The first tentative signs of a gravel racing and event scene in the Republic have emerged after Cycling Ireland and the forestry agency, Coillte, signed a memorandum of understanding. A series of gravel events will be run over the next two years to test the new agreement.
Under the first steps, a new system will be piloted which will result in selected organisers running gravel events. That will involve promoters being granted licences giving them permission to take over a course for five days to set up and run an event.
The news is very positive as it comes after a period in which the popularity of gravel riding has grown exponentially around the world, including in Ireland. A gravel scene has also emerged in Northern Ireland, the complete opposite of what has been a somewhat depressing scenario in the Republic.
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Until now, Coillte had effectively put in place a near blanket ban on cycling on lands it controlled, including gravel paths. This is despite the fact the Republic could become home to a thriving gravel scene given the courses for races and other events are so plentiful.
Cycling Ireland on Thursday confirmed it had signed the memorandum with Coillte and was now launching a ‘gravel cycling pilot’ and a new ‘club MTB trails initiative’.
This MTB trails initiative will enable a limited number of Cycling Ireland-affiliated clubs to develop and maintain local MTB trail networks on designated Coillte lands.
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The trails will be accessible to all Cycling Ireland members and covered under Cycling Ireland’s insurance. Non-members will not be permitted to use these trails and will not be insured.
In terms of the gravel-related progress, Coillte and Cycling Ireland will pilot a series of Gravel cycling events over the next two years aimed testing “a sustainable model for future gravel cycling events”
“The safety of all forest users including riders is a key priority for the pilot,” Cycling Ireland said.
“Coillte’s forest road network is designed, constructed and used primarily for forest operations which often involves heavy duty vehicles for the haulage of timber, transport of forest machinery, as well as vehicular access by staff and contractors.
“All events under the pilot must be sanctioned by Cycling Ireland and organised by approved promoters. Each event will be licensed by Coillte for a period of five days which will allow for event set up, execution and break-down.”
Cycling Ireland added further information on the ‘gravel cycling pilot’ will be made available over the coming weeks.
