026-030 DH Nationals V04.qxp
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ULTIMATE R O I R R A W WEEKEND Two days, 245 contestants, 10 champions… welcome to the Irish Down Hill National Championships...
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ou couldn’t have asked for rivalry as to who could set up the biggest better conditions - the sun gazebo - first place has to go to OC tuning was shining, the track had who seemed to take exception to the saying been prepped to deliver a that ‘size doesn’t matter’ and sprawled out world class ride and across half the field. organisers Chain Reaction An impressive 245 racers signed up across Cycles had ensured that the essentials all categories and Saturday was devoted to (energy drinks, chips and a spare parts time runs for positions. Times were good shop) were covered. Roll on the action. and the track seemed to demand an Sitting at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, adrenaline pumping combination of technical the chosen downhill trail in Kilbroney Forest skill and pure speed which pushed all the is notorious for causing spills, punctures and riders to their limits. grazes. The demands of the ride and the Come sunset an upbeat, albeit anxious good weather attracted lots of riders to the mood prevailed through the camp, pit field on Friday 13 where practice runs and culminating in a few “sing-songs” around the a spot of sunbathing were the order of the BBQ in the evening. Who ever said day, especially for those riders who had just sportsmen don’t know how to enjoy returned from the Europeans and needed to themselves? recharge their batteries. Come Saturday the site really took shape as camper vans, tents and mechanic service Now that’s what I call a view from a caravan window stations were set up. All the big team players were in attendance and there seemed to be some The second most important times of the weekend
Adam Tarbett makes a few last minute adjustments
What’s that coming over the hill...?
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The CRC staff were kept busy all weekend
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