Scenes from the Chain Reaction Cycles Emerald Enduro last weekend in Glenealy, Co Wicklow.
The Enduro World Series is an eight race World Series for Mountain Bikes that started in New Zealand in March finishes in October in Italy.
Ben Marchant writes:
Enduro is the fastest growing discipline in mountain biking as it reflects what the vast majority of riders do. Think Rally car racing on a mountain bike. 4-7 hours on the bike with timed downhill stages. Riders have to complete the course within a time limit and the fastest finisher on the timed special stages is the winner.
Dubliner Greg Callaghan’s winning time was 27 minutes and 43 seconds but he was out on the trail for 6 hours.
It was an incredible day with thousands of spectators who lined the stages and literally carried him home. A monumental day for Irish mountain biking.
It wasn’t all about him though as Ireland claimed 4 podiums on the day including Leah Maunsell who won the Under 21 female category at the tender age of 16, with a time that would have had her 14th in the elite women. A serious talent for the future.
From top: Race map; Anne-Caroline Chausson on stage seven; ; Greg Callaghan on stage two; coming into finish; savouring his victory; the Under 21 podium with Leah Mansell in gold position.
Pics: Matt Wragg/EWS
My brother took part too. He’s was so excited and met his goals in terms of how he did.
He said all the worlds top riders where at it. A great showcase for the country in this sport.
Mountain biking is such a great sport. Do yourself a favour. Congrats to Leah. I believe she frequents the Ballyhoura mountains – some great single track there.
Ireland’s Jenny Blair (nee Fay), is now an Irish and the current Australian Marathon MTB champion:
http://www.mtba.asn.au/news/2369-gold-for-blair-and-johnston-at-the-mountain-bike-marathon-championships-in-blue-derby
“irish-born Blair spoke highly of the Blue Derby trails and said she was happy to now have jerseys from both Australia and Ireland. “
Fair play, in fairness.
Its a real pity that 2 days after the phenomenal victory by Greg over the elite of international enduro riders that Ballyhoura has announced the removal of several trails in the south west – https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=767216036729690&id=338308276287137&hc_location=ufi
Yay for all of them!
Anyone recommend a club?
7 iron
Try here:
http://www.cyclingireland.ie/page/membership/clubs/club-locator
– You might be best look for an MTB only (no road cycling) club, if you are only interested in MTB.