2014 Irish BMX National Series – Round 1
2014 Irish BMX National Series – Round 1
We’re Back! Year 3!
The 2014 Irish National Series kicked off in DC BMX on the 9th March. 89 riders in total made it to the gate, down 28 from the same race last year but we are hopeful of a resurgence once Lucan, Newry, Belfast and the Marley Park tracks come on line later this year and into 2015.
There was a slightly new format for the start of this year with combined age groups which suits our numbers better. This resulted in fuller gates which lead to more competitive, non procession racing, something that will improve the race craft of all our riders. After some initial trepidation the result on the day was plain to see, fantastic racing in all categories. Lots of positive feedback to the BMX Commission office since the event too.
So onto the actual racing …
The Under 6 Boys was won by Alex Waller from Evan Fynes and Callum Dunleavy with a great showing from Carly Hayes racing the boys. Luke Murphy, the Leinster Champion was in the mix too.
In the 7-8 Boys Corey Waller took the win from an on form Charlie Jackson and a very fast Callum Clancy who had an unfortunate crash. Callum is going to be one to watch here. Tommy Campbell showed no signs of being overawed or outclassed racing riders one year older and showed that he is going to be in the mix all year.
Ryan Quinn took the win in the 9-10 Male group, with a much improved Calvin Dunne taking a fine second followed by Niall Davis with the last podium spot. Jake Nally, who falls into the younger bracket of this group got a well deserved forth ahead of some of the regular heavy hitters from 2013.
The Male 11-12’s had some great racing in the moto’s, cumulating in an electric final. Daniel Barker taking the win form Morgan Kearney, who had more than his fair share of spills on the slippy berms. Jack Larkin took the third spot on the day. Shane Rowe, on his home track, went well as did Ross Callaghan. Who’s looking forward to the battles ahead in this one!
Jason Rowe took the final in the 13-14 Males with Leon Curley and Matthew Campbell close behind. Lee Byrne wasn’t too far off a podium step either, this is looking like another great group to watch.
The Male 15+ was won by Eoin Corrigan from Adam Fynes with Jake Campbell in third. Adam Davis who was riding up from the 13-14’s was a little unlucky in the final but had some great races in the moto’s. Daniel Hayes and David Dorney should also be watched in this group! Finally a big mention for Katie O’Neill who has bravely decided that if she is going to live up to her huge potential she needs to be mixing it with the boys. Katie had some impressive moto’s and is going to get faster and faster as the year goes on.
The vets in 30+ are always competitive but it was newcomer Joey O’Neill, using jumping as an intimidation tool, taking the win from Tom Cambell and Brian Smyth, who we bet was in all sorts of pain the following day after an almighty slam in one of his races. The numbers in the 30+ where hugely down on the same race last year, hopefully they will all be back for round two of the Series.
In the 7 year old girls class it was Chole Steacy who was flying all day, taking the win from Chloe Byrne, Orlaith Murtagh, Skyla Nally and Ava Quinn.
The 8-10 Females had four riders and was won by Shauna Byrne,with Alannah Carolan in second followed by Aoife Murtagh and Jade Gaffney.
Super fast Abby Steacy in the 11-14 girls, matched her sister’s first place with Kate Larkin in second followed by Shauna Rowe with Ella Murtagh in forth. Let’s not forget Caitlin Gaffney in her first ever BMX race.
In the stacked 15+ Superclass it was UK rider Joe Presswood out in front all day, showing what the difference between actual training and just riding your bike looks like. Number 555, Illmars Virsis continued from where he left off last year taking a second on the day. Secret winter training put Dara Burke in third, Dara insists he spent the winter on the sofa, channel surfing, we think not. The reincarnated 80’s rider Graham Hall was also on a mission in 4th but it could have been higher. Matthew Malone, Aaron Edwards Jake Lynch and Rod Hughes are all going to cause problems this year after opting to move up to Superclass and to top it off, who else noticed that Aaron Steacy seems to be returning to his former self. All these riders may yet be put to shame when silky smooth John Ward finally figures out that he should go on the first beeb! Keep an eye on this lot as it may be explosive with some returning riders for round two.
So some great racing across all the groups to kick off the National Series. What’s going to happen when we toss in a 5m hill …
Thanks to the DC BMX committee for a great event and don’t forget to go support them at their regular Friday Night leagues.
The commissaires for the day were, Kevin McShane, Owen Spence and Eamonn Wyer.
The next round is out at the remodelled Ratoath BMX on the 6th April. The new changes are going to be an interesting addition to the always exciting racing out there. Sign up early and bring your bionic legs for that big step up!
You can see the National Table HERE.
Please note: Team tables will be added after round two as there are still some teams that have not paid entry fees. If entry fee is not paid by round two those teams will be eliminated.
Stephen Kane (Oilte Photography) and Anthony Connor (AC Photography) were back to the task of making us look good, thanks guys. Click links below to go to their facebook pages where you’ll see all their images.
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