Bike
Bike
The ‘must do’ Irish cycling events
Whatever your two-wheel preference, here are the bike happenings that you need to be at.
Mountain biking has never been more popular in Ireland and 2018 looks set to be its biggest year yet. With trails opening up all the time and some of Ireland’s fastest riders right at the sharp end of international racing, there’s never been a better time to get out on your bike and take part. At the same time, however, cycling in general has never enjoyed such popularity and events across all disciplines are gaining traction.
That said, we thought we’d make it easy for you by identifying the events and races that you need to visit or, better yet, take part in for yourself in 2018.
Davagh Youth Enduro, Davagh, 24th June
Returning for its second year, the Davagh Youth Enduro is an enduro race for those aged between 8 and 14 with differing stage lengths and liaisons depending on age. The event is designed to give boys and girls there first taste of enduro racing in a safe environment and takes place the day after a senior event. Only the centre blue-graded trails are used to ensure that competition is fast but fair.
Check out their website here.
Irish National DH Championships, TBC, 21/22 July
The one they all want to win. Ireland has a thriving DH scene which has fostered young talents such as Jacob Dickson in the past and winning a national title is one of the most desirable accolades in the sport. The venue is yet to be confirmed but expect the fastest, fiercest race of the year in all age groups and categories. There’s no atmosphere like the one found at the national champs, which makes it an ideal event for spectators or those who can only make it to one race this year.
Check out their website here.
Red Bull Foxhunt, Rostrevor, October
Back once again for another year, one of the rowdiest races in international mountain biking will take place on the trails of Rostrevor, County Down. Hundreds of riders are released at once and their job is (fairly) straight forward - navigate themselves to the finish line ahead of the fox. Who is the fox? Well, last year it was a pair of double UCI World Champions in the form of Loïc Bruni and Gee Atherton. Omagh rider Kelan Grant duly went and beat them home to rapturous applause, will anyone be able to do it in 2018?!
Foxhunt
© Morgan Treacy
More info on redbull.ie/foxhunt
Vitus Gravity Enduro Rd. 4, Carrick Mountain, 8/9th September
The Irish round of the Enduro World Series may be absent from the calendar this year but that doesn’t mean that the iconic hills of Carrick Mountain will be devoid of race action. Set to host the final round of the Vitus Gravity Enduro series, the compact hillside offers some of the finest stages in Ireland and the opportunity to go up against the clock in the wheel tracks of Greg Callaghan and Richie Rude.
Check out their website here.
The Rás 2018, TBC
The biggest multi-day road race in Irish cycling has been taking place annually since 1953 and sees professional competitors cover around 1200km across eight gruelling days in the saddle. The 2017 instalment left Dublin on a northerly route to loop up to and around Donegal before returning back towards the capital again and was won by James Cullen. After the departure of their long-time title sponsor, however, organisers are still searching for a replacement and details of the 2018 event remain thin on the ground. You can bet though that whatever happens, the Rás will uphold it’s position as the one that they all want to win.
Check out their website here.
