McElderry takes the Houston Cup for Wheelers

McElderry finished behind Ryan Lyttle, who was one of his main challengers, on Tuesday night on the tough Lylehill circuit but his good performances in previous rounds saw him retain first place overall.

Bobby Millar was another who was in contention for the cup but his third place finish wasn’t enough to knock McElderry from top spot.

Racing was furious as anticipated with so many riders capable of taking the overall honours, but this course is a tough hilly circuit and the groups soon split up.

On Sunday, road bikes were left in the garage and the knobbly tyres came out for the Ulster cross country series at Lady Dixon Park, organized by McConveys/XMTB.

The course was exceptionally challenging this year after a heavy night of rain, but this did not put the club off with no fewer than 24 Maryland riders took part in this full day of racing.

Best placed was Bobby Millar, finishing second in the S4 race, just beating clubmate Stuart Suckling into third. Josh Murray, Barry Toland, Gary Thompson and Winston Johnston also put in excellent performances, all finishing in the top 12 of this race of almost 40 competitors.

In the S3 race, the ever-consistent David McKee came an excellent fourth, with his son Curtis coming 5th in the under 8 race.

Congratulations also to Jack Lyttle (U10), Emily and Marcus Whitten (U8), all taking part in their first race.

Finally, to top off a great week for the club, a word of mention must go to club member and International Athlete Aileen Morrison, who took 4th place in the World Triathlon series in London.

Aileen was recently home in Lisburn training with the club before she headed out to Japan a few weeks ago. Well done Aileen!