Top cycling event to come to Castlewellan

Top cycling event to come to Castlewellan

18 December 2013

CASTLEWELLAN Forest Park is gearing up to host the prestigious Single Speed European Mountain Bike Championships next spring.

The forest park’s new mountain bike trails, which have opened to wide acclaim, are expected to welcome over 300 competitors during the last weekend in April.

They will be taking part in what is regarded as one of Europe’s most unique mountain biking events, with the championships further enhancing Castlewellan’s reputation as a top mountain biking destination.

Down Council chairman, Maria McCarthy, said the local authority — which played a key role in helping deliver the new trails — is “incredibly excited” to be hosting the European Championships next April.

She said since the Castlewellan trails opened, they have been visited over 15,000 times by mountain bikers from across the UK and Ireland.

“To now host these European Championships whilst our trails are still under a year old highlights how important this activity tourism product is for Castlewellan and the wider Mournes region,” the council chairman added.

Chris Armstrong, from MountainBikeNI.com, said contrary to what most people expect, the open championships are more about the party than the prizes and are a favourite fixture on the European mountain biking calendar.

“The race involves fancy dress and competitors travel in groups and want to soak up the local culture and enjoy the festival-style atmosphere throughout the weekend,” he explained.

“The championship race on the Saturday is always the main event and will be a fantastic spectacle. However, in keeping with the traditional format, there will be a number of other single speed related events taking place throughout Castlewellan during the weekend which will present many opportunities for local businesses and community involvement.”

Bookings for next April’s event opened last Friday and all the available places are expected to be snapped up very quickly.

Funding for the event is being provided by Down Council and organised by the Northern Ireland Mountain Biking Alliance and Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland.