Youth National Series Concludes
The final round of the Youth Road National Series was hosted by VC Glendale last weekend.
Some of the best youth riders from across Ireland descended on the Ulster GP Circuit just outside Belfast for the Jimmy Watson and Debbie Barclay Perpetual Cups on Saturday, July 27th.
As well as Youth National Series races, the day included races for Under 12 and Under 14 riders, with the Under 16 races being classed as National Series.
Following two rounds of racing Orwell Wheelers Ysabella Huele entered the final round leading the Under 16 Girls category. She held a narrow lead over Emer Heverin of All Human/VeloRevolution Racing and Hannah Dennehy O’Sullivan from Sliabh Luachra CC, both with race wins to their name already in the series.
A win for Heverin on the final day wasn’t enough to catch Huele, who saw her season long consistency pay off, as her second place finish on the day left her crowned overall champion. Huele finished off the series on 68 points, followed by Heverin on 52 and Dennehy O’Sullivan, who finished third on the day and in the overall, on 46.
Hugh Og Mulhearne of Verge Sport PI Cycles entered the final round leading the Under 16 Boys overall standings, with a win and a second place in the first two rounds respectively.
Mulhearne went on to win his second race of the series, and secured the overall title on Saturday. Fionn Killeen of Kilcullen Cycling Club – Murphy and Rian McCrystal of Bellurgan Wheelers filled the other podium spots on the day.
Jack Woods from Carlow RCC took second place in the overall on 62 points, just 14 behind winner Mulhearne, while Jack Lawless from Gorey CC rounded out the overall series podium on 47 points.
The Under 12 Boys race saw Orwell Wheelers Benjamin Cunningham take top spot, followed by William Sunderland and hosts VC Glendale’s own Jake McKee filling the podium spots.
Sophie Rankin from Titanic Quarter Cycling Club won the Under 12 Girls race followed by Ruby Millar riding with Square Wheels.
The Under 14 Boys race was won by Josh McClune from Team Madigan CC, eating out Eoin Davis from Bohermeen CC and Tom Lane of O’Leary Stone Kanturk CC.
VC Glendale’s own Aoife Craig took top spot on the podium in the Under 14 Girls race.
Congratulations to all the winners on the day, and the overall series champions.
A massive thank you must also be extended to hosts VC Glendale and sponsors Cycle Superstore who provided prizes for the league winners.