The MTB XC Champs 2012 are looking for a new home
The off-road calendar has been dealt something of a double blow with news that the MTB Cross Country championships planned for Co Down have to be cancelled, while downhill event holders are struggling to find venues after some Coillte managers have effectively banned racing.
Cycling Ireland is now appealing for other clubs to step up and volunteer to run the MTB XC championships planned for July after host club Banbridge CC has been forced to pull out.
The difficulty for the club has been caused by the devastating tree disease P.ramorum which has hit Moneyscalp Forest in Co Down. It is at risk of spreading to Tollymore Forest, where the championships were due to be hosted by Banbridge CC in July.
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The two forests are part of the same large Tollymore Forest Park.
Already a large number of trees have had to be felled in Moneyscalp in a bid to prevent the disease from spreading. This work has forced the closure of the forest, with only limited access being allowed for vehicles.
It means mountain biking at the venue has been halted for at least the next three years.
The Northern Ireland Forest Service has issued a warning that the disease is likely to spread to Tollymore Forest, following its discovery in 14 woodlands and private estates so far in the North.
If that were to happen, trees would have to be felled there and the forest would be closed to all, including the mountain biking fraternity for a number of years.
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Banbridge CC is fearful the disease will spread and the forest would be closed in July.
For that reason it has decided to withdraw now from hosting the nationals in the hope there is enough time for another club to step in and stage the races in another part of the country.
The club does not have access to any other venues, so a simple switch from Tollymore Forest to another course in the region is not possible.
Cycling Ireland’s Offroad Commission is now inviting submissions from other clubs to host the championships.
In other news, the Irish Downhill Mountain Bike Series has said it has been informed by a number of Coillte managers that downhill races will not be permitted at a number of venues this year.
“Some Coillte managers are not allowing downhill in their forests,” a spokesman for the series said.
“So we’re struggling to put together a decent series for in 2012. Ireland is covered in hills and mountains, there must be some privately owned ones out there, with owners looking to diversify in these tight economic times.”
The series organisers have appealed for people to contact them with ideas for new venues.
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