Race reports from Travis Harkness , Aine Doherty, Seth Dunwoody and Sam Coleman who raced at this year’s British Cross-country Series.
Travis Harkness
Race category: Junior men
Results: Round 1 (17/40), Round 2 (11/30), Round 3 (9/28), Round 5 (7/29)
The first round started off quite poorly for myself as I was gridded down the grid. I managed to get a pretty good start gaining a few positions and getting into the top twenty until I crashed on the opening lap. I steadily moved up throughout the race managing to only finish 17th which I was quite disappointed with.
In the second round I got off to a really good start and I moved up to 4th from the second row of the grid. After a great start I slowly moved backward to eighth position which I then got a puncture which caused me to move to just outside the top 10. I gained a position on the last lap and was able to finish in 11th which I knew I could improve on in the next rounds.
At the third round I was gridded 11th which meant I was on the 2nd row again. I lost a few positions off the start but was able to make them up on the first really steep grass hill I was able to make up some positions breaking into the top ten. Throughout the race I was in a group of 3 juniors, a mistake coming onto the start loop meant that I lost contact to the group meaning that 9th was the best I could get on the day. Unfortunately I couldn’t get to round 4 as I was doing my A levels.
Round 5 was at Woody’s Bike Park in Cornwall. The course was fast with a lot of climbing. I was able to get onto the front row of 10, although I missed my pedal meaning I dropped down to around 15th going into the first trail. Due to being quite far down the pack it meant I had to run some of the first climb behind other riders. I was then able to move up after the decent on the steep switchback climb moving back into the top ten. I was able to leave the group I was in for 6th with one other rider. I was able to hold off chasers on the last lap to finish in 7th which was my best result of the season.
I would like to thank Cycling Ulster for the opportunity allowing me to race in the UK this year.
Aine Doherty
Race category: Youth female
Results: Round 1 (9/22), Round 2 (5/21), Round 3 (DNF), Round 5 (2/18)
This year I raced 4 rounds of the British MTB Series with the support from Cycling Ulster. I had a pretty difficult start to the season but continued to progress throughout the series getting my best result at the last round. The first round I came 9th and second round I placed 5th. Unfortunately at round 3 I wasn’t feeling great and had to pull out. At the last round I finally had a good day and was able to finish 2nd. I had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the experience. Massive thank you to Cycling Ulster for allowing me this opportunity.
Seth Dunwoody
Race category: Youth male
Results: Round 3 (21/37)
Round 3: Had an unfortunate race with a puncture on the opening lap of a 4 lap race. I learned a lot from others in the team and coaches. It was a brilliant venue and I loved the course as it suited me well. Thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and I gathered a lot of experience and craft from it. Hope to return soon and have some better luck.
Sam Coleman
Race category: Youth male
Results: Round 3 (6/37)
I was selected to go to Round 3 of the British mountain bike series representing Ulster. Was a great 2 days away with the team with plenty of craic. Couldn’t have asked of anything more Brendan, Philip or Gareth setting up bikes and all the rest. A good result for myself topped off a great weekend for myself. Can’t wait to go to another one. Thanks Cycling Ulster for bringing me.