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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