Seatruck Ferries, Clerk Fencing and Newry Mourne and Down District Council row in behind local Downhill Mountain Bike Youth Development Team, East Coast MTB

Following their podium success in a number of Down Hill MTB Events in the UK during 2014 the young team have embarked on ambition plans to compete in the IDMS (Irish Downhill Mountain Bike Series) and BDS (British Downhill Series) this year. 

Alistair Eagles CEO of Seatruck Ferries commented;

“Seatruck are absolutely delighted to be involved with the East Coast Adventure youth development mountain bike team.

In helping these dedicated and talented youngsters get to highly competitive events on the other side of the Irish Sea we hope to play our part in the ongoing success of the team.  It is not only amazing to see them descending at high speed on their bikes but in between rides they are busy promoting the area to a much wider audience at a large number of events.

Seeing youngsters thrive at a national level is in no small part due to the fantastic facilities available at Rostrevor where the cycle trails are a real success story for the area. Newry & Mourne is not only a great place to do business but also a fantastic location to enjoy the outdoor life on the bike, on the mountains or on the water. The tourism potential is very real and very exciting.

Along with the other sponsors and on behalf of Seatruck I would like to wish the team and East Coast Adventure all the very best for a successful and safe season”.

Jennifer Cumming, Youth Development Team Manger stated:

“The team travel to the UK on Seatruck from Warrenpoint and are well know to the crew members who look after them so well with food and board on their passage. It’s been an exciting time so far for the team and without Alistair, thankfully a keen mountain biker himself and all the Seatruck Team it simply wouldn’t be possible. The bikes have to be kept to such a high standard, the cost of which fairly stacks up as the season progresses but thanks to the financial support from Clerk Fencing and Darren, a National UK BMX Champion in his youth, we have been able to meet this demand.  Newry, Mourne & Down Council have been a constant support helping us not only support the young riders but with their assistance in getting them to the Scottish Final.

The young riders are from cross communities and all members of newly formed Rostrevor Mountain Bike Club which is based at the Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails where they practice and meet weekly to train. Through their travels and success at races they are all keen to promote Rostrevor as a destination for mountain bikers of all levels. Evidence of how they have helped the exposure of the trails was evident at Easter when they played host to new friends from the UK who travelled over for the holidays.  Mark Cumming, Director, ECA stated: The visitors were astonished at the proximity of the trails to Rostrevor Village and how easily accessible they were from the port of Belfast and the M1.

These young riders should be so proud of themselves as they represent and promote the local area with such enthusiasm. Newry, Mourne & Down Council are working hard with us to help promote the trails as we travel with the team across England, Scotland and Wales and we have to thank Marie Ward, Director of Enterprise, Regeneration & Tourism and Gilliam Fitzpatrick, Deputy Chair for their enthusiasm and continued support”. 

Gillian Fitzpatrick, Deputy Chairperson, Newry Mourne & Down District Council, stated:

“On behalf of Newry Mourne and Down District Council I would like to congratulate East Coast Adventure in encouraging local talent in Mountain Biking and for their foresight in establishing East Coast MTB .   I would also like to thank Seatruck Ferries for their generous sponsorship and wish this initiative every success in the future”.