CYCLING | Successful weekend of cyclocross for Cuchulainn riders
Bingham and McCann both secure podium finishes
As the temperature drops and the rain begins to fall, the cyclocross season is in full swing with a number of leagues going on across the country.
Cuchulainn Cycling Club were involved in two provincial leagues over the weekend, claiming podium places on both sides of the border.
Ulster Cyclocross League
On Sunday, Alan Bingham was in action in Larne in round seven of the Ulster Cyclocross League, an eight-lap race that proved to be a muddy, cold and windy affair.
Bingham has been consistently getting top 10 results all season but this was his breakout performance as he claimed third place, just 20 seconds off second.
His result was built on a rapid first lap that saw him take the lead early in the race. As the laps wore on he was involved in a three-way battle with league leader and Irish international racer, Glen Kinning, and Graham Boyd.
Eventually, the younger more experienced riders managed to get past Bingham in the closing stages but Alan did have the added bonus of claiming the first Vet’s prize.
Cuchulainn’s David Duffy and Mark Byrne were also in action in the race and posted solid mid-pack finishes.
Navan Cyclocross League
Elsewhere, Cuchulainn had a large turn out at the Navan Cyclocross League with Ray Fedigan, Karl Dolan, Gerry Kenny, Arron McCann, Stuart Holden and Paul Dagg all involved.
In the B race, Aarron McCann had a storming race and was leading before disaster struck in the form of a puncture. A bike change did get him back in the running and he managed to battle his way back up to third position before running out of road. Behind him, Paul Dagg also posted a top 10 finish in seventh place.
In the A Race, Ray O’Shaughnessy recorded a top 10 finish, with PJ Hynes and Johnny McCabe not far behind.
Bike Station Cyclocross League
Closer to home, The Bike Station Cyclocross League has reached its final two rounds and league leader Lee Harvey — a junior rider — from Kinning Cycles, looks all but certain to take the tile.
Lee has a 12-point lead over Cuchulainn’s Johnny McCabe and if McCabe was to win both remaining rounds and Harvey to pick up no points it would end a draw.
The league has been a huge success and has been instrumental in Chuchulainn’s riders developing into a strong force on the off-road scene.
The track is also being used to develop the next phase of racers with the underage riders taking to the course every Monday night. Close to 30 children have been honing their skills under the watchful eye of the coaches and the floodlights.
