On Sunday 14 June 2026 the Cycling Ulster Off-road Commission hosted a cross-country mountain bike race at Tannaghmore Gardens, Craigavon alongside the lakes. Craigavon has always been linked to mountain biking going back to the 80s. It was great to make the return to this excellent venue. A huge thanks to Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council for giving approval. The commission worked closely with members of Apollo Cycling Team to prepare the 1 mile course. The course occupied the trees and gravel path between the tarmac walking and cycling circuit and the lake itself. We had 77 entries across all categories from Under 6s to the Open race. The course received some good feedback from the riders and it is hoped that this event will appear on next year’s calendar.
The first race of the day was for the Under 6s. They had their own mini course and completed 2 laps. A goodie bag awaited them at the finish. In fact there were goodie bags for Under 8s up to Under 16s and the women!
The Under 8s then took on a longer course and they also had 2 laps. This was the first of the competitive races and the young riders were also provided a timing chip for their ankle. This was one of the biggest fields of the day with 10 boys and 5 girls lined up. In the boys’ race Noah Finnegan (Square Wheels) crossed the finish line first ahead of Charlie McCarter (Caldwell Powerhouse Racing) with Logan Finnegan (Square Wheels) third. Lexa Clarke (Dunloy CC) was the first girl home. Alice Bell (Shelbourne/Orchard CC) was second with Sally Mowbray (Apollo Cycling Team) third.
The Under 10s race then saw a marshal error on lap 1 sending the leading 3 boys onto the Under 12s course. This was rectified for the remaining boys and girls. So the leading three boys had a bit extra to take on than expected. Taking the chequered flag for the boys was Jack Corey (Apollo Cycling Team) with Liam McGonagle (Un-Attached Ulster) second and Ari Bonner (Un-Attached Ulster) third. In the girls’ race Ríonach Campbell (Square Wheels) added another win to her great season. Zara Aiken (Banbridge CC) was second with Elianna Logan (Omagh Wheelers Cycling Club) third and Erin Silcock (Island Wheelers) fourth.
The 3 lap Under 12s race was won by the speedy Lewis Bell (Shelbourne/Orchard CC). Logan Hynes (Bellurgan Wheelers) was second with Thomas Crymble (Apollo Cycling Team) third. In the girls’ race Emily Jennings (Caldwell Powerhouse Racing) finished ahead of Sophie Higgins.
The next race was combined with the Under 14s, Under 16s and Women racing at the same time. The Under 14s had 5 laps of the full course to complete. Nathan Baker (Breffni Wheelers) finished ahead of Eoin Monteith with William Sunderland (Apollo Cycling Team) completing the Under 14 boys podium. Aoife Campbell (Square Wheels) was the only entry for the Under 14 girls and would have finished third overall among the boys.
The Under 16 boys saw Darragh Murphy (Rostrevor Mountain Bike Club) put on a great exhibition race completing 10 laps with very consistent lap times. Evan Dynes (Apollo Cycling Team) was the second boy with newcomer to racing Caoimhin McKenna finishing third. Aoife Kellett (Dromara Cycling Club) was the only entry in the Under 16 girls race and completed 7 laps.
In the women’s race Claire Oakley (Un-Attached Ulster) and Catriona Wheeler (Agivey Cycling Club) were racing one behind the other until lap 7 when Catriona had to stop to clear debris from her bike leaving Claire to take the win. It is great to see Claire back racing after a long period of absence. Claire has 62 wins over the last 20 years of racing cross-country. In contrast, making her cross-country debut was Laura White who finished third.
The last race of the day was the Open race which saw 17 racers take on 11 laps of the full course. Taking the lead at lap 3 was Gary Donaldson (Caldwell Powerhouse Racing) who went on to win the race. Behind Gary was the big race of the day for second place. In contention was Darragh McCarter (Caldwell Powerhouse Racing), Graham Boyd (McConvey Cycles) and Lee Clarke (Cycleology Racing Team) who stuck to each others wheel until the final sprint down the gravel path. Darragh just getting ahead of Graham to take second and third respectively with Lee finishing fourth. Barry Kellett (Dromara Cycling Club) was fifth with Chris Oakley (Un-Attached Ulster) sixth.
Thanks to all those who helped with the running of this event. As mentioned above, do expect to see this event happening again next year.
Results here
Race report: Martin Grimley