Banbridge mountain bikers climb to the top

William Mulligan and Matthew Adair both made the long trip to Killarney to compete with the cream of their respective categories; Veteran and Junior. Both riders have been training hard all year and the hard work is once again paying off for these class acts of the dirt, with both achieving a well earned victory over their competotors.

These fine results will encourage the riders as they prepare for the next round of the series where they will be competing a little closer to home thanks to McConvey Cycles securing Lady Dixon Park, Belfast for round three.

One of Banbridge CC's finest future prospects secured an impressive two stage wins out of three and overall victory at the recent Ras na Ng at Drogheda.

Mark, the latest talent emerging from the famous Downey cycling stable in Dromore managed to win the first 2 stages securing victory for the overall prize in the U14 category.

Perhaps better known to the cycling community, Seamus, Marks father and Sean, Marks elder brother have both competed with success internationally. Seamus off course managed to ride for Ireland on numerous occasions, most notibly at the '84 Olympics in Los Angeles and the Commonwealth Games on two occasions.

Sean, at only 19, is still establishing himself in the sport while competing for the Marseille based VC Le Pomme team, but has already chalked up some fine results and victories including the Tour of Ulster, Irish U23 Championships and a place on the Irish National Team at the Tour of Ireand where he lined up against the worlds finest including stars of teh cycling world Mark Cavendish and Lance Armstrong.

Over the last couple of years Mark has become the rider to beat in his age category while showing himself as a real bright prospect in the sport and this latest win only adds to the evidence that he is destined to follow in the Downey family success.

Kevin McAlinden set the fastest time in the Wills Cup last Wednesday night on the Lurgan Road, Dromore. Kevin is showing some impressive form after some spring training in the hotter conditions of Majoraca and putting his new TT steed to good use.