Gee Atherton
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The 2007 Irish National Downhill Championships took place on Sunday at the superb setting of Rostrevor Forest in County Down. Heavy rain on Saturday saw the car park take on the look of a ploughed field, however Sunday proved a superb day weather wise as the 180 riders took on the challenge of the rocky Rostrevor course.
Irish Champion Ben Reid, fresh from his superb 10th place in the Austrian round of the UCI World Cup, faced an extra challenge at Rostrevor, that of the brothers Atherton, Gee and Dan. The Team Animal/Commencal riders proved a real hit with the spectators, the two English stars spending plenty of time handing out photos and signing autographs. As for the Elite battle, as expected it was a three way affair between the Athertons and Reid. Following the first run Gee Atherton led the way with a 2.19.73 with brother Dan second at 2.22.370 and home favourite Reid third with 2.23.910.
Dan Atherton
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Irish champ Ben Reid
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Due to a few gremlins in the timing system the event ran late but no one left for home. As the Elite riders made their way to the top of Rostrevor Forest for the second run, the spectators lined the course in expectation of a battle royal between the Athertons and Reid. Alas it was not to be. Gee Atherton was the only one of the trio to have a good run, setting a time of 2.20.08. Dan Atherton may have had a bad second run but he still treated the vocal crowd to jumping display as he made his way into the finish arena. With the Athertons down at the bottom of the course, everyone waited the arrival of Ben Reid and the level of excitement rose, could the home hero snatch victory from the English invaders? The answer was no. On his second run Ben picked up a front wheel puncture and was forced to tour down the course to the finish a dejected figure. However once his helmet came off the friendly smile was back on the face of the young Newtownards rider as he joined the Athertons for some apr�s race craic. Ben may have finished third overall, but as first Irish finisher he retained his Irish crown.
Silver medallist Glyn O'Brien
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Runner up to Ben Reid in the Irish standings was Newry�s Glyn O�Brien, the ever-smiling, much-travelled ace setting a second run time of 2.29.150 which gave him the sliver medal. The final place on the Irish podium went to Dan Wolfe, his second run time of 2.35.56 giving him the bronze. Greg O�Keefe took fourth with 2.38.51, Ger Wolfe was fifth with 2.41.20 and after working all morning to repair parts of the course, Dale McMullan completed the top six with a 2.43.03.
Bronze went to Dan Wolfe
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The Junior championship belonged to Ewan Doherty
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The Junior title went to Ulster rider Ewan Doherty who, in spite of hitting a tree on his first run, set a time of 2.40.05 which was good enough for victory. Ewan did not complete his second run. Jason Murphy grabbed the silver medal with a 2.43.03 as Seanan O�Riordan completed the podium setting a 2.47.07 on his second run.
To the delight of the race promoters, Chain Reaction Cycles, Michael Cowan took the title in the Masters Class with a fantastic time on his first run of 2.41.17. Having twisted his ankle in practice, European Champ Joe Ward had to settle for second, his best time set on his first run, 2.58.80. Taking the bronze medal was the multi talented Stephen Franzoni, 3.03.50, in the winter months Steve uses his off road skills on the cyclo cross circuits.
Ben Mullen overcame a poor first run to claim victory in the Senior Class with a second run of 2.50.34. Following the first run the leader was James McFerran (2.56.61) just a fraction ahead of Brian Conney (2.56.99). The two riders swapped positions following the final run, Conney finishing runner up with a 2.54.860 with McFerran just a fraction behind in third with 2.56.24. The Sports Class saw an ultra close battle for the title between Enda Munnelly and Gary Wall. Munnelly led at the end of run one with 3.18.46, followed by Ben Doran 3.24.21 and Ray McCann 3.26.97. Having set a 3.38.59 on the opening run, Gary Wall slotted into second place on his final run with 3.19.95. The big loser was Ben Doran; he dropped from second to fourth as Ray McCann took the final podium position with 3.19.95.
Steve bell
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In the battle of the young looking old men, the Vets, Steve Bell took the crown with a superb second run of 3.18.22. Having led at the end of the opening run, Carl Young (3.21.59) didn�t complete a second run, the rainbow hated Vet still pleased with finishing runner up. One of the biggest smiles of the entire day belonged to third finisher in the Vets event, Colin Finley. After being out of action for ten years, and with a few more grey hairs than the last time he rode, Colin was well pleased with third place, his second run time of 3.50.45 including an over the bars excursion at the top of the course.
Supervet class winner Peter Popham
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In the Supervets Class the ageless Peter Popham took victory with a first run time of 4.24.71. The Cowan family took another medal when Michael�s super fit dad Derek finished runner up following a first run of 4.32.58. Taking the final podium place was Tom Clogher, the long time supporter of mountain biking only completing one run with a time of 5.19.12. Unfortunately only two Ladies entered the event and it was Maeve Baxter who successfully defended her title, the Rostrevor lady setting her best time on her second run with a 4.17.68. Abi Hogg finished runner up with a best time set on her first run, 5.44.11.
Under 16 winner David Graham
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Under 14 victor Robert Duggan
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In the Youth classes there were championship wins for David Graham (U-16) and Robert Duggan (U-14). For David Graham it was the high point of what has been a great season for the County Down based rider. Graham set his best time on the first run, a 2.56.60. There was a tight battle for the next two places. After the opening run, Bikeology�s Mark Potts held second place with 3.16.13, followed by Conor O�Neill 3.18.85 and Taryan Lewis 3.25.01. After the second run it was all change as Potts found himself relgated to fourth following a disastrous outing, Lewis taking second with a time of 3.05.29 and O�Neill third with 3.07.28.
Robert Duggan won the battle of the U-14 aces with an opening run of 3.36.13 giving him the title; he didn�t complete a second run. Second place went to Niall O�Dowd his second run of 3.45.55 keeping him ahead of third placed Kyle Rimmer 3.55.82.
Well done to all who helped in any way with such a great event, the course builders and marshals and to the usual hard working twosome, Nicola Ward and Tina Murray. Following racing the entertainment continued with the competition to see who could take the best line out of the field without ramming their vehicle into the obstacles provided, the toilets, the hedge and the skip!
(We would like to thank Andy Potts for the report and photos)