The Cyclo-cross National Series returned with the penultimate round on Saturday, December 30th, as Bellurgan Wheelers hosted Round Five.
McCrystals Track in Jenkinstown, Co. Louth, played host to a great day of festive racing as riders from all around Ireland took on the course that played host to the 2023 Cyclo-cross National Championships.
In a wet start to the day, most of the underage categories raced in the rain before dry conditions for the afternoon. However, by the women's, masters and senior races, the course was torn up from rain and riders - making for muddy and epic conditions for cyclo-cross.
Kevin McCambridge was strongest amongst the senior riders, pulling away from runner-up Tadhg Killeen following a great battle in the early laps.
In the masters categories, Ronan O'Flynn and Jason Henry all emerged victorious in well contested M40 and M50 races. Masters World Champion Johnny McCabe donned the coveted rainbow jersey as he dominated the M60 race.
In the women's race, two junior riders took a fantastic 1-2 as Aliyah Rafferty and Greta Lawless proved head and shoulders above the rest. Doireann Killeen took third ahead of Caoimhe May - who missed out on the podium after suffering some mechanical issues mid-race.
Joseph Mullen proved strongest among the junior men, finishing over two minutes clear of nearest rival David Gaffney.
In the U16 category, Curtis McKee and Emer Heverin were comfortable winners while James Cunningham and Aoife Craig were victorious in the U14 boys and girls categories respectively.
Entries are open for the final round of the Cyclo-cross National Series on January 7th as Team WORC play host in Kilboggin, Co. Dublin.
Full results are available click here
Round Six Entries click here