Ava crowned queen of the Castle

Cyclocross Venue has huge potential

Ava Baker emerged as the standout star of a historic National Cyclocross Championships at Castle Saunderson, claiming the U16 girls’ title and setting the tone for a hugely successful weekend.

Racing on familiar terrain but in brutally difficult conditions, the Butlersbridge rider delivered a powerful performance to take gold by more than a minute. In front of a vast local crowd, Baker produced one of the most popular victories of the Castle CX championships, further confirming her status as one of Ireland’s brightest young cyclocross talents.

“I didn’t think I was going to win at all, so it was a surprise,” Baker admitted afterwards. “But racing at home, with everyone cheering, really pushed me on.”

Despite stepping up an age group, Baker thrived under pressure, adapting astutely to a course that changed dramatically overnight. Freezing conditions turned key sections into an “ice rink”, forcing riders to rethink their approach lap by lap.

“The lines I practised weren’t the ones I raced,” she told the Celt. “The conditions changed so much. You were sliding everywhere. But it’s the most amazing feeling- knowing how many people were there watching and supporting the riders.”

Her victory caps off a remarkable year for the Breffni Wheelers’ rider and gave the championships, organised by her home club, a local hero to rally around.

Watching proudly from the sidelines was her dad and Castle CX co-organiser Enda Baker, who said his daughter's win is reward for her years of quiet dedication.

“Ava puts so much into this- there are good days, but you never see the bad days- and she always does it with a smile,” he said. “You have to take these wins when they come. But to do it at home, in front of this crowd, that is really special.”

Demanding conditions

Sunday delivered the headline racing, with elite and championship categories battling through rain-soaked, deeply rutted conditions on a course chewed up on day one. So much so that both riders and bikes needed hosing down afterwards.

In the senior men’s race, Dean Harvey (McConvey Cycles) underlined his dominance by securing a fourth consecutive national title, repeatedly responding to attacks from Chris Dawson (Dawson Racing) before sealing victory by 23 seconds. Former champion Darnell Moore (Caldwell Powerhouse Racing) completed the podium.

The senior–junior women’s race saw Freya Whiteside (Simpson Nouvelles) dictate proceedings from the opening laps. Greta Lawless impressed on her senior debut to claim silver, while Esther Wong secured bronze.

In the junior men’s race, Fionn Killeen (Kilcullen CC Murphy Geospatial) went hard from the gun, winning by more than a minute from Ryan Daly (Scott Racing IRL). Conor Regan made it a double Kilcullen CC podium in third. Killeen’s younger sister Aoife had already claimed U14 bronze on Saturday.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Glenn Kinning secured his fourth consecutive Masters 40 national title, while Jean Wilson successfully defended her Masters women’s crown.

Talent on show

Saturday’s racing focused firmly on the future, with packed fields across youth and masters in crisp but punishing conditions.

Alongside Baker’s U16 triumph, James Cunningham (Team WORC) claimed the U16 boys’ title ahead of Eoin Davis (Bohermeen CC).

In the U14 races, Daragh Quigley (Foyle CC) and Lilly McDermott (TC Racing) claimed the national jerseys. Billy Lord (Breffni Wheelers) finished inside the top 10 in the U14 boys’ race, with clubmate Nathan Baker also lining up on home soil.

Masters racing brought further local interest, with Declan McEntee finishing second and strong performances from Enda Baker, Peter Gallagher and Barry Cassidy among others.

Untapped potential

Beyond the results, the championships represent a significant statement of intent for Castle Saunderson as a potential national-level off-road venue. Cycling Ireland president Ciaran Cannon and chair of the Off-Road Commission Sean O’Sullivan were both in attendance, with early discussions already said to be under way.

“Seeing is believing,” say Enda Baker, who sees huge potential for the site, especially following recent felling and the damage done by Storm Éowyn. “You can talk about it all day, but until people see scenes like this, they don’t fully understand what’s possible here. Everyone went home safe, the ground will recover, and the feedback has been incredible.”

Enda hopes the success of Castle CX will drive long-term investment in off-road cycling infrastructure in the region.

“This might not be the starting point,” he said, “but it could be the final lap in convincing people that Castle Saunderson can become something much bigger. The potential is absolutely there.”