Joe McCall 2007/2008 MTB Race Diary

Ballyhoura Trails, Co. Limrick – Sat - Sun 26-27th July 2008

2008-07-28T12:29:00.003+01:00

Gar and I drove down on sat to the Ballyhoura trail centre. 2.5 hours in the car and we were ready to ride! We set out on the full red loop, 52km, 4 – 6 hours the sign said. After 2:50 we were back in the carpark, so a bite to eat and a lap of the brown loop saw us into the afternoon.
Next day, we just did the white & brown loop, as the blue and red were just too tame, through scrub land and lots of crap frieroad.
A good weekend, could do it in a day easily!

Watch the drop!

Boardwalks everywhere!

Nice

Handy bikewash

The trailcentre was well setup

Irish National Championships, Kilruddery, Co. Wicklow – Sun 20th July 2008

2008-07-21T11:45:00.002+01:00

Back to Kilruddery, the home of the Irish XC nationals. I first won the Irish nationals here all the way back in 1993, on my 21st birthday, so I have fond memories of the place. It’s a great venue, stunning scenary, wonderfull wooded singletrack, and great fields to race in.
Robin and TW designed a great race course. Only 4 small 3 min climbs the rest was rolley face singletrack. There was sooooo much going on, non stop corner, humps, yumps, bomb holes and berms….great stuff.
7 laps for the elite and I was nervous. My last 6 weeks was terrible, a bad crahs, a shoulder and neck injury, Hazo hospitalised and the crapola weather didn’t help either. 2 kgs heavier, and I wasn’t even goona race!
A 2nd row gridding based on my world ranking, and bang we were off, I had to hold back as I didn’t want to get in the way of the real battle (Robin, Niall and Conor). I followed these trio and Lewis for the 1st half a lap, and then settled into the race. I had good legs for the first 3 laps, and I was holding 4th with Aidan @ 40secs, and Ryan @ ~ 1:30. I then started to stuggle, and Aidan caught me on lap 4. He was riding like it was lap 1, so I was unable to hold his pace for long. The last lap was real hard, cramping all over, and Ryan coming up fast from behind. I though I had 5th, but Ryan came storming up and passed me on the last climb, I was bullin’. Not to worry, a good ride and an ok result, my last Elite nationals.
Congrats to Robin, his 15th straight tile, with Conor in 2nd and Niall a very close 3rd. Big it up for Aidan, mega ride, super slick on the singletrack, I was no competition for him today.

Great weather and great singletrack

Robin and Conor do battle

Evan failed to finish

The start was FAST

Ryan passed me on the last climb.

NPS # 4, Djouce, Co. Wicklow – Sun 15th June 2008

2008-07-21T11:44:00.002+01:00

I was REALLY looking forward to this race. The course was incredible, a twist on TWs K Capital course. Very dry too, this should have suited me down to the ground! After a good start, things started to go downhill! I really suffered throughout the race, I couldn’t climb at all. Robin was there out in front, and Peter stuck to his wheel while I drifted back. Then James passed, then Aidan……..this was not good. I stuck at it though, only to get points for the league and to maintain my 40 race DNF record.
I came in 5th, a good bit back. My worst race in a long time. I had a lot of injuries and other things going on recently, so this all contributed, so it was not that surprising.
5th was still good enough to keep the league, but I will be missing the next round in Tymon, so its all down to the final round!!!

Ohhh, the pain!

Craigs first race in K Cap colours yielded and excellent 2nd in the masters

NPS # 3 - North Pole – Sun 25th May 2008

2008-05-29T12:48:00.001+01:00

Ok, not quite the north pole, but way up near Larne in Antrim (still only 2:40 away, great new roads). Any, Hazo and I set out on sat, 5 hours of shopping in Ikea and I was knackerd, not ideal race prep.

Race day came, sunny, dry, but a little windy. Held on an old quarry, the course was actually quite good, flatish, nice drops and kicker climbs, lots of ST too. Very bumpy though, and I brought the vertex and not the element, bad choice. However, the venue was grim, crap start/finish area, cars parked 500 mtrs away, and no atmosphere…..not good enough for NPS imo.

The start was v fast, Luis Ferguson was flying, his first MTB race this year as he was concentrating on the road. His almost complety slick tyres were a ppor choice, and I’m sure this contributed to his race ending shunt on the 2^nd lap. Anyway, I was 3^rd after 3 laps, 50 secs back on Peter and Ryan, a long way back on such a fast course. I stuck at it, got better legs, and eventually caught them with 1 /12 laps to go. Starting the last lap we were all together, howver, Ryan attacked and I didn’t have it, I kinda sat up then, rolled in 3^rd, good enough to hold onto 1^st in the league.

Next up is Djouce on 15^th June, cant wait, hope its dry……..

Off we go!

NPS # 2, Carlingford, Co. Louth – Sun 4th May 2008

2008-05-08T12:34:00.002+01:00

NPS # 2 already, I need a break! Great weather should have ensured a mega dry race in Carlingford, but rain all the way up turned the 2km flat fireroad into mudcity! The best singletrack in the country held up real well, but I doubt I can beat my 1 dab record from last year.
A few less riders in the elite field meant that I may be able to bag some points. BANG, off we go up the steep tarmac road start, onto that flat fireroad, and I am sitting on Ryan and Peters wheels, MEGA mud splash. I big sprint for the singletrack and Peter showhorns himself in before Ryan and me. Peter gets about 20secs here as I sit on Ryan dabbing away. Up the long fireroad I sit on Ryan, and jump him into the 1st singletrack on the 2nd lap. This is the last I see of Ryan as he flats out of the race, pity. I try to catch Peter over the next lap, but he pulls a bit more time. Next thing I see him walking back up the trail, another flat! I am leading now, time to ease off and bring in then points!
I am leading the NPS now, mad stuff……not sure if I’ll make it to # 3, so I’ll have to finish 4,5 & 6 to go for the overall!

My first win!

The slippy river crossing

Evan and Richi chase hard

NPS # 1, Ballinstoe, Co. Wicklow – Sun 27th Apr 2008

2008-05-08T12:30:00.003+01:00

Straight from the K Capital Cup, into the NPS! No let up these days. My goal for the NPS is a top 3 in the elites, so I need to focus again! The international field of the K Cap was not there, but a couple of the top juniors and a couple of the top masters/vets made the move to the Elites to boost the completion.
A dry bright day greeted us in Ballinstoe, home to the new MTB built trails. The course was VERY fast, almost big ring the whole way, great trials, fast racing. I got a good start, and starting lap 2 I was only a few seconds behind the lead group of Ryan, Peter and super junior Liam. Disaster struck on lap 2 when I twisted my front mech, and a BIG high speed crash on lap 4 nearly ended my race (and my life). But I fought on, pulled back a couple of places and finished a solid 4th.
Very sore after the race, headaches, etc. No good, but a good start to the league. Next week is # 2 so time to recover and relax.

Flyin on the new trails

Ryan took the win. Peter and Liam follow close behind

K Capital Cup # 4, Castlewellen, Co. Down – Sun 20th Apr 2008

2008-04-22T10:42:00.003+01:00

Another K Cap, another incredible race. An amazing lap designed by XMTB legend Robbi Lamont, Savage singletrack climbs, deadly single track descents, off cambers, drops, rock garden, quick fireraod, everything. The icing on the cake was the conditions, dust dust dust…..and we are still in april!
I was gridded on the second row for this race, but the usual mix of international riders was down on previous races, with some of them attending the World Cup opener in Houffilize. Not too worry, there was still a couple of foreign riders to focus on. Off we went and I felt good at the start, staying with the lead group until the first singletrack. I backed off here, as I knew the race would be long and I did not want to blow up aka K Cap # 2.

The leaders on the first climb

I made a push before the long singletrack descent to get ahead of a polish rider who seemed to be struggling technically, and this paid off as I had a 20 sec gap on him and the chasing group by the time we were shoot out on the fireroad. I remained comfortable in 6th position for the whole race, loving the singletrack and taking it a bit easy on the hills.
Niall took the win from Gareth Montgomery and Robin in 3rd. Conor came in 4th with Ryan in 5th.
I got 5th overall in the series which was my main goal for the year so I am happy with that. Big thanks to all the race organizers and to Robin and Geoff Seymour for their vision. Also a big thanks to series sponsor and our team sponsor Mark of K Capital Source.
The NPS races start next week in Ballinstoe, I must keep the head down from that and stay off the Pringles!

Big 'n big

Race winner Niall Davis

2nd and 3rd place riders Gareth and Robin

Wonderful singletrack!

Report
http://www.irishcycling.com/publish/news/art_2971.shtml

Pics
http://imbrc.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=26&g2_itemId=10697
http://imbrc.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=26&g2_itemId=11169

British NPS # XCO 1, XCM # 1, Thetford, Norfolk – Sat/Sun 12th/13th Apr 2008

2008-04-17T14:39:00.001+01:00

My first Elite XCO race in the UK for 11 years, what could I expect. Evan and I got an early morning flight to Standsted, hired a car, and set off for Thetford. The race was at 3 so loads of time…..until a text from Robin at 12 said the race was now at 1! AGGGGGGHHHHH, mega rush to find the course, build the bikes in record time, straight to the start line, no lap, no warmup, but at least we were there!
The weather was great, and the tracks looked very dry.
Looking around the startline things were not as I remember. There was only about 45 elites, compared to the 70 I used to race with. Plus the whole event was missing something, maybe it was missing the stars of the mid 90s, Baker, Ford, Gould, etc…..Anyway, of we set, superfast flat fireroad, stones flying everywhere. I had heard the course was all singletrack, so I tried to stay in a reasonable position here. I got into the singletrack in a good place, and held on for a while. However, the pace was like the last 2km of an A road race, so I backed off a bit towards the end of the lap. The rest of the race was damage limitation, but I did manage to pas some riders.
The course was pretty cool, pancake flat, with 90% amazing singletrack, flat out, 30km/hr average, fast MTB ever for me!
I ended up 21st, a good bit off the front guys, kinda brutal. Evan pulled out on the 2nd lap, not fully recovered from his illness earlier in the week. The other Irish had a mixed race, Ryan had a huge crash after been cut up, Robin flatted out while int eh group for 3rd, but Conor had a great race to finish 3rd. Mel got an incredible 2nd in the Elite women, well done to her.
Back to the hotel to get ready for tomorrows marathon racing. I was doing the 50km race (shorter than the XCO the day before), and Evan was trying the 75km race in prep for the Trans Rockies in July. A good dinner and a crap movie and we were ready for bed.
Brekki was at 8 the next day for the early race start at 10. A similar day to sat and a similar course. I was in the 50km race, with about 100 riders. Off we went, and I immediately got into a good group of about 6 riders, with the 2 leaders off the front. I attacked a few times during the race and shed a couple of riders, down to 3 of us for 3rd. A couple more attacks from the other riders and I went out the back, but I managed to pass the 4th place guy before the finish of the race. 4th it was, not too shabby. Evan got a great 5th in the 75km race, buzzin at the finish. Ryan got an even better 3rd in the 100km race. Mel repeated her 2nd place from the day before, excellent.
All in all a good trip, not sure if I’ll do another, something seems to be missing from the races.
Busy few weeks coming up, K Cap Cup # 4 next weekend and then the NPS kicks off the week after that. Ohhh the legs are hurting already.

Hoofin it on the only kicker in the race!

XCO Report, results and pics
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/site/BC/mtb/EventReports2008/20080412_nps_xc_round1_results.asp

XCM Report, results and pics
http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/site/BC/mtb/EventReports2008/20080413_whyte_enduro_round1.asp

K Capital Cup # 3, Djouce, Co. Wicklow – Sun 6th Apr 2008

2008-04-10T14:52:00.002+01:00

WOW, what a race, by far the best ever held in Ireland. An amazing 8km loop set out by Robin. All our favorite single track with some new bits added in. 15 foreign riders were promised on the start line to add to the competition. This was also the final race in the Irish Olympic qualification so the heat was on!
I picked Kev up on Saturday at 11ish. We helped mark some of the course and rode to practice laps. Kevs loved the course, nice and technical with some real nice fast climbs too. The weather was dry all week so there was very little mud, great stuff.
Sunday came, and I warmed up on XTC to prep the tech skills. Sure enough, there was a good international presence, the UK team, Chech republic, Switzerland, Poland, Germany, Wales, Swedan, etc…..all looking very pro. I got a second row grid place based on my previous result, not bad.

The team before the start

BANG, we were off. Pace was savage from the start, all the way to XTC in one long line. Kev and I stayed together on the 1st lap until the main river crossing, when Kevs rear mech was ripped off, race over for him!
I continued on, very comfortable at this stage, I passed the Swede, Micke Haggquist, on the second lap, and caught a glimp of George Hudeckova from the Czech Republic starting the 3rd.

I had a great race with Hudeckova

By the last climb on the 3rd lap, Hudeckova and I were together, attacking on the fireroad, savage. I then caught and passed German rider Jochen Cochonelli on the last lap, but Hudeckova was still hot on my heals starting the last climb. Ryan was only about 10seconds ahead here, so I was trying to catch him and at the same time stay away from Hudeckova and Cochonelli, amazing racing.

I had a great race to finish 9th

At the end I came in just behind Ryan with Hudeckova and Cochonelli not far behind. 9th place, very happy with that.
Brit Ian Bibby took the win late in the race from Robin. Robin has now qualified for Beijing, congrats Bob!
A big thanks for Team WORC and all the Seymours for all their hard work to make this the best event ever in Ireland, I wont forget it!

Ian Bibby took the win

Robin took second and the Olympic spot

Results
http://www.kcapitalcup.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=67&Itemid=57

Pics
http://epicmtb.com/gallery/browseimages.php?c=3&userid=467
http://imbrc.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=26&g2_itemId=5795

Kevs Ireland Visit

2008-04-07T12:20:00.006+01:00

Rocky Mountain/K Capital Source team manager and all round savage Kevin Calhoun took time out from his busy schedule to visit us in Ireland. Kev got to ride every one of the 11 days he has been here. The weather was mixed, from pouring rain to 18 degrees, weird stuff. Lots of trails, and a few pints too.
Thanks to Mark for ‘sponsoring’ the trip, and putting Kev up in the luxury attic room.
I am looking forward to making a trip to Vancouver some day!

Team RM Ireland. L - R, Craig, Paddy, Mark, Joe and Kev

Kev and I on top of Lugala, 120km/hr winds, mad stuff

Kev and I at the top of the Spinx, with Glendalough lakes in the background.

Powerscourt waterfall

Kev on the miners trail above Glendalough lake

Craig on the sleepers....2 km of northshore

K Capital Cup # 2, Moneyscalp, Co. Down – Sun 22nd March 2008

2008-04-04T16:19:00.003+01:00

Back to Ireland with a shock. My first elite race in years and I was brutal! A v tech course with no rest made the going tough. Together with a crappy start/finish area things were not looking good (why do people continue to do this for UCI races).
I raced the first 3 laps ok, I was in 9th place with 2 Belgian guys. But then I started to feel it, and I blew up after only 1.5 hours. I got into a slow pace to get lapped and hold the position.
Robin won from UK rider Aido Lansley, with conor in 3rd and Niall in 4th, all within 1 min of each other. This almost guarantees Robin the Olympic place.
A poor ride, an ok result and 2 UCI points. Roll on K Cap # 3!

Watch the drop!

Robin takes the win

Results
http://www.kcapitalcup.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=61&Itemid=54

Photos
http://imbrc.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=26&g2_itemId=8335&g2_page=2

Mark starts his new diet!

2008-03-20T11:56:00.001Z

Mark preps for K Capital Cup # 2 this weekend!

Gran Canaria training/race week – March 2008

2008-03-13T08:06:00.003Z

Its been a while since my last update. Training going ok throughout Jan/Feb, but getting sick twice did not help things.
Hazo and I are just back from Gran Canaria. A bit of relaxing, a bit of biking, and a bit of racing. I entered the GC marathon, 87km and 3600mtrs of climbing!
I also raced in the crit the night before the marathon. 800mtr track with 2 corners!!! Flat out 100%. Got into the final and got dropped straight away, 7th place I think! Legs were ruined though for the main event!
The Marathon was ok. I was riding pretty poorly, no spark there…..I keep the head down though. A long course from Maspalomas to San Bart/Santa Lucia. No real technical secions, just rough fireroads and a bit of tarmac too. I got lost a couple of times and alos friggin punctured on the final descent. I got 17th place, a long way down. 11th was on without the puncture, and I would have easily came 5thish with normal form/no issues, but dem the breaks.
I missed the 1st K Capital cup for this week off. I have to keep focused now for the remaining K Caps to get a reasonable overall placing. The GB Olympic team were over for rnd # 1, with world class rider Oli just taking the win from Robin, great to see this level of racing in Ireland.

Flat out in the friday night crit

On the way up the vally not far from the start

Riding the canyons in the marathon

The new hardtail got a hammering!

Hazel at the infamous fuel stop!

Results

http://nyx.at/canary/_uploads/_elements/1730_file1.pdf

Photos
http://nyx.at/bikeboard/Board/canary-open-mtb-2008-fotos-ber80645
http://www.sportograf.de/index2.php?section=events&event=268

Irish Cyclocross Champs, Tymon Park, Co. Dublin – Sun 6th Jan 2008

2008-01-08T15:07:00.000Z

Well, I can finally say that my 2007 season is over, rounded off nicely with a 3rd place at the National Cyclocross Championships.
I am really happy with this result as there was real competition for the bronze medal. There would probably have been above 5 riders in with a shout of bronze, but I keep the head down over Christmas and I was in good form going into the race.
The gold and silver positions were really ever going to be contested by 2 riders, Pro MTB Rider Robin Seymour and Pro Road man Roger Aiken, so 3rd was the main goal.
The course was a mixed bag, some real nice fast straights and corners, and then some silly tight slow singletrack(?). I got a good start, straight into singletrack (why I don’t know). Rodger immediately got a gap, going from the gun, with Philip Roche in 2nd, commonwealth games competitor Lewis Ferguson in 3rd and Robin and I in 4th/5th. Robin got away in the 2nd singletrack and I disposed of Lewis and caught Philip by the end of the 1st lap. Real fast at this stage and not much tactics, 100% everywhere.

I attacked Philip on the 3rd lap and got a good gap, and increased it to 2 minutes by the end of the race.
Roger got the win from Robin, a great result. To be fair, Rodger was flying! Congrats to both of them.
My bike was real nice too, I got a pair of Zipp 303s with tubs, big difference. I also tidied it up with new bars/stem/seat post/saddle/drivechain….felt great. Thanks to Mark and Kevin for making all this happen, all contributes to the good result.

Thanks to promoting club IMBRC for a great event, now I have to come back next year and defend the bronze, ohhhh the pressure!

Phil and I do Battle

Roger takes the win

Robin in 2nd

Philip in 4th

Report
http://www.irishcycling.com/publish/news/art_2768.shtml

Images
http://www.irishcycling.com/publish/news/art_2769.shtml

Cyclo-cross Nationals Preview

2008-01-04T17:18:00.000Z

I am really looking forwad to the cyclocross nationals on sunday.Favorites for the title have to be Robin or Roger. Both are fresh back from a hectic shedule in Belgium, so they should be fired up. Also acing in Belgium is Phil Roche, and he will be gunning for the bronze medal. There will be a few of us going for the medals, and the racing should be real good.....watch this space!
I got the cross bike going well now, Zipp 303 cross wheels with tufos tubs are a go, should be worth a couple of second a lap.

woohoo, my first ever poster appearance!

Cross bike ready to go

TC Racing Cyclo-cross , Virginia , Co. Cavan - 30th Dec 2007

2008-01-04T17:07:00.000Z

Twas the night befofe new years, and not a cross rider was stiring.....well, not quite. All the top men were off racing in Belgioum, do I had an easy enough run in this pre-nationals test. The course was very slow, heavy going in the soft ground, and a bit to technical for the conditions. But Alan and Tom of TC Racing put on a good show in hte beautiful grounds of the Park Hotel.
The race itslf was pretty uneventful. Steve Franzoni took the early lead, but I soon overtook him and put the head down to take the win. Steve rolled in 2nd and MTB legend Rory Walsh took the remaining podium spot, with IMBRC rider Luke Manning taking 4th. Nationals next week, cant wait.

Training weekend, Co. Wicklow – Sat/Sun 15th/16th Dec 2007

2007-12-17T16:55:00.000Z

Good weekend training. The weather and trails were perfect for winter riding.
I was sick the previous week so good to be back out. On Sat Ken, Padzer, Mark and I cycled on the road to the new trails Ballinastoe. WOW, we had a laugh, trails are bedding in nice, and the new one at the top was great fun, fast with predicable slides. A nice coffee in Enniskerry rounded off a great day.
On Sunday Robin, Evan, Richi and I went on a 5hour blast. Robin led from the front, real hard race pace. Great route, all on dry trails again, Bray head being the highlight. Also rode the trails in Djouce, real nice when its deserted! I blew up in Powerscourt, a bit hungover, so that did not help. A couple of honeystingers helped, and I barely hung on to Robin doing 45km/hr back in the Enniskerry Road.

Mark rails a berm

Coffee and a cuddle

New trails in Ballinstoe

Ulster Cyclocross Champs, Kilbroney Park, Co. Down – Sun 1st Dec 2007

2007-12-17T16:51:00.000Z

Good race today. Finished up 2nd in a much better field. Fast course with a couple of drags that suited me.
Pace was fast from the start, I attacked from a bunch of about 10 riders at the end of the 1st lap, and only Raod Pro Roger Aiken stayed with me. We had about 10 second ending the first lap, and Roger upped the pace again, I was unable to respond!!!!
I then found myself on my own for the rest of the race, real hard as there was a 50km/hr head wind for a lot of the lap. Behind me @ 20 secs, a group of 5 riders worked together for the whole race. With 2 laps to go, Junior sensation Liam McGreevy attached a closed the gap to about 10 seconds. This promoted me to push again and regain my gap.
Roger was in a class of his own, finishing about 2 mins ahead……no chance! Ill be doing one more cross race before the nationals, and I feel a medal is defo on the cards.

Report
http://www.irishcycling.com/publish/news/art_2729.shtml

Team WORC Corkagh Cyclocross, Kingswood, Co. Dublin – Sun 26th Nov 2007

2007-11-28T14:25:00.000Z

I had a good ride in this cross race. My first cross race of the season, and dispite a cold, been totally knackered from GC, and a hangover (Christmas party time), I still managed to pull 2nd out of the bag. A group of 4 of us stayed together, until Robin attacked on the 5th lap, I kinda went at the same time and dropped Philip and young gun Paul.

I gotta start thinking about the nationals now, not too far away. The field was a bit depleted at this race, so I gotta raise my game if I want to finish top 5! Another cross race next Saturday in Rostrevor, a classic venue.

Images
http://imbrc.com/index.php?option=com_gallery2&Itemid=26&g2_itemId=5115

3rd place finisher Phil and I take a bend

Cheater and winner Robin jumps the boards!

Gran Canaria winter week, Tue 13th Nov 2007

2007-11-23T13:51:00.000Z

I have been looking forward to this trip for months! 9 of us headed off to Gran Canaria for some winter sun biking. 4 hours on a plane, no jetlag, temperatures in the high 20s every day, and incredible trails. It does not get much better than this!

The highlight of the trip was the 2, 7 hour epics back to back. We headed from the coast on the south of the island offroad to very near the top, and rode some incredible trails to finally descend from the Tamadaba national park on a new trail. We stayed overnight in Agaete and cycled home the next day.

25 hours of actual biking time in the week, and I am shelled! I have my march trip booked already, cant wait!!

Images

http://picasaweb.google.com/joemccall/GranCanaria2007

Videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=as24ByJVQEw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0n9ksvRASJ4

Recent fires have charred the landscape

Robin riding lava at 1800 mtrs

Craig on sandman, watch the drop!!

Djouce Trail Challenge, Djouce Woods, Co. Wicklow – Sun 11th Nov 2007

2007-11-22T14:05:00.000Z

A short event, 18km on Djouce woods best singletracks. More of a leisure event than a race, but as I know the trails so well, I could not miss the opportunity to hit them at full pace. As the elites were ‘encouraged’ not to start, I had few challengers. Got the hole shot into the first singletrack and led the 100 riders from there, finishing over 2 minutes ahead of 2nd place super junior, Paul ??.

The course was incredible, 100% dry (a rarity at anytime of the year), all classic singletrack descending with some new features added in. Well done to Robin and all Team WORC for putting on an excellent event. Robin wants to grow the event and double the size of the route, and hopefully the entry.

Well done to all the other finishers too.

Full tilt on 'XTC'

Mark on his new Vertex

Roc D'Azur 2007 - France

2007-11-07T14:20:00.001Z

We all got back from the Roc a couple of weeks ago. 140,000 spectators and 14,000 riders make this the biggest MTB event in the world. This is the typical end of year race for all the euro riders, so there is a relaxed atmosphere and everyone is in good form. Sunshine in October is a bonus.

I was entered in 2 races, the Marathon (Friday - 87km) and the Roc (Sunday – 57km).

I had a good ride in both races, 50^th in the marathon out of 1500. I broke my chain towards the end of the race, bummer. Top 40 was on the cards there. In the Roc I finished 94^th out of 4400, good ride. Lots of top guys there so happy enough.

Well done to the rest of the guys, too many results to mention!

We stayed right on the beech part of the course, in an incredible villa, great pool and bbq, perfect. Lots of relaxing too. All the WAGS came down, 1 week of sun and sea, followed by the odd 4 hours of pain. The event also hosts the largest French trade show, so it was good to see all the 2008 gear.

Incredible event, so much going on, so many MTB riders, great atmosphere. We will be back!!!

The start!

Big and Big on the steep climb

Paddy givin it loads

Job done!

Relax time!

Race
http://picasaweb.google.com/joemccall/Roc2007RacePics
http://picasaweb.google.com/karenenglish1/RocDAzur2007

General
http://picasaweb.google.com/joemccall/Roc2007RacePics
http://picasaweb.google.com/ev.ryan/ROC_2007
http://picasaweb.google.com/paddydaly77/Roc200702

Djouce spin - Aug 2007

2007-11-07T14:05:00.000Z

Some pics from a recent spin to Djouce, near Enniskerry. Mark, Craig and I did the 4 hour loop from Dublin, real nice spin, and good weather considering the terrible summer we had!

Powerscourt water fall

Lough Tay

Images
http://picasaweb.google.com/joemccall/DjouceAug2007

UCI World Masters MTB Champs, Pra-Loup, France - 19th August 2007

2007-08-22T14:14:00.000+01:00

Finally getting the report done, here goes!

DKS, Dave and I headed for the French alps, about 160km north of Nice airport. After a brief stop in the medieval village of ??, we headed over the ???m pass of ???, amazing road, didn’t have the nerve to go the wrong way up the one way tunnels!! A nice descent through the ??? gorge and we arrived in Pra-Loup @ 1600mtrs. To my surprise, the place was PACKED. We fist checked into or Apt, not too bad, 2 dbl bedrooms and an amazing view. After signing on in race HQ, we got the gear on for a quick lap of the course.

The course consisted of 1km of flat grass & fireroad, 2.5km fast singletrack descent, followed by a 2km savage climb back to the start/finish. Didn’t really suit me as I usually prefer the more technical courses. But we all agreed it was good fun. A nice dinner in ‘Restaurente Penguini’ and off to bed for an early one.

We awoke Saturday to beaming sunshine. As this was the DHers day, we decided to get 2 laps of the XC course in, and chill out in the afternoon and cheer on the Irish DH riders. The laps went well, course was getting very rough though, washboard and dust! We made it in time to watch the last few DHers come down, the highlight of the day was Glynn O’Brien taking silver in the DH, ‘What about ya’. More ‘Restaurente Penguini’ and back to the apt for a quick game of scrabble.

Sunday, Race day!! Our race was due to start at 12, but we awoke early to cheer on Peter Bug in the 45 – 49 cat. Peter was riding well in 2nd spot, but a freek technical issue pushed him back to 6th, still, a good result. Back to the apt for race prep, and back to the course for warm up and gridding. The start area was abuzz with riders from all over the world, all looking like total pros, GULP. DKS and I were gridded on the front row, perfect! A good start was needed as there was a singletrack descent right after the start. BANG, off we go, I got a great start, 2nd down the dodgy steps, 2nd into the descent. Not too good for DKS, 5mtrs after the start a guy crashed in front of him causing a missive pileup, and Daves bike was at the bottom! Bent mech and last down the steps, the worst possible start. Meanwhile, I was settling into race pace and let riders pass when needed. By the end of the first lap, I was comfortable in the top 20, going well. I held this position pretty much event free until the end of the race, 21st overall, not too bad at all! DKS did not fare so well, major traffic and a bent hanger left him struggling, eventually pulled at the end of lap 3 and a mid 70s result.

Steep climbs amde the going tough!

Next was Daves race (30 -> 34), again a good grid position helped his start, and he rode well to climb from mid 40s to mid 30s by the end of the race, getting stronger towards the end, a good ride. James McCluskey had a great ride to grab 7th place, nice one.

Another 2 days of amazing alpine trails and Cot D’Azur beeches rounded off a great trip. Next up, Irish Marathon Champs and the then back to France for the Roc d’Azur.

Dave in the granny

Images
Race Images - http://picasaweb.google.com/joemccall/World_masters_champs02
Spin Images - http://picasaweb.google.com/joemccall/PraLoup2007

Movies
My start - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWgwPbR0xec
My start # 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0DEH7ehpUI
Steep climb!!! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFR4nYMOx8g

UCI Master World Champs Preview

2007-08-03T11:58:00.000+01:00

Preparation is going well for the UCI Master World Champs in Pra-Loup, France. I am really looking forward to this event, as its been a long time since I have raced a world class XCO event. I will be competing in the 35-39 category (I'm only 34, but its the year of my 35th birthday), and I am hoping for a top 20% result.I am traveling with Dave Gill and David King Smith, both very experienced MTB races.

PraLoup is in the Frence Alps, about 2 hours from Nice, and the elevation is at 1600 mtrs, so the weather may be changable!

There will be a few Irish there, so we should also have a good laugh. We are staying on for an extra couple of days to get in some alpine riding, chillout time!

Good luck to ex team mate, Peter Buggle, who is going for the win in the 45 -49 category. Peter has been rinding full time this year in preparation for this race, so things look good!

Irish National Championships, Newcastle, Co. Down – Sun 22nd July 2007

2007-07-24T13:44:00.000+01:00

This was the big race, the Nationals! This was the one that I HAD to win this year. I had been racing since the start of march, and I was feeling tired going into the race.
2 laps on Saturday revealed a mixed course. The whole climb was a fast fireroad, all big ring. This would suit me well, being a big guy and all! The descent back to the finish was a mixed bag, technical and off camber for the first half, fast and flowy for the second half. The rain we have had for the last 8 weeks finally stayed away for race week, leaving a drying course with some slippy sections to keep it interested/dangerous.
My main rivals were all there, Peter O’Farrel, looking fit from his adventure racing, a recovered Gordon Lucas, and ex world cup elites Craig Brady and Don Travers making a return to racing.
Race day, and from the gun I took the lead, I had a good gap going into the descent only to be held up by a load of experts!! A couple of falls, and a burped tyre were cause for concern, but I soldiered on. I caught the Yvain Sogno (lead expert + 1 min) by the end of lap 2, and we stayed together until the last lap when I put the hammer down on the descent.
All in all, an easy win. Congrats to Peter in 2nd and Niall Q in 3rd, great racing there.
Also, well done to Elite winner Robin Seymour, his 15th straight title! Robin was in a class of his won, taking the win from Niall Davis and Irish # 2 roadman Roger Aiken.
I am very happy to retain my title, as it was the # 1 goal for the year. Now I can concentrate on the Maters Worlds in France in August, cant wait.

Report
irishcycling
Images
IMBRC
cycleseen

Giving it loads on the fireroad climb

Tech descents ruled the course!

Another tech drop!

Olympic hopefuls, Robin and Niall, battle it out!

NPS # 7 (final), Tymon Park, Co. Dublin – Sun 8th July 2007

2007-07-13T14:16:00.001+01:00

Well, the first non-shlompy race in a while. Wow, what a course, pancake flat (apart from one hump), but probably 80% singletrack, this race was fast, fast, fast, suited me down to the ground. I got a great start, into the singletrack second behind Team WORC rider Dave Gill. I pulled away from everyone during the race, I really was flying. The course was so good, tight singletrack, slippy corners, real fast.
I took the win easily, catching all the experts (+1) min, and up to 4th in the Elites (+3 mins). I’m very happy with that considering the nature of the course. The win secured the overall win in the NPS, winning 5 out of 5!
We also took part in the Team Relay on the Saturday. Team Rocky Mountain consisted of Myself, Mark and Padzer,. Great fun, and 5th overall was a nice bonus.
Well done to the IMBRC for putting on an excellent show. Dave Barry designed an excellent course, and he promises more for next year, cant wait!
I will be hoping to retain my XC Masters title in the Nationals Champs next weekend. The race is been held in the excellent venue of Tullymore Park in Co. Down.

Report
irishcycling
Images
IMBRC

The tight, flat course provided great racing

IMBRC rider and race director, Dave Barry, took 3rd in the race and 2nd overall (expert category)

Overall Expert winner, Yvain Sogno, is tracked by race winner Philip Roche

Ryan Sherlock took the overall win in the Elite category

NPS # 6, Douce Woods, Co. Wicklow – Sun 1st July 2007

2007-07-02T16:24:00.000+01:00

This should have been the most amazing course, but 6 weeks of almost persistent rain turned the incredible trails in a muddy mess! Now, it wasn’t that bad, but there were some very tricky bits. I think the last time I finished a race that muddy was Ballyduff in 1991!!!
I got the holeshot into the first singletrack (again), and had about 15 seconds at the end of the first descent! I increased the lead throughout the race too. I caught all the experts (+3 mins), but none of the elites (+7 mins), maybe next time!
The new element, in only its second race, got well hammered. A dip in the river on lap 2 and 3 was needed to clean up the drivetrain and keep things smooth. Its gagging to be raced on a fast dry course. My closest rivals did not get results today, Damo was running the event, Peter O was off doing an outdoor challenge event, and Gordon L failed to finish. This result has moved me into 1st overall in the league, only one race left, so it should be a nail biter.
Well done to all of the Epic team for putting on a great show in difficult conditions.The last round of the NPS is next weeknd, 8th July in a flat prk in the Dublin suburbs. It should be very fast, flat 7km circuit with 80% singletrack! Get the hardtail out?

The steep climb back to the finish, hard in the mud!

Some of the trails held up real well

While others were almost unrideable!

NPS # 6 preview

2007-06-21T08:50:00.000+01:00

I am really looking forward to this event. Organized by the EPIC team, and in a dream location, this should prove a great penultimate NPS test for all the series contenders. Hope the course dries out so I can get the best out of the Element race bike!

Update from Canada - Test of Metal, Squamish BC Canada - Sat 16th May 2007

2007-06-19T11:30:00.000+01:00

Update from Kevin Calhoun, Team Lead. The ‘Test of Metal’ race is one of Canada largest and most prestigious races.
I am very happy with this result (5th). Its been a long time coming, let me tell you. I think I needed that to get my morale back. Its funny to read the race reports… that never tell the whole story. I was in the lead for more than half the race with Neal and Ryan up until this monster climb known as 9 mile. Pretty much 9 miles straight up. It’s a crusher… I held on as long as possible, but that wasn’t enough. Then as I was about 10 mins from the line. Dre and Freddy passed me while I was starting to fade a little and ultimately that’s how it ended up. I don’t know how many times I race I get called Dre… go Dre… that’s all I ever here… I should ride around with a big stick, I am not Dre on it… ah well, there are worse people in the world to be called right? Besides, this way I can ride around in mystery and no one knows who I am. I like that angle better anyways….
But yeah, back to the race, it was very good. Tough conditions, pissed rain the entire time and made for a soupy mess of an already tough course. Good conditions for me actually…. Bike rode beautifully under me the entire time. I chose the right tires for battle too. I went with some heavier compound tubeless tires that rode all winter so I knew how they would handle the mud. Heavier yes… but they never flat.
When I look at the results, all the guys who beat me race full time with 100% national or provincial team funding…. They’re only job is bike riding/racing. So outside of that for a working stiff like me, I was pretty happy with the result. My goal was going into the race was top 5 and I achieved that, so I would have to call it a success.
As far as the form coming back… yes! I made some pretty serious changes to my bike set up over the winter and it was not working for me at all this year. I had no leg power, bad cramping and severe knee pain. I decided to take some measurements off of some older bikes of mine and noticed my saddle height was a full half inch lower on my mtb this year vs last. I changed back to my old shoes too in my old cleat position and it makes all the difference in the world. As the saying goes, if it aint broke, don’t fix it….
http://www.testofmetal.com/

Kevin takes on feed in the 'Test of Metal'

NPS # 5, Killaloe, Co. Limerick – Sat 16th May 2007

2007-06-19T11:15:00.000+01:00

Once in a while, everyone has a bad day, today was my bad day! What looked like a super course, turned to shlomp with the previous days rain. A hard climb, straight up, and a long singletrack descent all the way back to the finish. Taylor mad for me, not in the mud! For some reason I never perform in the super muddy conditions.
Anyway, a mass start for all the main races meant a front row position was essential! I got a good start, and I was leading by half way down the first descent. However, super-elite Ryan passed me and I was never able to claw him back. To make things worse, I was passed on the third lap by another Master, Peter O! Unfortunately for him, a puncture sent him back to third by the end.
I fumbled my way through the remaining laps, taking the Masters win in very unspectacular fashion! I really should have been about 5 mins quicker!
I really have to sharpen up for the next NPS, only 2 weeks away on an amazing course in Douce woods in Wicklow, really looking forward to that! The new Element team should really shine there.
Got to mention Rocky Mountain stagiaire Philip Roche, a class young rider. Phil binned himself on the second lap and had to stop for 4 mins, but a determined fight got him back to second in the expert category, overtaking his teammate, Rich, on the last descent, see pics below, class!!!!!

Nice view

Mud, mud, mud!

Phil does the impossipass on the last descent!

New Race bike – Element Team

2007-06-13T17:03:00.000+01:00

I took the new full-sus race bike out for a spin last night. The new bike has full XTR and full race suspension, so it performed like a true race machine. On the technical trails around Powerscourt waterfall, the bike did not put a wheel wrong, and climbing was also a joy with the Fox pro-pedal system and the new super-rigid oversized rear end.
Looking forward to racing it in this weekends NPS # 5.

Mark was also on his new totally custom Element. Scandium downtube, mega shappedm etc, a real nice machine!

The new bike

Oversize everything!

Marks new totally custom dream race machine!

Wicklow 200, Co. Wicklow/Dublin – Sun 11 June 2007

2007-06-11T14:37:00.000+01:00

WOW, what a day. The weather was incredible, wall-to-wall sunshine, 1200 riders, 3000mtrs of climbing and 200kms of stunning scenery in the Wicklow and Dublin hills. Mark, Paddy and I rode as part of a larger group, and took it easy on the challenging route. Riders of all shapes and sizes attempt this challenge, and it always amazes that some of them make it at all, fairs dues!
Special mention to Brandan, Ian and Eric from our group, they rode very well to complete the challenge. This was by far the longest and toughest spin that Ian has ever done, and Brendan mentioned that this was the quickest he has completed the event. Eirc had a tougher time, but continued on to complete in ~ 12 hours, savage!
I completed the course on my Vertex MTB with 700c Mavic Speedcity wheels, kinda cool huh? Mark was on his brand new RM solo team, all new, full rear carbon end, very nice.Along the way I chatted to Joe Barr (former road pro), Martin Earley (former road pro, TDF stage winner), but the highlight of the day was the sprint finish with legend Sean Kelly, hes still got it ya know!

2 cycling legends, and Phil Cassidy!

Brendan drops Mark on one of the many steep climbs

Mark negotiates Sleive Mann

MTB spin, Co. Wicklow/Dublin – Sun 20 May 2007

2007-05-21T13:25:00.000+01:00

I decided to take a break from racing and miss the NPS # 4 race in Larne. Instead, I went on a 5 hour MTB spin in the Wicklow & Dublin hills. Dry trails and blue skies were the order of the day. Great riding, well done to all who attended, Craig, Philip R, Gar, Niall Q, James and teammate Mark. Good to get out on the bike again after all the racing. I was riding well, easily out of the river in Knockree In middle 1st, my goal is big 2nd by the time the worlds come around!!! There is a break from racing for a few weeks. I will do the Wicklow 200 touring event on June 10th (200km, I’ll do it on the Vertex), then NPS # 5 in Limerick the following weekend. Looking forward to it.

View to Lugagla.

NPS # 3, Carlingford, Co. Wicklow – Sun 13th May 2007

2007-05-15T14:21:00.000+01:00

Back to Calringford for NPS # 3, venue for the K Capital Cup # 3 race a few weeks ago. I love this place, mega singletracks and incredible views. The weather turned this week, so there was potential for a slidery course. I swapped my 1.9” WTB tires for 2.3” monsters, just in case.
And WOW, what a choice. The course was different to the KCC#3 race, but still included the main ST to the bottom of the course. The tyres were soooo good, low pressure and mega grip, only 1 dab in the WHOLE race.
I was on great form, started well, dropped all the other Masters straight away, and caught and passed all the Experts (+1 min) by 2/3 way around the 2st lap.
I also caught and passed up to the 2nd Elite, so I was happy with that too! Gordon L was 2nd again, and he takes the overall. Former Elite John Mason was 3rd, just piping the excellent Dave Gill. Dave suffered with an irregular heart beat in the race, and 2nd would have been easy for him if it was not for this, well, next race maybe.
I am 2nd overall in the league now, with a race in hand, so all looks good.

Nice, technical course

Gordon Lucas leads the Master men overall

Report
mtbireland
Images
imbrc

NPS # 2, Ballinastoe, Co. Wicklow – Sun 6th May 2007

2007-05-15T14:18:00.000+01:00

I took a break from racing last weekend and decided to miss the first round of the NPS. Best 5 out of 7 so I can drop a couple of rounds. I have also decided not to bump up to Elites. There will be very few Elites racing in the NPS this year, as they will all be away racing and trying to qualify for the Olympics. Instead, I have decided to stay in the very competitive Masters category, with the rest of the ol’ lads.
Round 2 is in nearby Ballinstoe woods, a venue I have been racing at since 1993! The course was very short, very dry, and very fast. Only 5 laps for the Masters, so it would be a short race.
I took it easy from the start, but got the holeshot into the first descent (‘RailBlazer’, built By Craig and I about 7 years ago, still amazing!). The rest of the Masters followed, but I had a good gap at the end of the descent, so I pushed hard to maintain the gap.
I increased the gap until the start of the 4th lap, I binned myself on a slow trail when I caught my pedal in a stump. I received large impact to my left knee, and I could barely turn the pedals on the main climb, middle X 1 vs big 4th for the other laps….ohhhh the pain!
I recovered and continued on the race, taking it a bit easier. I won comfortable, have a good dice with a couple of the experts. My main rival, Peter O’Farrell, snapped his rear mech hanger, so he was out. Well done to Gordon Lucas of Team WORC for taking an excellent 2nd place, Damo Mulcron took 3rd.

Flying through the BungHole, no damaged knee yet!

Report

mtbireland

Images
imbrc

Update from Canada

2007-05-10T15:16:00.000+01:00

Just a quick update from the mother ship in Canada. Kevin Calhoun (Team manager and Rocky Sales Guy) sent some pics from a recent race and a recent trip to Mt. Tam.
Looks like the guys over there suffer with the mud too!

Mud, glorious mud

The main man, Kevin overlooking the Pacific

Gerry Brannigan Memorial Randonee - Sun 29th April 2007

2007-05-10T15:06:00.001+01:00

Organized by Orwell wheels, myself, Mark, Phil Roche and Marks buddy Ian took part in the 120km randonee though the hills of Wicklow. Very nice day, excellent weather, and 120km in the hills was a nice days training.
I rode the course on my Vertex with Mavic Speedcity wheels, 700c with discs, very cool

K Capital Cup Round 4, Castlewellan, Co. Down - 22th April 2007

2007-04-25T08:32:00.000+01:00

WOW, what a race. The course was as good as it gets, tonnes of single track, steep climbs, fast, dusty, the way it is supposed to be.
I entered the final round of the K Capital Cup series with the leaders jersey, and I only need to finish ahead of Damian Mulcroon to take the overall lead. This course was bound to suit me, and I went off hard from the start to enter the singletrack in first place.
I held on to the lead for the rest of the race, and Damien did get close in the early laps, but dropped back at the half way point, only to retire due to tyre problems.
I, however, was in my element! The bike was incredible, all 100% right. This allowed me to really push on the descents, increasing my lead out to 4 minutes to second place by the end of the race.
A great day, a great result, and the overall too. Very happy with that.
Next is the NPS, I am going to skip the first round, but I’ll make the rest. I hope to make the jump to the elite class (again), a lot harder, but it will bring on my form rapidly!
A word of thanks to all the organizers of the K Capital Cup, Robin, Dave, Geoff, Andy, Robbie, etc…..a great series that you should be very proud of.

Mega dust

Nice overall trophy

Report
cyclingnews
Images
cyclingnews
Andy Potts

Man V Bike - 3 rock, Dublin - 11 April 2007

2007-04-12T10:27:00.000+01:00

This is the second year the Man V Bike challenge was held, and another good turnout guaranteed some excellent racing. The race format sets riders and hill runners off together on a very technical course, starting at the foot of the mountain, finishing at the top, with a couple of descents thrown in.

The start was only a short cycle from my home, a good warm up! I singed on, chatted to a few biking buddies, and prepared for the start.
I got a great start, 3rd place starting the 1st climb. Soon I was passed by the first runner, he flew by on the steep, rough descent. I traded places with the top 3 runners throughout the race, until the last descent to the finish, when I passed them all to take 3rd overall.
Niall Davis and Peter Buggle filled the top 2 spots. Well done to all, and the event raised some good monies for charity.

Not far from the finish, I pass the leading runner

Images
event images
Report
manvbike

New Race bike – Vertex 70

2007-04-10T13:32:00.000+01:00

The remaining parts from our sponsors arrived this week, so the bike is now 100% complete.
The new Mavic SLR wheels are a stunning piece of jewelry, and very light too! The new WTB UST tyres are mounted to these, good supporting side knobs and a fast centre ridge that should also supply good grip for climbing/braking.
The new WTB saddle is v comfortable and light, my first departure from a flite in 10 years!!!!
The Race Face seatpost, bars and stem are also very good. The seatpost is by far the best I have ever used, very easy to adjust., and the stem has corrected the position issue I had, the extra 10mm makes all the difference.
I am looking forward to racing it in the final round of the Kcapitalcup at the end of april. Meanwhile, I will test the bike out of the fast drying Dublin and Wickow trails……

The new machine.......

K Capital Cup Round 3, Carlingford, Co. Louth – 1st Aprli 2007

2007-04-04T10:01:00.000+01:00

Not such a good race this time around. The VERY technical course should have suited me very well, but being less fit and a good bit heavier resulted in me getting bashed around, rather than being light and fast on the bike!
I got a great start, getting the holeshot into the first singletrack. Unfortunately for Damien Mulcrone, he snapped his chain at the end of lap one, putting him out of contention. Towards the end of lap two, I had about 50 seconds on second place, until a gust of wind blew a load of tape into both wheels….I had to stop and pull it all out! Second place Peter O caught sight of me here, and he slowly reeled me in to eventually pass me on the penultimate lap. I could not respond, my kidneys aching from the pounding!
Not a total disaster as I still have the leaders jersey. The last round at the end of April will be a classic, the Casltewellen course is excellent, and it really suits me.
My Team mate, Paddy Daly, took 11th in the Elite race, he suffered a bit, but got the result.
Niall Davis again took the Elite race from Robin Seymour, with young Conor McConvey again taking third.

You can see the tape in my front and rear wheels

Nice View

Report
cyclingnews
kcapitalcup
Images
cycleseen
andy potts

K Capital Cup Round 2, Rostrevor, Co. Down - 25th March 2007

2007-03-29T12:03:00.000+01:00

I had a good race in the KCC # 2 at the weekend. Great course (a little short @ 4km, 18min/lap for me), savage 1km straight up fireroad climb, followed by incredible single track, another short fireroad climb, lots more singletrack to the finish. Master and experts started together, I got a great start, I lead through on the 1st lap, and was passed on lap 2 by Peter O. I was about 20 seconds back starting the last lap, put in a hugh effort on the descent, attacked on the kicker fireroad, took the lead and the win. I now lead the overall series, and I will be sporting the KCC leaders jersey for the next round!
Niall Davis of IMBRC took the win in the Elites, Robin Seymour came in 4th after a broken chain left him playing catch-up.

I like this image, courtesy of Craig Brady photography. I am in the middle ring here, so its mid race, I big ringed it on the last 2 laps!

Report
cyclingnews
xcracer.com
Images
cyclingnews
mtbleague

K Capital Cup Round 1, Kilruddery, Co. Wicklow - 11th March 2007

2007-03-29T12:02:00.002+01:00

The first race of the season! Very early in the year, the K Capital Cup is a four race series early season series that concludes at the end of April. I will be racing in the masters class for this series as I have very little training done.
I only got in from Gran Canaria at midnight on Saturday last night, and I was a bit tired. I also only took delivery of my new race bike, a 2007 Rocky Mountain Vertex. I had to build it up on the morning of the race too.
Kilruddery is a classic site for a XC MTB race, and as Robin Seymour designed the course, it was not one bit boring.
The course was long, 8km, and conditions proved very slippery, not helped by my stock slick tyres. I got a poor start, and I was all over the place, strugging for grip. Disaster struck on the first lap, a puncture (waiting for UST wheels/tyres to be delivered). I fixed it in ~ 3mins, used the new 'inovative products' inflator (team sponsor), great little thing. Anyway, I was now at the back of the field, and it takes me the whole race to move up through and eventually I finish 3rd, not bad all things considering. Very annoyed with my tyre choice, but we'll have that sorted for the next race.
Robin Seymour takes the win in the elites from UK rider Aidrain Lansley, very exciting stuff. Roll on round # 2. My Teammate Paddy Daly put in a solid ride to take 11th in the Elites.

Big angry head on me here, fighting back after the puncture.

Reports
cyclingnews
Images
kcapitalcup

Training Trip to Gran Canaria - 3rd March 2007

2007-03-29T12:02:00.001+01:00

Ahhh, the annual pilgrimage to our winter getaway, Gran Canaria, a volcanic island off the coast of Morocco. Leaving Irelands 4 degrees with horizontal rain to be greeted with 27 degrees and wall to wall sunshine, all I need to get motivated for the season ahead.
I rode every day, Saturday to Saturday, most days Niall Quinlan and I drove high into the hills and set out on our 4 hours spin, lots of new incredible singletrack, including Sand people, Altavista, Dos Lolitas, Pico del las Nieves, and, of course, Lord of the rings!
Back to the beech at Puerto Mogan to relax with or wives, it does not get much better than this!
We got back late on Saturday 10th, and I had to collect my new bike from Paddy for the race the next day, very exciting week really!

The islands landmark 'Rogue Nubleo' at 1800m elevation

Niall on Altravista, oh what a track!!!!!

Images
picasaweb

Santa Cruz Stata Cyclo Cross championships 2007, Watsonville, California - 14th Janurary

2007-03-29T12:01:00.002+01:00

While I was over in California with work, I took in the 2007 Santa Cruz Stata Cyclo Cross championships. I borrowed a bike and set off with the 'A' riders. I was very jetlagged, and struggled around on the very fast, dry course (except for one shlopmy bit). Got 3rd in my race, but the numbers were very low and the competition not that good. I'm sure I would have won it without the jetlag! Anyway, good race, and thanks to the SC lads for the hospitality.

Report
http://ncncacxpr.blogspot.com/2007/01/santa-cruz-county-cyclocross.html

World CycloCross Championships 2007, Hooglede-Gits, Belguim - 27th -> 29th Janurary 2007

2007-03-29T12:01:00.001+01:00

I was spectating at this race, not riding! 7 of us set out to spectate, we stayed in the beautiful Brugge, a short train trip to the race venue. We decided to watch the U23 race n the Saturday from the comfort of an Irish pub, with a large screen and some excellent Belgian beer. The next day we rose with our hangovers, onto the train with the 30,000 other spectators and headed for the venue. We existed the train onto the purpose built platform (no kidding), and squeezed our way into the course.
Amazing setup, huge beer tents full of people. We got our spot on the course 3 hours before the race, right on the tape. The main race, Elite Men, was v fast, and the Belgians were going nuts when their man won. Great to see the American in second spot.
Back to Brugge for some more excellent beers, and then flew home the next day, to recover!

Big crowds at the slippy climb

Report
http://www.cyclingnews.com/cross/2007/jan07/CXworlds07/
Images
http://picasaweb.google.com/joemccall/Cross_worlds_2007

Cyclocross National Champs 2006, Banbridge - Janurary 7th 2007

2007-03-29T12:00:00.000+01:00

Felt good for this race. Got the new team gear the day before, and it seen its first race here. The cross champs are always competitive, and the technical course suited me. Got a great start, and was in the top 5 right frm the start. The top guys just rode away, and by mid race I was a very comfortable 4th. Then, a puncture halted my progress mid race, I limped back to the pits, got a new wheel and set out again. I was now back in 8th place, but a stong last couple of lasp got me back up to 5th, not too bad considering. A gold in the team prize topped off a great day.
Robin Seymour won from a flying Roger Aiken, with Lewis Ferguson in third.

Pudner!

Report
http://mtbireland.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=110&Itemid=2
Images
http://www.cycleseen.com/IrishCC060107/pages/IrishCC%20Champs%20060107%2013.html
http://picasaweb.google.com/davidgill/CrossChamps2007/photo#5017413635206562210

EXTX christening, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow - 17th December 2006

2007-03-29T11:08:00.000+01:00

First day out on the new training bike, a 2007 Rocky Mountain EXTX 50. We set out from Paul Coynes house with Team WORC and rode all the way to the top Mulacor, via some excellent trails overlooking Glendalough. Next we went down then top of the Spinx and onto the miners trail, our first time to ride it! This Amazing trail leads down to the back of the upper lake in Glendalough, and the bike handled the rough sections towards the end very well.

The new X bike

Robin on the miners trail

Images
http://picasaweb.google.com/joemccall/RM2007Xbike
http://picasaweb.google.com/joemccall/TeamWORCMTBSpinDec2006GlendaloughIreland