Gary Shiels gets his Second Win of 2011

Another weekend, another top class race hosted by Dundalk's Cuchulainn
Cycling Club. The mountain bikers put on the first round of the
National Points Series, staged at the club's custom built mountain
bike circuit at Bellurgan Park. The circuit is without a doubt the
best off road racing circuit in Ireland & was built in conjunction
with Bellurgan Park by the members of Cuchulainn. With well over 200
riders competing throughout the day, all commented on the excellent
facilities & organisation.  Many a Saturday, Sunday and midweek
evening was spent by cyclists in the forest with tools in hand mapping
out the circuit under the watchful eye of Tony Kelly. While not
building the course the same riders were training on it & their
results speak for themselves in the first round of the series.

In the Senior 3 race it was complete club domination with 5 riders
inside the top 10 of the large field. Gary Shiels took his second win
of the year, edging out clubmate John Grace with only a second between
them. Stephen Kellegher was in 4th, David Dollard in 9th and Daire
McCaughley in 10th.

The main event, the Senior 1 race, was won by Dublin's double Olympian
Robin Seymour. The club's Aidan McDonald was less than a minute off
the podium in fourth. Irish Cyclocross Vet Champion Gerry McCabe was
unlucky to crash out on the last lap. In the Senior 2 race Alan
Bingham suffered a similar fate, but good riding by Johnny McCabe saw
him capture 4th spot . In the Senior 4 race there was another podium
for the club newcomer, Niall O'Flaherty taking an impressive 2nd
position, with Chris Quinn back in 5th. In the ladies club competition
Sandra O`Hagan had a fine performance, finishing well up the field.
Finally at underage level Aaron Mc Cann netted another 3rd position
for himself.

Meanwhile on the road racing scene Dermot Keelan made his way to
Balbriggan on both Saturday and Sunday, coming home with prizes on
both days. On Saturday Dermot was the first A4 rider home in the
handicapped race, while on Sunday in the sprint for the line Dermot
was second rider home. Also in attendance on Sunday was Sean Loughran
& in the same race came 5th. Dermot is now only a few points off
upgrading to an A3 rider, a feat he has completed in less than 2
months of open racing.

Last Monday night at Orial Park the club kicked off it's underage
programme for 2011. Over 25 riders, from ages 12 and younger were in
attendance under the watchful eyes of club coaches Sé Weston and Mary
Laverty. The course will run for 10weeks, in conjunction with Cycling
Ireland's "Spocket Rocket" programme and see the riders learn many
bike handling skills.

The club's next event is hosting a round of the Irish IVCA Road Race
on Sunday April 10th, this race starts from Felda at 10pm. The veteran
section of road racing has seen a lot of growth the last couple of
year's and the club's Sé Weston and Martin Grey have both been
successful, picking up national medals. Also the FPM Summer Cycling
League will be kicking off on Thursday April14th, rider's should go to
www.dundalkcycling.com to register for the event.[gallery]