Warm-up for national cyclo title

CYCLING News round-up: Riders aiming for a strong performance in the national cyclo cross championships next week have a final chance to hone their form on Sunday when they line out in the third round of the Northern Ireland cross league.

Having won the second round two weeks ago, national champion Robin Seymour is once again expected to travel north to prepare for his title defence. Local favourite Roger Aiken experienced mechanical problems last time round, but with more luck this Sunday he should be a big factor in the contest.

The race will take part on a fast course in Castle Park, Bangor, with each lap to take approximately eight minutes.

Seymour showed good form last weekend in the second round of the Leinster league. The Wicklowman was unable to repeat his win from the opening round, finishing third in the handicap event, but he rode strongly to take back most of his nine-minute deficit to race winner Paul Christopher (Banteer CC).

Rocknasium's Owen Jefferies started six minutes behind Christopher and held off Seymour for second place.

With good turnouts for each of the cyclo cross events held thus far, a large field is expected for Sunday week's national championships in Kilbroney Park, Co Down.

The race will take place on a fast, varied course featuring flat grass areas, wooded sections, gravel paths and tarmac.

In other news, a national training camp for juniors and women will be held in Cong, Co Mayo, on the weekend of December 11th and 12th.

Taking place in the Quiet Man Hostel, the weekend will include training spins, coaching talks and training programme advice. Those aiming for selection on national teams should attend.

The closing date is December 7th. More information is available from Cycling Ireland at 01 8551522.

SUNDAY: Round 3, NI cyclo cross league, Castle Park, Bangor. Underage race at noon, main event at 1.0 p.m.