Irish
DH Nps Rd.2 Ballycarton Forest,Limavady.
Bright and early,I was up at 5.30am so as I could
actually get some practise in on the track which we had a
3 and a half hour drive to get to.After some seriously
dodgy Co.Lonford roads and a task to actually find the
forset we arrived at the race site.
I was the only member of the Athlone DH race crew to
attend the race(Andy broke his right arm in Glenarm)so I
had to put the effort in.The track which was previously
used for the 2001 Northern Irish DH champs, was adaquete
for an Irish NPS round, lacking a few difficult jumps or
drops, but was well maintained non the less.The finish
line was directely after you bursting out of the forest,
nearly killing riders or spectators as the line was also
the sign on area. The start of the track was at a
reasonable height and took a good 20min walk along a
twisty fire road to get to it. The track itself was a
mixture of offcamber rooty sections, very fast flowing
berm sectons with a few small drops and quick rock
sections, followed by the quick and bumpy dash through
the forset to the finish line. All of these sections were
connected by no less than 4 fire road sections which
tested stamina.The racing was good the whole day and the
usual contingent of Irelands top DHers where there.With
all of Irelands top elites and juniors showing up.After
first race runs the times where very close in all
categories. With myself lying in third in Under16's with
just 2 seconds separating the top 3 riders in Under16's.
Although I did have to settle for forth in the end with
my shock bursting in my second race run. In the hotly
contested Junior category, Ben reid was clearly fasted
and in the end I think he got a well diserved 1st place
with what I think was a 10 second lead over second place
man Jamie Popham. The elite category was close all day
with Marty McGuigan and Glyn OB going very quick only to
be stopped dead by Colin Ross who I think ended up with a
time of 2min 25secs.On the almost dry very flowing track
many riders where including myself.Thanks to all the
riders and a big shout out to Plush for gnarly timing.
Ben Reid was flying and I think the shit has just hit the
fan. Bring on the World cup and hopefully a round 3,
folks we need to sort out Rd.3 lets get the act together.
Big respect to Ballycarton Forest.Later all!
---By Chris Kilmurray
Photos here>>>
|
