The Temple Motorcycle Club launched the opening round of the ADD Mechanical Ulster Trials Championship with the highly anticipated Marcus Blain Trial at Finnis Road, Dromara. Blessed with good weather and cold but clear blue skies on the morning of the event, the trial welcomed a high entry of riders across all classes, setting a strong and competitive tone for the new championship season.
The event delivered exceptional action across all categories, with riders navigating challenging sections across the familiar but ever changing mountainous terrain. With their heads in the clouds and their feet firmly on the pedals riders of all ages and levels took to the hills for a day of Northern Irish Trials bike riding at its finest.
Having made the initial trek up the long and winding road to reach the mighty Slieve Croob competitors swapped 4 wheels for 2 and let loose on the Dromara drumlins. A bright breezy morning and an expertly laid course awaited and the riders were keen to kick off the ADD Mechanical Ulster Championship season in style as they hit the rocky riverbeds and mossy hillside on terrain that undulated underfoot it was clear both ability and agility were to be put to the test.
The SJ Trials elite + class did not disappoint and highlighted the level of talent taking part in the championship Josh Hanlon readily secured first place finishing with a winning total of 15 marks lost. Scott Callaghan claimed second with 30 points, followed by Stuart Hanlon in third.
The SJ Trials expert class provided some impressive scores too with Alex Lennox who put on a commanding performance in the Expert class, losing just 17 points across four laps to take the victory. Andrew McCrory finished runner-up on 34, with Neil Moore taking third place on 38 points decided on section clears over Robert McCrory, who also scored 38.
Inchaquire Industries Semi-Expert Class saw Aaron Smyth top of the standings with a winning score of 42. John McAndrew took second place with 48, and Neal Perry rounded out the top three with a close finish on 51 points. Sam Hampshire and Stanley Callaghan finished fourth and fifth respectively.
Leadmines Motorcycles Clubman Class proved to be a tightly contested category, Stephen Pyper produced a brilliant ride to capture the victory, losing just 3 marks on the day. Roger Callaghan claimed second spot with 6 , while Ross Pyper completed the podium in third with a score of 13. Micah Jones (14), Terence Mckee (16), Ross McCullough (23) and Alan Young (26) all put in highly commendable performances on the day.
The QMR Hard Off-road Sportsman Class saw Michael Adams edge out tight competition to take victory, finishing with 5 points lost. Kyle McClean finished tied on 5 marks but took second position on tie-break rules. George Robinson, Gary Johnston, and Brian Rodgers all tied close behind on 6 marks each to round out the top five. Clive Anderson (7), Simon Scott (9), Neil Loughridge (11), Robert White (11), Thomas Agnew (13), William Guthrie (16), David Lemon (16) all deserve a mention in such a large category with excellent scores throughout.
In the QMR Hard Off-road classic Sportsman division George Smyth claimed victory with an admirable score of just 5 marks. David Hamill followed closely in second place on 7, with Oliver Boland and Bradlee Walker taking third and fourth.
There was a strong turnout for the youth classes with Ollie Reid successfully tackling the course to take the win in Youth A. In youth B Ollie Gilmour captured first place with a score of 44. Toby Jones earned second spot on 47, and Amy O’Neill rounded out the podium in third.
Ben Griffith led the Youth C (big course) category to claim victory with Will Loughridge a close second on 49 marks, Arthur Hampshire placed third with a valiant ride on the day.
The Temple Motorcycle Club extends its sincere gratitude to title sponsor ADD Mechanical for their vital support of the Ulster Championship. Special thanks go to landowner Desmond Herron and family for providing the venue, as well as main course builder John Heenan and assistants Gareth Jones, David Gault, and Alan Young. The Club also expresses deep appreciation to the team of observers :Adam Marshall, Philip Allen, Chris McClean, John Heenan, Steven Cromie, Andy Jones, Ken Clarke, Sandi Kane, Jimmy Dickey, and Willie Dickey several of whom gave up their own rides to ensure all sections were fully staffed. Wishing all a very successful an enjoyable season head.
