Kilbroney Forest Park Hosts Irish National Downhill Mountain Bike Championships

The Cycling Ireland, Irish National Downhill Mountain Bike Championships took place in Kilbroney Forest Park, Rostrevor on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 July.

Rostrevor Mountain Bike Club played host to the National Championships and 180 riders across 10 categories came to Kilbroney Park to participate.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew said, “This event was supported by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, local businesses, Cycle Ireland, Nukeproof Bikes and Mudhugger. The two day event gave spectators from all over Ireland the opportunity to watch the best in the country compete for the National Title.”

Categories ranged from Under 14 to over 50, and Sunday racing also saw a mini downhill race for children aged between 5 and 13 to introduce them to the sport. 

The Senior Irish National Champion title was won by Jacob Dickson with a dominant performance, beating his nearest rival by over five seconds. Hailing from Dromore in County Down, Jacob is a member of the Rostrevor Mountain Bike Club and is a professional Mountain Bike Elite Racer with Giant Bikes Off Road Team (USA). Jacob returned home especially for the race before returning to his UCI World Cup campaign in Canada.

Cycling Ireland officials and race organisers Rostrevor Mountain Bike Club welcomed spectators to the finish podiums and prize giving with a special prize giving for the under 12’s. Chairperson, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew was on hand to present the official Cycling Ireland medals to the winners.

For more information and a full list of winners visit irishdownhillseries.com