Banbridge CC gears up for Championships

This race will also double up as the seventh and final round of Ulster's Cross-Country Mountain Bike Series.

Sunday's one-off race will see Ulster Champions crowned at all levels ranging from the U8s to the Elites. In addition Sunday will also see the culmination of the Ulster Mountain Bike series.

This league has seen six hotly contested rounds of off-road bike racing held over a wide range of terrain's from parkland racing, forest trails and quarry courses at different venues across the province and Sunday's race is expected to be no different.

William Mulligan from Banbridge Cycle Club and race organiser commented, "We expect Sunday's event which starts at 11am to be an action packed race day. We're hopeful that the Banbridge youngsters will continue their winning form as they dominate the Junior, U14s, U12s, U10s and U8s categories.

"We're delighted with their success to date with Matthew Adair as Irish Junior Champion and league leader; James Curry, U14 league leader; John Buller as U12 Ulster and Irish Champion and league leader; Mark Buller, U10s Irish Champion and league leader and Jack Baird U8s league leader."

Banbridge Cycle Club, hosts of this weekend's popular event are hopeful of a large turnout of competitors and spectators alike having spent many man-hours creating a new and exciting championship course.

Mulligan said, "Tollymore is a fantastic venue and we're really looking forward to a thrilling event this weekend. The new course comprises of two loops either side of Tollymore River.

"There is a wide mix of fast flowing tracks, technical single-track climbs, steep drops and river splashes. The 2007 Championships were held here and those who attended will remember the Big Dipper and I'm pleased to say its back by popular demand."

Robert Ervine, Ulster Bank said, "We are delighted to be sponsoring this year's Ulster Mountain Bike Championships. It's a great opportunity to support a local event, which draws people from across the island and has a positive impact on the surrounding economy. Ulster Bank is committed to helping charities and good causes in the areas where it operates. We wish all the competitors the best of luck."