World Championships

Team Selection 2006

August 06

The World Championships take place on the 22nd-27th August in Rotorua in New Zealand. The Irish DH committee have announced the following members of the Irish team to attend:

ELITE

Gerard Wolfe - Gerard regularly takes podium position in the Irish downhill NPS races and is gaining in international experience. This year to date Gerard has competed in World Cup rounds in Vigo, Fortwilliam and Willingen, Germany. In the 2006 European championships, Gerard finished 32nd in the elite men's category, placing him 42nd overall.

Stephen McClintock finished second in the Junior category of the 2005 Irish NPS and is currently sitting in third position of the 2006 Irish NPS league tables. Stephen has also competed in the 2006 World Cup at Fort William and finished 4th in the 2006 Irish National Downhill Championships. In the 2006 European championships, Stevie finished 52rd in the elite men's category, placing him 78th overall.

JUNIOR

Richard Smith is currently leading the Junior 2006 Irish NPS and is the current Junior champion as he took the title last week in Rostrevor at the National Championships. Richard has a host of world cup experience behind him and is currently recovering from a knee injury picked up in Vigo this year. This same injury eliniated Richard from the 2006 European squad.

Dan Wolfe is one of Ireland's finest young talents. Dan won the 2006 Irish NPS at Junior level and continues to his success this year with a second place position in the first round. Dan has competed at World Cup level for a few years now, and this year has competed in World Cup rounds in Vigo, Fortwilliam and Willingen, Germany. In the 2006 European championships, Dan finished 25th in the juniors men's category, placing him 79th overall.

Ben Reid, Ireland's top downhiller and current national champion has decided not to attend the World Championships this year. Ben said "I have decided not to travel to the World Championships in New Zealand as I intend to use my racing budget to compete in some European events such as Maxxis Cup races. I fully support the team selection and wish the riders the best of luck"

We at IrishDH would like to take this opportunity to wish all the guys the best of luck.

For more information visit the official website HERE