The David McCall Foundation Ulster Youth League proved to be a huge success in its first year with the province’s young riders making the effort to attend the various rounds in the search of valuable points. The prospect of overall series honours helped add to the atmosphere and tactics of the races. Robert Anderson (Juiced Orchard CC), Craig Crawford (TSC Racing) and Jake Gray (Juiced Orchard CC) were crowned the winners of the Under 16, Under 14, and Under 12 categories respectively following last week’s ‘Crit in the Park’ promoted by Phoenix CC at Ormeau Park.
The final round saw the Under 16 series go down to the wire with Youth Olympian, Anderson taking the overall title from Kyle Cole (Roe Valley) by virtue of his three victories in the series after both riders ended with the same number of points. Ards CC pairing of Daniel Stewart and Ian Inglis took third and fourth respectively.
In the Under 14's Craig Crawford (TSC Racing) held off a late challenge from East Tyrone’s Harry McComb who won the final round. Mark Downey (Banbridge CC) took third place after claiming maximum points in three of the events.
Jake Gray (Juiced Orchard CC) and Conor Boyle (Juiced Orchard CC) dominated the Under 12 series by claiming first and second in every round. Gray took the overall title after collecting 48 points, with Boyle 8 points behind in second, Jack McKenna (Emyvale CC) took third.
Cycling Ulster Youth Commission Chairman, Mickey McKenna said "I was delighted to see the large number of youth riders who came out to support the series, there was some fantastic racing throughout and I hope the riders can build on this for the rest of the season", following the final round at Ormeau Park. McKenna also added that "We are grateful to the David McCall Foundation who have supported us on numerous occasions already this season, I know the young riders really appreciate the opportunities they are being given thanks to the Foundation."
Cycling Ulster's Youth riders next major target will be the Mayo Youth Tour in early August.
David McCall Foundation Ulster Youth League Final Standings
U16
1. Robert Anderson (Juiced Orchard CC) 36pts*
2. Kyle Cole (Roe Valley CC) 36pts
3. Daniel Stewart (Ards CC) 34pts
4. Ian Inglis (Ards CC) 24pts
5. Cormac Clarke (Newry Whs) 22pts
6. Conor McAteer (Bann Valley RC) 18pts
U14
1.Craig Crawford (TSC Racing) 42pts
2. Harry McComb (East Tyrone CC) 37pts
3. Mark Downey (Banbridge CC) 36pts
4. Alan Kerr (Ballymena RC) 26pts
5. Blaine Cole (Roe Valley CC) 21pts*
6. Aaron Swann (TSC Racing ) 21pts
U12
1. Jake Gray (Juiced Orchard CC) 48pts
2. Conor Boyle (Juiced Orchard CC) 40pts
3. Jack McKenna (Emyvale CC) 28pts
4. Dean Chambers (Newry Whs) 16pts
5. Conor McLaughlin (Newry Whs) 14pts
6. Oisin Murphy (Emyvale CC) 7pts
* Overall league winner due to higher finishing results (eg. more victories)