Round # 4 of the Irish Downhill NPS returned to the same venue as Round 1, Scarragh woods, Cahir, Co. Tipperary.

Again for the third time in four races, 021racing were the organisers at this popular venue.

Riders were treated to a new course designed by Greg O’ Keeffe and they weren’t dissapointed.  At over two minutes long, it was fast and technical with very little pedalling.  The course started at the top of the mountain above the tree line with some amazing views across the Galtee mountains.

A big field of over 160 racers signed on, wanting to experience what the new track had to offer.  The weather couldn’t have been better and riders enjoyed a great deal of sun and dusty conditions, which isn’t your typical Irish weather.

Irish races are looking more professional as each race passes, with more campers, motorhomes and technical support than ever before.  Red Bull were on hand to make sure all the riders had plenty of energy.

So on to race day and with the sun shining, good tunes and Dave Barrett on doing the commentary, everything was set for a great days racing.

Starting as ever with the young guns, the U14s.  Series Leader Cameron Cornforth from 021racing suffered a nasty fall on his 1st run and this left his younger brother Luke into the hot seat.  Cam got patched up and just pipped his brother by .2 of a second to take the win.  Angus Fyfee took 3rd.

The U16s saw another upset.  Favourite for the series Dan Sheridan crashed and this let 021racings Stephan graef take a well deserved victory.

The junior category was dominated by 2stage bikes Greg Callaghan, who beat his Irish team mate Davey Graham by nearly 5 seconds, finishing with a great time of 2.12.

Sean Herlihy from Epic got onto his first podium of the season with a fine 3rd place, European Master Silver medalist Micheal Cowan finished in 2nd and Chain Reactions Dale McMullan took a fine win.

Carl Young took the win in the Vets category with a fine time of 2.31.

Flow Racings Tom Sheridan was the only Super Vet to go under the 3 minute mark, taking the win with a time of 2.57.

The Ladies was won by the new European Masters Champion Maeve Baxter, Epics Natalie Jedda was 2nd and Chain Reactions Michelle McMullan in 3rd.

Seniors was won by Epics Sketchy Ed Smith.

The Elite race was probably the closest in recent history with the top 3 riders only separated by .4 of a second, with all three riders finishing with a time of 2.09!  KTMs Colin Ross finished in third, followed by Jamie McCullogh in 2nd and 2stage Bikes Gareth McKee took his first win of the season.

So a great weekends racing was enjoyed by all and next stop for the Irish Series is Kilgarvan, Co. Kerry, see you all there.

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021racing is proud to bring you round four of the 2009 Irish Downhill National Points Series, to be held just outside Cahir, Co. Tipperary.

The race will take place on a new track which is rough, technical and seriously fast. Starting on top of the hill with great views of the surrounding countryside the track travels down the hill through a series of bends and embedded rocks then over a bridge into the woods where you will have to carry your speed over tough rollers and through a series of bends before you get to a sweeping corner with a nice rock garden on the exit this leads to a jump into an open area which the track slaloms through before crossing over the wall and then its across the first fireroad down towards the gorse section, a flat-out, rough section with some tricky corners leading into some nice berms and a small roadgap to throw you into the bottom section of the course which winds down to the finish through tight trees with a few jumps and drops, you will finish off your run over a lovely tabletop jump into the finish area.

Event

As usual with an 021 event we will have catering, live timing and uplifts.

Timing will be provided by NACC.

Redbull will also be on board for the event bringing their arch, wigwam, the lovely ladies and of course free redbull…

There will be toilet facilities available

Uplifts

Uplifts will be running on both the Saturday and Sunday. No race number = no uplift.  Riding the course without a number over the course of the event will jeopardise the event since you are not covered under the events insurance or medical support.

Venue Considerations

021racing would like to remind all riders and spectators that the race is on Coillte land. Downhill racing relies heavily on the kind support of Coillte for race venues and it is important that the positive relationship that has been built up by 021racing is not jeopardised by leaving litter in the forest or causing tension with locals through inconsiderate behaviour. You are also reminded that mini bikes and the like are not permitted under any circumstances.

Parking

Parking is at a premium so please park your vehicles sensibly and allow local traffic easy access so that the event doesn’t unnecessarily attract the attention of the Gardai or cause issues for Coillte or local residents.
The larger car park area at the bottom of the track is restricted to campers and larger vans – please co-operate with the race organisers on this matter so larger vehicles are not parked on the road causing blockages. Please park your car along the side of the forest road just after the camper/van carpark.

Directions

Link to location -       Click to see

From Tipperary Town
As you approach Cahir, just before the new motorway flyover (overhead) take the right hand turn. Drive up the hill and past the houses and make a left turn at the next junction. Continue on past a number of other houses and go straight through the staggered crossroads and on to the parking area..

From Dublin –         Click to see

From Cork     –          Click to see

There will be signs put up on all routes leading to the event.

Entry Fees and Categories
Entry fees
Elites/Seniors/Masters/ Vets/Super Vets/Sports/Ladies - €50
Juniors/U16/U14 - €30

Guidance on age categories –
Elite/Senior/Sports (aged 18+) Masters (30+ in current year) Vets (40+) Super Vets (50+)

Race licence (day) €15 or £15 (price set by Cycling Ireland)
If you intend to race regularly consider an annual licence – it can work out cheaper, particularly for younger riders. The licence fees are available on the Cycling Ireland website.

Schedule

Saturday

Sign on 9.30 - 15.00

Practice 10.00 - 16.00

Sunday

Sign on 9.00-10.00

Practice 9.30-11.30

Race 12.00 approx onwards

Podiums 16.00

Accommodation -
You can use this website - Click to see

Round 3 of the Irish Downhill NPS took place in very popular venue that is Rostrevor in Northern Ireland, the event was oraganised by the CRC crew.

The course was the same as the one used for the 2007 National Championships, when the Athertons turned up.  Onlly difference was how much rockier it was!  It’s a great track that broke a lot of bikes and bodies!  021racings Damien Daly was a victim from practice.

15 021 riders made the trip up North, everyone happy to be riding there bikes instead of organising!

Saturday was a wet and wild day, with plenty of spills and mechanicals, mainly rear mechs and punctures were the order of the day.  James from OC Tuning was kept very busy.

The  Sun came out on race day, this was 3rd sunny NPS in a row, hopefully it will continue for Cahir next month!

The U14s was once again dominated by 021racings Cameron Cornforth, winning by a massive 18 seconds!  His brother Luke had one of the rides of the day, taking 3rd spot on his single speed hardtail!

The U16s was won by Kyle Rimmer in the absence of Dan Sheridan.

Ladies was won by Revolutions Maeve Baxter.

Super Vets was won by Flow racings Tom Sheridan.

The Vets category was won by CRCs Stevie Davidson with a great time of 2.42, 021racings Antony Cornforth slid into 11th spot.

Sports was won by Rob Lane, with the sandbagger Gareth O Reilly in 2nd!

The Seniors was won by PS Cycles Will Jones who made the trip from Wales, Epics Adam Tynan took 2nd just ahead of Colin O Leary from Athlone.  021racings new man Bobby St Ledger took a creditable 9th place, Kev Ryan suffered with mechanicals all weekend took 26th, followed by Bigman in 27th spot.

Masters was once again dominated by CRCs Mick Cowan,  021racings Johnny T, another man plagued by mechanicals finished well in in 9th place,  Ian Kennedy kept it between the tape to finish 16th.

Juniors was won by the ever improving Davy Graham from Bike Tart, its good to see Davy in form ahead of next months European Championships.

The fastest man of the weekend was KTMs Colin Ross, who set a blistering time of 2.19, Jamie Turkey Mc Cullogh finished in 2nd with a great run time of 2.20, 2stage bikes Gareth McKee rounded off the podium in 3rd.  021racing didn’t fair to well, Darren Quille was best of the 021 lads in 12th place, Tom power had a few big crashes, 14th, Dave Egan continued with the crashing theme in 18th, 19th spot was filled by Rory O’ Keeffe and Rob Davis punctured on both runs to finish 21st.

So lots of room for improvement needed for NPS 4 in Cahir.

Despite the results everyone enjoyed a great weekends racing.

Round 2 of the Irish National Downhill Points Series, took place at Irelands most southern venue, Clashnacrona Woods, Dunmanway in Co. Cork. The race was organised by 021racing.

After much speculation on what course was going to be used, the organisers opted for the older NPS track with a few nice new additions, to keep everyone on their toes.

With this being the start of summer and a long weekend, riders travelled from all over the country and from Wales to take part in what promised to be a great event, it was great to see the lads making the trip across the Irish Sea!

The weather did its best to make sure no one got to dirty and for the second race in a row stayed sunny and dry for practice and race day, which makes racing so much more enjoyable and creates a great atmosphere.

Talking of creating an atmosphere, 021racing’s Rob Davis took on the responsibility of being commentator for the race, after a slow start and six cans of Carling later, Rob was giving it loads and did a great job keeping the spectators and riders entertained!

The U14s got the racing started and it was the Cornforth brothers riding for 021racing who took the top two spots, Cameron taking 1st, closely followed by luke on his hardtail! Angus Fyffe rounded off the podium in 3rd.

The U16s was won by Christopher Mc Glinchey from CRC, 2nd place went to Trailriders.ie’s Eoin Grant, and 3rd to Paul Smith

The Juniors was won by Davy Graham from Biketart, followed by Greg Callaghan, both lads will be representing Ireland at the European Championships in Slovenia next month. 3rd place went to the ever improving Gavin Carroll.

The ladies was won by Natalie Jedda with CRCs Michelle McMullan in 2nd.

In the Vets Steven Graham took the win with Carl Young very close behind and Joe Jackman taking 3rd spot.

The Super Vets was won by Flow Racings Tom Sheridan with CRCs Derek Cowan in 2nd.

The Masters was dominated by CRCs Micheal Cowan, with Mark Tiernan and Dale McMullan taking 2nd & 3rd respectively.

The Senior Category was won by Ed Smith, Conor Duffy taking 2nd and 021racings Sean Murphy rounded off the podium in 3rd.

Fastest man on the day was Flow Racings Ger Wolfe taking the Elite win ahead of OC Tunings Ewan Doherty and Dan Wolfe did well in 3rd after snapping his chain on the start line.

Once the racing was over the after party kicked off in Skibbereen and went on well into Monday morning and a few stragglers in Audi estates were spotted only leaving West Cork at 3pm on the Monday, no doubt with a few sore heads!

Results are available from NACC’s results archive HERE

Thanks to Ebor for the photos.

Next up is Round 3 in the very popular Rostrevor in Northern Ireland on the 23 & 24th of May, see you all there.

Round 2 of the Irish NPS will be held at Clashnacrona Woods just outside Dunmanway in Co. Cork on the weekend of the 2nd & 3rd of May.

As usual with an 021 event we will have catering, live timing and uplifts.

Timing will be provided by NACC.

Redbull will also be on board for the event bringing the arch, the truck, the wigwam, the lovely ladies and of course free redbull…

There will be toilet facilities available

Uplifts

Uplifts will be running on both the Saturday and Sunday. No race number = no uplift.  Riding the course without a number over the course of the event will jeopardise the event since you are not covered under the events insurance or medical support.

Venue Considerations

021racing would like to remind all riders and spectators that the race is on Coillte land. Downhill racing relies heavily on the kind support of Coillte for race venues and it is important that the positive relationship that has been built up by 021racing is not jeopardised by leaving litter in the forest or causing tension with locals through inconsiderate behaviour. You are also reminded that mini bikes and the like are not permitted under any circumstances.

Parking is at a premium so please park your vehicles sensibly.

Directions

Link to location - Click HERE

Entry Fees and Categories
Entry fees
Elites/Seniors/Masters/ Vets/Super Vets/Sports/Ladies - €50
Juniors/U16/U14 - €30

Guidance on age categories –
Elite/Senior/Sports (aged 18+) Masters (30+ in current year) Vets (40+) Super Vets (50+)

Race licence (day) €15 or £15 (price set by Cycling Ireland)
If you intend to race regularly consider an annual licence – it can work out cheaper, particularly for younger riders. The licence fees are available on the Cycling Ireland website.

Schedule
Saturday
Sign on 9.30 - 15.00
Practice 10.00 - 16.00
Sunday
Sign on 9.00-10.00
Practice 9.30-11.30
Race 12.00 onwards
Podiums 16.00

 The 2009 Irish Downhill NPS kick started last weekend, at last seasons National Championships venue, Scarragh Woods in Cahir, Co. Tipperary, organised by 021racing.

You could be forgiven for thinking that you were at an international race with a very professional Pit area full of motorhomes, awnings and Ezups. Red Bull had a huge presence at the event, the Dodge and DJ kept the atmosphere lively with some great tunes and the girls kept all the racers energised.  NACC were on hand to look after the live timing, they will be timing every Irish event this year, which is great news for the series. There was plenty of new bikes about, Colin Ross is now on KTM, Ewan Doherty is riding for OC Tuning and on a Solid Mission 9 and Gareth McKee is riding for 2stage bikes.

021racing had 16 riders competing in various categories, while others sacrificed riding time to run the event.

The U14s got the season under way and 021racing’s Cameron Cornforth showed what he is capable of by destroying the field by 17seconds!  His Maxxis Cup training really has paid off.  His younger brother Luke, finished in a fantastic 4th place in his first Downhill race.  New 021 member Jack Crowley finished in 10th place, not bad for his first race!

The U16’s was won by Dan Sheridan from Flow racing, definitely a rider to watch for the future!  Another 021 newboy, Stephan Graf finished in a very creditable 6th place.

The Veterans was won by Colin Finley from potato Bred.  Anthony Cornforth finished well in 7th place and 021 new man Martin Crowley from Lismore was close behind in 11th spot.

The Master category was won by Dale McMullan from Chain Reaction Cycles, 021’s JT had a good run to take 5th spot, Denis Corkery moved up to Masters and finished in 9th place, 021racing signed up limerick man Dan Collins who came in 13th place, 021’s Ian Kennedy finished in 18th spot, very good considering he lost a fingernail!

021racings sole representative in the Senior category was Richard Thornhill who finished a respectable 22nd place.

Juniors was dominated by Gavin Carroll with a great time of 1.59, Davy Graham took 2nd place with a 2.02 and Greg Callagahan rounded off the podium on a 2.04.

Natalie Jedda was the fastest lady on the day.

The elites was very tight and was very exciting and went right to the wire!  Dan Wolfe took the win with the fastest time of the day with a 1.53, brother Ger just pipped Ewan Doherty by .001 of a second, Gareth McKee took the 4th spot.  021racings Rob Davis put in a great time of 2.01 to take 7th place, reigning National Champion Colin Ross could only manage 9th place!  Tom Power was next best of the 021 boys in 11th place, Last seasons Senior National Champion and now riding for 021racing, Dave Egan was on a borrowed bike after snapping his shock and finished on with a time of 2.05, good enough for 13th place, in 14th place was 021’s Jason Murphy on board his new Santa Cruz V10 and in 15th spot on his new Solid Mission 9 was Rory O’ Keeffe.

So the season is well and truly under way and everyone is buzzing after such a great event, roll on Dunmanway on the 2nd and 3rd of May!

See you all there, its going to be a cracker.

4th & 5th April 2009

On April 4th & 5th, 021 Racing is proud to bring you the first round of the 2009 Irish Downhill National Points Series, to be held just outside Cahir, Co. Tipperary.

Race Track

The race will take place on the same track as last year’s nationals. 021racing have been doing considerable work on the track to improve weather proofing, improve the flow of the track and considerable work has been done to improve the run-ins and the lips of the jumps. A number of new jumps and berms have been added, and a new faster section with two nice jumps has been added to bypass the slower, boggier section around the bomb hole from last year’s track. This newly improved track will show more favour to the bike handling skills of the rider than the amount of pedalling practice put in over the winter!

Starting on top of the hill with great views of the surrounding countryside there are a number rocky turns before entering the forest. Then a very fast flowing section featuring a right hand hip followed by a left hand hip (both rollable) into two huge berms leading up to the step-up (B line available). A large right hand berm brings you onto a rooty off camber section over a rock jump onto another off camber section with a tricky tight turn. A series of rooty turns brings you into the revised run-in to the road gap. The run-in is now faster with a jump then a berm shooting you into the take off (B line available). NOTE, the road gap will not be rollable this year! A choice of two parallel run-outs from the road gap bring you into a tricky section with a number of line choices (including the stump jump), all leading into a nice new right hand catch berm followed by a new left hand berm. A rough section with a bit of off camber followed by a tricky right hander followed by another rough section brings you into the double rock garden. Following the rock garden the new section starts with a large new right hand berm shooting you straight into a nice new double out onto the fire road. A brief fire road section brings you into the new step-down back into the woods and carrying speed back onto last years track. A rough and rooty section leads into a fast open section leading into the final new berm and new jump into the finishing area.

Event

As usual with an 021 event we will have catering, live timing and uplifts.

Timing will be provided by NACC.

Redbull will also be on board for the event bringing the arch, the truck, the wigwam, the lovely ladies and of course free redbull…

There will be toilet facilities available

Uplifts

Uplifts will be running on both the Saturday and Sunday. No race number = no uplift.  Riding the course without a number over the course of the event will jeopardise the event since you are not covered under the events insurance or medical support.

Venue Considerations

021racing would like to remind all riders and spectators that the race is on Coillte land. Downhill racing relies heavily on the kind support of Coillte for race venues and it is important that the positive relationship that has been built up by 021racing is not jeopardised by leaving litter in the forest or causing tension with locals through inconsiderate behaviour. You are also reminded that mini bikes and the like are not permitted under any circumstances.

Parking

Parking is at a premium so please park your vehicles sensibly and allow local traffic easy access so that the event doesn’t unnecessarily attract the attention of the Gardai or cause issues for Coillte or local residents.
The larger car park area at the bottom of the track is restricted to campers and larger vans – please co-operate with the race organisers on this matter so larger vehicles are not parked on the road causing blockages. Please park your car along the side of the forest road just after the camper/van carpark.

Directions

Link to location -       Click to see

From Tipperary Town
As you approach Cahir, just before the new motorway flyover (overhead) take the right hand turn. Drive up the hill and past the houses and make a left turn at the next junction. Continue on past a number of other houses and go straight through the staggered crossroads and on to the parking area..

From Dublin –         Click to see

From Cork     –          Click to see

There will be signs put up on all routes leading to the event.

Entry Fees and Categories
Entry fees
Elites/Seniors/Masters/ Vets/Super Vets/Sports/Ladies - €50
Juniors/U16/U14 - €30

Guidance on age categories –
Elite/Senior/Sports (aged 18+) Masters (30+ in current year) Vets (40+) Super Vets (50+)

Race licence (day) €15 or £15 (price set by Cycling Ireland)
If you intend to race regularly consider an annual licence – it can work out cheaper, particularly for younger riders. The licence fees are available on the Cycling Ireland WEBSITE

Schedule
Saturday
Sign on 9.30 - 15.00
Practice 10.00 - 16.00
Sunday
Sign on 9.00-10.00
Practice 9.30-11.30
Race 12.00 approx onwards
Podiums 16.00

Accommodation -
You can use this website -  Click to see

so the weather has been strange of late and the snow has been falling. Here are some very cool shots of Sean and Kev Boyd not put off by the bad weather in the  in the Ballyhouras.

Denis Corkery is havng his 2nd uplift day on Sunday, Feb 1st in Clashnacrona, Dunmanway. It is no longer being held Kilgarvin.

Sign on starts at 10.00 with the  first uplift at 10.30 till everyone drops or it gets too dark to ride, whichever comes first.

Cost will be €25 (€20 with an 021 discount)

This was a cracking day last time and will get the lungs ready for Cloon next week.

Hope to see you there,

Kev.

The first, hopefully, of many uplift days took place this weekend in Dunmanway with great success. With a selection of two tracks and the dry weather in the days leading to it the craic was mighty and the runs flat out..
Thanks to all that showed up and of course, thanks to Richard for organizing all this and to the drivers and ambulance crew, without who it would not have happened.

Above: Greg, Denis, Tom, Dave, Richard and Cam in their new 2009 Southern Extreme, TLD Kit, unveiled on Sat. Looking good lads.. don’t forget, hand wash only.

So, another great days riding over and I am already looking forward to the next one.

See you all on yer bikes,

Kev.