Xmtb McConvey Cycles – Spring Series – Round 1 – 16 February 2014
Ormeau Park Belfast
Round 1 of the 2014 Mountain Bike Spring Series hosted by Xmtb McConvey Cycles took place at Ormeau Park on the 16 February. The weather in the lead up to the race had been awful with heavy rain, strong winds and then a sharp frost on the morning of the race. Thankfully the day itself was dry, bright with blue skies, cold but hardly a breath of wind. Mark Harvey was chief course designer and had created a new set up for all ages moving the course away from the traditional tarmac start and incorporating more twists and turns among the trees. The ground conditions varied greatly from gravel path to light mud, heavy mud, deep muddy puddles, off camber climbs and descents. A real test for the riders. Mark did however create a great little course for the Under 6s on a flat part of the park which allowed them to enjoy some racing without the need of parental assistance. The Under 6s was the first race of the day which took place at 10:30. This race was followed by the Under 8s (10:45) and Under 10s (11:00) who shared the same course design but a different number of laps. The Under 12s had a longer course to do. Racing then paused from 11:40 to 12:15 when the new set up of the Senior B mens race (for the beginners or recent beginners!). They set off 3 minutes after the Under 14s, both taking in the full course. At 1:30 the Senior A mens race started along with the single senior female and this was 3 minutes behind the Under 16s. The turn out overall was very good and there was a great atmosphere around the course with plenty of spectators out enjoying the day. The club wish to thank Belfast City Council for their ongoing support of the event. Round 2 takes place next Sunday 23 February in the same venue. Mark tells me that the course will be run in reverse next week.
Photos
Michael Armstrong (FlickR) – here
Ronan Campbell (FlickR) – here
Toby Watson (Facebook) – here and here
Paul Anderson (Facebook) – here
Richard Cowan (Facebook) – here
Results
Here
Report by Martin Grimley