many of the course sections were run in reverse from last week to further add to the high level of course set up by the squad. The morning started with heavy rain and strong winds which thankfully died down by the time sign on opened at 9:30. The car park was again on the gravel pitch beside the Ozone Centre with the race starts now moved to the tarmac path rather than the grass. As before the Under 6s were given their own separate course which again proved popular for the young riders and the cheering parents. The Under 8s had 2 laps to do and the Under 10s 4 laps of the same course. The Under 12s course had been extended but they were still asked to do 4 laps. The break between races allowed time for practice. At 12:15 the Under 14s and Senior B men races (3 and 5 laps respectively). There was another short break before the Under 16s and Senior A men and women had their races. The course was running well, the mud that was there was not thick and there was a good flow to it. The event was well attended with riders and spectators enjoying the fine weather where even the sun made a brief appearance. The club again wish to thank Belfast City Council for their ongoing support of the event. Round 3 takes place next Sunday 2 Mark in the same venue. Prize giving will take place in the Ozone Centre after the final race which will include food and a raffle including the special prize of a new bike courtesy of McConvey Cycles!!
Photos
Michael Armstrong (Facebook) – here and here
Toby Watson (Facebook) – here and here
Paul Anderson (Facebook) – here
Kinning Cycles (Facebook) – here
Results
here
Report by Martin Grimley