Hillcross 2018

All roads led to Ballindenisk Equestrian Centre, Watergrasshill on Sunday for the Over The Hill Cycling Club promoted Hillcross, cyclocross races. There was a full series of races, with the u 6's kicking off proceedings. The main event of the day, the A race saw Kerry man Richard Maes give a masterclass on the tricky and technical course. The heavy overnight rain ensured the course was a true test. Maes led from pillar to post in what was a very impressive performance. Trevor Woods and Patrick Clifford rounded out the podium. 

The ladies race also saw a Kerry based rider take the honours. Lisa Staplebrook handled the conditions to take victory from up and coming rider, Lucy O'Donnell. It was a very impressive performance from young O'Donnell, and she is certainly one for the future. 

The B race was competitive, and Denis O'Connor was first man home. PJ Collins and Ciaran Moore fought it out for the runners up spot. David McCarthy was the first u 16 home, with Conor Murphy filling the gold medal position in the u 14 race. 
A massive thank you to the Fell family for being such wonderful hosts, the Order Of Malta for providing the first aid, John Kennedy for the timing and entertainment, Noel Linnane from The Bike Fix for providing mechanical services, and to all the competitors who made the day such a great success. 
All roads now lead to the 
Fota House and Gardens which will host both the Irish Youth National Cyclo-cross Championships and the Junior/Senior National Cyclo-cross Championship over the weekend of Saturday 12th – Sunday 13th January 2019. 
 

A Race ( 5 laps)
1. Richard Maes 57:16
2. Trevor Woods 58:40
3. Patrick Clifford 59: 20
M 40 
1.David O'Neill 59:48
2. Pearse O'Hagan 1:01:02
3. Don Lapierre 1:05:34
M 50
1.Paul Birchall 1:05:06
2. Micheal Corkery 1:06:09
3. Russell Treacy 1:11:30
Ladies Race ( 3 laps )
1. Lisa Staplebrook 42:52
2. Lucy O'Donnell 45:41
B Race ( 4 laps )
1. Denis O'Connor 47:29
2. PJ Collins 50:43
3. Ciaran Moore 51:52
U 16 Race ( 3 laps )
1. David McCarthy 33:47
2. Daragh McDonnell 38:39
U 14 Race ( 2 laps )
1. Conor Murphy 26:49
2. Mark O'Connor 29:54
3. Dinny Murphy 34:59