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Last Updated: 6 Apr 2018 - 12:06:24 PM |
EUROPEAN MARATHON MOUNTAIN BIKE CHAMPIONSHIPS - APRIL NEWSLETTER
By www.euromarathonchamps.com
26 Apr 2014,
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Spring is well and truly under way with the thermometer close to twenty degrees Celsius and the trails beginning to get dry, dusty and fast. Training at this time of year is a sheer joy with sun rise getting earlier every week and warming our backs and raising spirits.
Racing is underway as our Irish domestic cross country league started last weekend and the Irish Enduro and Downhill leagues are heading towards the second rounds.
REGISTRATION
The deadline for the early bird entry fee passed yesterday with a flurry of activity. Almost 200 competitors from 11 European countries have entered so far. For those who missed out on the discount, entry remains open until the 12th of June at 1pm. Daithi de Forge, Recreation Manager for Coillte looks forward to the event, “We’re delighted to have the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails hosting the European Marathon Championships in June, it’s a world class facility which is open to the public all year round.”
The event is open to everyone to enter, however you do need a licence to part-take. Licences will be available to purchase at a cost of €20 at registration. Please note that riders wishing to compete in the official European Championships events on Sunday must have “Elite” listed on their national federation cycling licence. REGISTER ONLINE HERE
http://www.euromarathonchamps.com/index.php/en/competitors/registration
For the full low down on racing, entry, accomodation, entertainment and the course visit www.euromarathonchamps.com
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Schedule
The weekend kicks off with the open races on Saturday featuring Expert, Masters, Vets, Classic Vets categories and a fun race. These races are open to the public and we encourage everyone take part! The battle to be crowned the 2014 European Marathon Champion for the Elite men and women will play out on Sunday.
Friday 13th June
Registration: 10.00 to 16.00
Open Practice: 10.00 to 16.00
Technical Meeting: 18.00 (For Sunday riders and Team Managers only)
Saturday 14th June
Opening Time: 08.00
Registration: 09.00 to 16.00
Expert Men (Age 19 - 29): 11.00
Masters (Age 30 - 39): 11.00
Vets (Age 40 - 49): 11.10
Classic Vets (Age 50 plus): 11.10
Expert Women (Age 19 plus): 11.10
Junior Men & Women (Age 16 - 18): 11.10
Fun Race Men & Women: 11.10
Sunday 15th June
Opening Time: 08.00
Elite Men: 11.00
Elite Women: 11.45
Spectacular Trials Bike Display: 12.30
Awards presentation: 16.00
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PRO FORM
As racing has gotten under way some of the favourites for the European marathon champs have been showing their early season form with top results at the Absa Cape Epic, the Sea Otter Classic and the first round of the UCI World Cup in South Africa.
This is always a funny time of year as riders scope each other out and see who is is good form. Several riders have surprised with strong performances, many of whom will line up in Ballyhoura. With spots begining to fill up it is already looking like a promising lineup with the likes of Christophe Sauser, the Bulls squad, Sally Bigham, all due to line up in June. So plan your route early and make sure you don’t miss this weekend!
IT’S NOT ALL FOR THE RIDERS
The spectator friendly course has been designed in a clover leaf shape that should allow you to see the racers several times in the race. The number one spectator position has got to be Seefin Mountain.
The first rider to the top is in for a cash prize so we expect racing to be fast and furious right from the start! Off the course and back in the race village we have music, exhibitors and local artisan food producers show casing their delicacies.
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14-15 JUNE 2014 BALLYHOURA CO. LIMERICK
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