Smugglers Cycling Club hosts Ulster Hill Climb Championships on Slieve Rushen
The Smugglers Cycling Club organised the Ulster Hill Climb Championships on Sunday at Mannok's cement plant in Derrylin, County Fermanagh. The event, sanctioned by Cycling Ulster, used Mannok's private road on Slieve Rushen for a 3.2 kilometre hill climb.
Competitors from across the province took part in male and female categories, including senior and junior events. Medals were awarded in each class.
Event director Gary O'Donnell was credited by the club as the driving force behind bringing the championships to Slieve Rushen. The club said a large amount of work went into preparations.
The club thanked Mannok for allowing use of the site, stating that access to Slieve Rushen was central to making the day possible. It also thanked Teemore GAA for providing grounds for registration and other arrangements.
Smugglers Cycling Club member Imelda Rose Gartland competed for the local club. The club praised her for tackling the climb in challenging conditions against leading cyclists.
Volunteers assisted with preparations, registration, and stewarding. The club said every contribution made a difference and the event could not have been run without them.
The championships were described as a big day for Slieve Rushen and for the club.