European Championships

Team Selection 2006

June 06

The European Champions take place on the 8th-9th July at Val di Sole in Italy. The Irish DH committee have announced the following members of the Irish team to attend:

ELITE

Ben Reid - Ireland's top downhill and freerider. Ben has achieved amazing results at home and abroad, Ben is the reigning National Champion and continues to dominate.

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.

One of Ireland's top talents, Andy Smith's success speaks for itself since riding in World Cups and World Championships since junior level. Andy took second position in the first round of the Irish NPS and has also competed in Vigo at the first round of the World Cup. Andy finished fourth in the 2005 Irish NPS after only competing in four events.

Stephen McClintock is the newest member of the Elite squad, this being his first year to be chosen to represent Ireland at the Europeans. Stephen finished second in the Junior category of the 2005 Irish NPS and is currently sitting in second position of the 2006 Irish NPS league tables. Stephen has also competed in the 2006 World Cup at Fort William.

JUNIOR

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.

Ewan Doherty has astounded the 2006 Irish NPS by dominating the U16 category in the early season. So far to date he has won all three rounds, with times which could have placed him top five in Elite. This level of performance and display of talent has created an opertunity for him to rider as a Junior.

Seanan O'Riordan won the 2005 Irish NPS U16 by taking wins in four of the six events as well as taking a top two and top three podium position in the first two round of the Irish NPS. Despite being eligible as an U16 Seanan has begun the season in Ireland racing the competitive junior category and has earned his place with some great results and times.

Paul Cummins finished third in the 2005 Irish NPS at Junior level and is one of the UCI point winners from last years Nationals. Due to early season Injury and bike problems Paul has not raced much at home but has competed in World Cup rounds in Vigo, Fortwilliam and Willingen, Germany this year.

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

For more information visit the official website HERE

http://www.valdisolecup.it/eng/index.asp