Next up round 4, Ticknock 28thJune, hosted by MAD.
Registration open at http://irishxcnps.ie
MTB NPS - 2015
Re: MTB NPS - 2015
Report from last event - the puncture fest etc?
Re: MTB NPS - 2015
OK Frank, here's your report...
XC NPS 3, 7th June 2015 Glendalough
Round 3 of the Irish Cross Country MTB National Points Series (XC NPS) took place in Glendalough on Sunday 7th June. The course, custom built by Robin Seymour, was in prime condition as hundreds availed of a rare chance to race in this privately owned venue.
Five of our Mountain bikers lined out in the S3 race, namely Ross, Brian Mc, David C, David F and Nigel.
Ross and Brian were gridded 5th and 15th respectively based on points accumulated in previous races. The rest of us had to jockey for position further back. I managed to get myself near enough to the front. A good start here was critical as the field would be funnelled into a tricky uphill single-track kicker after 500m and gridlock would be inevitable. The usual craic and banter on the line as we waited for the gun, we’ve been at this a while so we know many of the other 70 or so riders that lined out. Then bang! We’re off. The clickety-click of 140 cleats engaging, deadly concentration and fierce effort, racing for the gap. I got a great start and managed to reach the gap well within the top 20, and 2nd of the 795ers. Ross had held his front row position and was well ahead already. There was a small hold-up but I soon got going again, delighted to have escaped the worst of the traffic further back the field.
The G-Ride, as the Glendalough XC course is known, is purpose built for XC fun and is widely billed as one of the best courses in Ireland. It was my first time there, and it didn’t disappoint. 90% singletrack, with a wide variety of terrain, the most prominent features being a seemingly endless but oddly enjoyable switchback climb, and a super flowy descent as your reward. Some quite technical, rooty singletrack in places to test the concentration, and lots of boardwalk features and bridges over streams and wet areas. The day happened to be dry, it would have been a fierce test in the wet!
My race was going fairly well, I picked up a few places and lost a few but seemed to be holding my overall position. At one point on the switchback climb I caught sight of Brian’s 795 jersey closing in on me which was great motivation to dig deep but it led to some silly mistakes. I soon copped on and switched my focus to chasing down the riders in front rather than worrying about the ones behind. It worked wonders. In fact, that was the aspect of my race I was most happy with. Mistakes are inevitable when you are at the limit, and it is how you deal with them that matters. Concentration is so important that you can’t waste time looking back and berating yourself, you have to be always looking and thinking ahead. Plenty of time for analysis and self-appraisal after the race.
Close to the top of the switchbacks on the last lap I spotted Ross lying comfortably at the side of the trail, propped up on his elbow looking philosophical like a mature Huckleberry Finn. He had punctured while in 4th place and gaining. No knowing if he would have caught the 3rd place man but his race was over.
I pressed on, feeling good at this stage, and managed to pick up another place or two on the run back in. 14th and delighted with that. David F also had a puncture and had to retire. Brian came in a few places later and Nigel, who had made the step up from S4 came in a bit later in his first 3-lap S3 race (S4 do 2 laps).
So it was mixed fortunes for our merry band, but all agreed The G-Ride was a fantastic course and well worth the trip. The venue itself was excellent and very family friendly as my gang will attest. Thanks to Helen, Robyn, Jamie and Fiona for the much-appreciated support. Congrats to EpicMTB on a superb event.
Results: http://irishxcnps.ie/?page_id=16
XC NPS 3, 7th June 2015 Glendalough
Round 3 of the Irish Cross Country MTB National Points Series (XC NPS) took place in Glendalough on Sunday 7th June. The course, custom built by Robin Seymour, was in prime condition as hundreds availed of a rare chance to race in this privately owned venue.
Five of our Mountain bikers lined out in the S3 race, namely Ross, Brian Mc, David C, David F and Nigel.
Ross and Brian were gridded 5th and 15th respectively based on points accumulated in previous races. The rest of us had to jockey for position further back. I managed to get myself near enough to the front. A good start here was critical as the field would be funnelled into a tricky uphill single-track kicker after 500m and gridlock would be inevitable. The usual craic and banter on the line as we waited for the gun, we’ve been at this a while so we know many of the other 70 or so riders that lined out. Then bang! We’re off. The clickety-click of 140 cleats engaging, deadly concentration and fierce effort, racing for the gap. I got a great start and managed to reach the gap well within the top 20, and 2nd of the 795ers. Ross had held his front row position and was well ahead already. There was a small hold-up but I soon got going again, delighted to have escaped the worst of the traffic further back the field.
The G-Ride, as the Glendalough XC course is known, is purpose built for XC fun and is widely billed as one of the best courses in Ireland. It was my first time there, and it didn’t disappoint. 90% singletrack, with a wide variety of terrain, the most prominent features being a seemingly endless but oddly enjoyable switchback climb, and a super flowy descent as your reward. Some quite technical, rooty singletrack in places to test the concentration, and lots of boardwalk features and bridges over streams and wet areas. The day happened to be dry, it would have been a fierce test in the wet!
My race was going fairly well, I picked up a few places and lost a few but seemed to be holding my overall position. At one point on the switchback climb I caught sight of Brian’s 795 jersey closing in on me which was great motivation to dig deep but it led to some silly mistakes. I soon copped on and switched my focus to chasing down the riders in front rather than worrying about the ones behind. It worked wonders. In fact, that was the aspect of my race I was most happy with. Mistakes are inevitable when you are at the limit, and it is how you deal with them that matters. Concentration is so important that you can’t waste time looking back and berating yourself, you have to be always looking and thinking ahead. Plenty of time for analysis and self-appraisal after the race.
Close to the top of the switchbacks on the last lap I spotted Ross lying comfortably at the side of the trail, propped up on his elbow looking philosophical like a mature Huckleberry Finn. He had punctured while in 4th place and gaining. No knowing if he would have caught the 3rd place man but his race was over.
I pressed on, feeling good at this stage, and managed to pick up another place or two on the run back in. 14th and delighted with that. David F also had a puncture and had to retire. Brian came in a few places later and Nigel, who had made the step up from S4 came in a bit later in his first 3-lap S3 race (S4 do 2 laps).
So it was mixed fortunes for our merry band, but all agreed The G-Ride was a fantastic course and well worth the trip. The venue itself was excellent and very family friendly as my gang will attest. Thanks to Helen, Robyn, Jamie and Fiona for the much-appreciated support. Congrats to EpicMTB on a superb event.
Results: http://irishxcnps.ie/?page_id=16
Re: MTB NPS - 2015
Great stuff David, well done to all and great report