A group of about fifteen women lined up for the Women's event with a strong showing from Phoenix CC who fielded four riders. However with last year's winner, Heather Wilson of Maryland on the start line the eventual winner was almost assured.

The women set off together but it was not long into the race when a game of cat and mouse began between Heather Wilson, Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann) and Claire Oakley (WXC MTB).

Oakley dropped out of the game while Wilson and Mulholland continued to play games until Wilson put the foot down and rode away clear of the other women. It was now down to the chase and Julie Mulligan(Omagh Wheelers), Kay Hack (Bann Wheelers) and the Phoenix contingent rode hard but with little chance of making inroads into the gap created by Wilson.

Heather Wilson romped home to lift the laurels with the remaining places coming down to a bunch sprint amongst those who were still in contention.


On the line Mulholland's great sprinting techniques came to the fore and she lifted second place with Phoenix CC's Val O'Neill putting in a superb effort to take third.

Relative newcomer, Amy Brice of Phoenix was a close fourth and when she eventually manages to get rid of the 'garden gate' she is currently riding she will be a rider to watch.

Next placings were taken by Claire Oakley, Tonya Moran, Julie Mulligan and Therese Smyth (Phoenix CC).

Once again thanks to North Down for promoting so many events, to the PSNI and static and Motorbike marshalls and to comms, Brendan Kirk, Dany Blondeel and Jack Watson. The women back at the Rugby club were fantastic as were the main organisers, Tom Henry, Julie Stephenson, Austin McNally, Harry Adams, Ian Blayney and Noel Boyce.

Pics By Alan Cranston

Report and Pics Marian Lamb

Pic of Heather Winning courtesy of Bronagh Kirk (Ards CC)

Results - NI Women's Championships
1. Heather Wilson (Maryland Wheelers)
2. Ciara Mulholland (Clann Eireann)
3. Val O'Neill (Phoenix CC0
4. Amy Brice (Phoenix CC)
5. Claire Oakley (WXC MTB
6. Tonya Moran (Phoenix CC)
7. Julie Mulligan (Omagh Wheelers)
8. Therese Smyth (Phoenix CC)