ZealOptics NPS Round 5 - Mount Hillary - Mallow

August 05

Round 5 of the NPS brings us back to the nationals track on Mount Hillary in Mallow for a cracking race in very different conditions to the dust a few weeks previous.

The Track

Read THIS and add MUD, lots of it. On Saturday the persistent rain kept the track soaking wet but very fast with the biggest problem lack of vision as riders tried runs with and without goggles with one not being much better than the other. On Sunday, it was a pretty nice day, but it would have taken 40 degrees and a gale force wind to dry the track. It didn’t happen. Instead the mud got sticky and ruts got deeper. BUT, it was still class.

The Racing

U14

The track was an incredibly difficult challenge for the youngest riders and massive effort was put into getting down successfully without crashing. Even on the long course, the times where still fairly tight with Conor O’Neill taking the win ahead of Dave McManus and Darryl Wade.

U16

Jason Murphy was fastest with a winning time that would have won the senior and placed 5th in Elite! Seanan O’Riordain wasn’t far behind and Cathal Hicky rounded off the podium.

Vets

A diminished Vets field saw Dave McManus go quicker than rival Tom Clogher who doesn’t like the mud.

Ladies

Michele put in a respectable time in the difficult conditions and took the win over Aoife O'Donoghue who was struggling with an over-heating rear brake. Sarah Davies put in an appearance in practice; maybe she’ll take the plunge and sign on at the next race!

Senior

Series leader Ricky Lawrence avenged his nationals defeat to take the win. Joe O’Neill looked fast all day and put in a good time to finish second ahead of local Damien Daly.

Masters

Marty McGuigan put in some slower than usual times but still stood at the top of the podium ahead of Brian Goode. Ian McIntyre got his first podium since the winter league and was well pleased considering he nearly didn’t do his second run after the first was so bad.

Junior

Rich Smith hung it out down the track and took 1st place ahead of Stevie McClintock who was pretty pleased with his 2nd place. Paul Cummins did a terrible 1st run and put in a ‘safe’ second run to take third.

Elite

John Lawlor was in the lead after the first run and was well clear of everyone and favorite to take the win. But when Andy Smith came into sight on the 2nd run and was actually pedaling John started to look worried! Andy managed to pip John by 2 tenths for what turns out to be Andy’s first ever race win. Looks like Andy benefited from the female support he brought along! Michael Cowan rounded off the podium.

Another great event by 021 racing on the best track in the country with fast uplift, good organization, trophies for the winners and great craic.

Don’t forget to check out the league tables as things are getting pretty interesting!

A full selection of photos courtesy of Nigel Elder are available in the gallery

For a full list of results click HERE