The course was a mix of gavel, fireroad, single track and grass. The start was fast and furious with the field lined out almost immediately. At the end of the first lap Robin Seymour (WORC), Conor Campbell(Newry Wheelers) and David Gill(WORC) had pulled away from the rest of the field. On lap 2 Conor Campbell managed to carve out a small gap and was in the lead. Lap 4 was where the decisive move was made. With powerful riding and an impressive display of bike handing The multiple Irish champion and Olympian pulled away to lead by a full minute. Behind Conor Campbell and David Gill were fighting out a close and hard fought battle. Drew McGinley was riding a lone but strong race pulling away from the rest of the field.
It finished in this order with 'Mr MTB' finished 3 minutes ahead of Conor Campbell who ran to the finish from the final obstacle to finish 10 seconds ahead of David Gill. Drew McGinley finished clear on his own to finish a strong 4th. Roadie Colm Aherne (Orwell) was a surprise but impressive 5th. 6th was Noel Carr who put in a solid performance to narrowly beat Luke Manning.
The first rider from Swords to finish was Barry Byrne who was riding cyclo cross for the first time since the late '80's.
The underage race was convincingly won by Graham Fallon form Justin Kennedy with Barry's son Liam finishing a strong but exhausted 3rd.
Over all the event went of well. The land (ex land fill) got very muddy but held up well as the race went on.
Swords would like to thank Event organiser David O Neill for his Trojan efforts in getting the venues and race organised. We would also like to thank Fingal County council for their help and support. We would also like to thank Ritchies Bike shop for providing the high quality spot prizes and to long standing Swords CC sponsor McNally joinery.
Some pictures from the event courtesy of Conor McGrane
Barry Byrne jumps the logs Belgian style
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Barry Byrne Swords CC
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Best christmas hat (corners well too!)
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Conor Campbell jumps the logs
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conor campbell runs through the paddy field
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Dr Fred Mcsorley passes Barry Byrne
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Liam Byrne finishing
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Race organiser David O neill with Bernie Mcnally collating the Results
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Robin Seymour rides (yes rides) over the logs
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Under age winner Graham Fallon
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The prize giving for the underage riders
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Overall results
1 Robin Seymour 00:58:33
2 Conor Campbell 01:01:49
3 David Gill 01:01:59
4 Drew McKinley 01:04:19
5 Colm Aherne 01:06:05
6 Noel Carr 01:06:23
7 Luke Manning
8 Scott Hannon
9 Robin Mooney
10 Fred McSorley
11 Peter Bissett
12 Barry Byrne (1st Swords)
13 Tony Solan
14 Mark Solan
15 David Askin
16 Paddy Daly
17 Aiden Mc Donald
18 Sean Halpin
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Any images included in this article remain the property of the photographer, by whom all rights are retained, 2008 �. Use of images for electronic or print purposes is may be possible with the express, written permission of the photographer.