Weekends Racing Road & MTB

Underage Mountain Biker Aaron McCann looks set to become the next cycling superstar in the town's Cuchulainn Cycling Club. This week Aaron was picked as one of the members of Cycling Irelands underage development squad, where the view is to develop riders for the 2016 Olympics Games being held in Brazil. With the strong mountain bike culture in Dundalk, coupled with outstanding facilities at Bellurgan Park, Aaron is sure to be one to watch for the future. He again proved his pedigree by taking 3rd on Sunday last (March 13th) while racing in Belfast in the Ulster Mountain Biking Spring Series. Also racing on the day were Sandra O`Hagan who had a succesful first outing in mountain bike racing. Meanwhile Colin Clarke was unlucky to puncture while riding strongly in the senior race. He did manage to fix the puncture but finished well down the field as a result.
 
A number of club riders travelled to Coalisland on Sunday to compete in the Gerard Long Memorial race. In the support event Dermot Keelan continued his good start to the season by taking an excellent second place in this race. This result will see him move closer towards his upgrade. Also amongst the prices was Sean Loghran who crossed the line in 4th position. Both riders were part of a 10man group that went clear on the sixth lap in the eight lap 80km race. Back in the main bunch Ronan Greene & Johnny McCabe rode very intelligent races to ensure that the breakaway containing their fellow club riders was not pulled back. The former GAA & rugby stars quickly adapted to the teamwork tactics of open cycle racing.
 
Meanwhile in the main race of the race of the day, a 100km affair, Colm Quinn got his name on the results sheet for the first time this season with a fine 8th position. Colm was part of a large group of riders that split from the main field in the latter stages of the race. Gerry McCabe was riding for the first time at this higher level and was very comfortable within the main bunch.[gallery]