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