A rider races through spectacular countryside in last year’s event
The adventure company Dolmen Sports has confirmed Ireland’s only MTB stage race will be returning next season, with four stages run over two days in the Mid West in April.
The Mountain Bike Challenge Lough Derg will unfold over 80kms based around the village of Killaloe-Ballina on the banks of the River Shannon.
Down for decision on April 21st and 22nd, race organisers have promised a quality field and top class racing following the success of the inaugural event last season.
Andrew Deakin of Dolmen Sports said the event would be bigger next year with a real international flavour.
“We had a great weekend in Killaloe last season with a variety of riders from novices right through to very competitive international entries,” he told stickybottle.
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“The feedback we got was superb; everyone seemed to really enjoy the format and the atmosphere was just great all weekend. We are really looking forward to this once again in 2012”.
With riders from the US and Denmark taking part last season, the race was very hard fought with Nic Smith from the UK taking the overall win in the men’s race and Lone Sand from Denmark taking the women’s GC.
Deakin said the planned stage distances for next year will ensure fast times for the leaders.
“But they’re also manageable for novices; last year’s event was a first ever race for a lot of the riders.”
The setting for the race is Lough Derg and the scenery is spectacular with the local trails taking in the mountains on the east and west sides of the lake. Coupled with the nightlife in the area, Deakin is hopeful that as well as attracting a large international field, the race will also bring in large crowds of spectators and give the region a boost before the peak holiday season starts.
Nic Smith on his way to victory in 2011
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