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Last Updated: 4 Jun 2023 - 9:58:41 PM |
Cross-country National Series Round Three Preview
By Gavin Quinn, Communications Officer, Cycling ireland
1 Jun 2023,
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| Image credit: Atomcreates |
The Cross-country National Series continues this weekend as riders head to Killarney, Co. Kerry, for round three on Sunday, June 4th.
Great conditions are expected once again after what’s been a hugely exciting opening two rounds in Dublin and Cork.
And the competition heats up in the Kingdom as some of Ireland’s best mountain bike riders take on yet another tough course.
A woodland course consisting mainly of fast flowy single track (mix of gravel and woodland trails), there’s plenty of short but punchy climbs to contend with.
Some technical drops have been added to the course that can be rolled or jumped, with B lines available. Course laps are just over 4km long with 111m of total ascent.
Round Two Recap
The second round of the 2023 Cross-country National Series took place on Sunday, May 21st, as spectators and riders enjoyed another great day of racing.
After a busy opening round at the Leadmines, the second round brought some of Ireland’s best mountain bike riders to Fermoy, Co. Cork, over the weekend.
Robin Seymour and Gareth McKee provided some of the best racing of the day as they did battle at the front of the senior 1 men’s race, swapping leadership throughout.
But veteran Seymour proved just too strong on the final climb as he pulled away to take victory and follow up his first round win.
Joanna Bula was the strongest in the senior 1 women’s race, improving on her third place finish in the first round, while Tara Brennan won the senior 2 women’s race in a strong ride.
Course Location & Sign On
Course – Killarney International Youth Hostel, Aghadoe House, Ring of Kerry Rd, Fossa, Killarney, Co. Kerry.
Sign on - Sign on will take place at the race village at the turning circle area on the first fire road on reaching the upper car park area. Signage will be in place to direct riders to the race village and sign on area.
Sign on opens at 9 am and riders must collect their numbers at least 15 minutes before their race.
Race Timetable
09:00 – Sign on opens
10:00 – Under 6s fun race
10:15 – Under 8s
10:30 – Under 10s
10:50 – Under 12s
11:15 – Prize giving for U8s, U10s and U12s
12:00 – Under 16s, Senior 4 men, Senior 2 women, Senior 3 women, Under 14s
13:30 – Prize giving for U14s, U16s, S2 women, S3 women and S4 men
14:00 – Senior 1 men, Juniors, Senior 1 women, Senior 2 men, Senior 3 men
15:45 – Prize giving for S1, S2 and S3 men, Juniors and S1 women
Practice Times
Saturday, May 20th – 2-5pm
Sunday, May 21st – 9am to 11.45am & 1.15pm to 1.45pm.
Entries: Entries are open until Friday, June 2nd, at 8 pm
Quotes Corner
Killarney Cycling Club said:
"Killarney Cycling Club are delighted to once again host a round of the Irish Cross Country Mountain Bike National Points Series in Fossa for the second year running. After the success of last year's race on a new track through the grounds of An Oige Killarney Youth Hostel and the Fossa Way, the decision to run a race there again was an obvious one."
"Killarney CC is a multidisciplinary club, and we are always keen to embrace and support all areas. Hosting an XC race helps to support and grow local talent and provides a great opportunity for our youth members to race in a safe environment."
"The course comprises a circuit just under 4km in length with a fast start in the field before heading into the woods for flowy singletrack and some technical features, testing both speed and control on the bike. Short, punchy climbs and regular turns require full focus and fitness but make sure to save a little for the sprint finish, if you find yourself exiting the woods with company."
"There is no camping permitted on site but there are a number of camping grounds in the Killarney area along with numerous hotels. Car parking is available close to the start line and there will also be toilet facilities available. We would like to thank An Oige and the Cycling Ireland Off Road commission for this opportunity as well as all those who have helped with the preparation of the track and organising the event."
"We look forward to welcoming competitors from all over the country to Fossa and hopefully everyone enjoys our event and a good Bank Holiday weekend in Killarney."
More information on the 2023 Cross-country National Series is available link here.
[ External Website / link click here ]
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