Richie Byrne - New Chairman of Cycling Ireland Off-Road Commission

Mar 06

At a recent meeting, Richie Byrne of EPIC MTB was elected as Chairman of the Cycling Ireland Off-Road  Commission for the coming year.
At 44, Richie has been riding mountain bikes since the sport began in this country, first hitting the trails in the late 1980s. Although originally a rock climber, since being bitten by the mtb bug he has been involved in the establishment of a number of mtb clubs from the original, unofficial White Knuckle Club, through MAD and Team-WORC to EPIC MTB.
Richie has held a number of positions over the years with the MTB Commission (as it was formerly known) and is currently the Underage and Development Officer. Now taking on the additional role as Chairman, he is well aware of the task ahead and looks forward to the opportunity of working with "a great bunch of people". He is very complimentary of the work performed by the outgoing Chairman and current cross-country manager, Geoff Seymour - "if I can achieve a fraction of what Geoff has achieved as Chairman then I will be happy".
He is extremely enthusiastic about the year ahead – "It's an exciting time to be a mountain biker. Things are moving ahead on the access front – we are sitting down with Coillte and other landowners to develop proper access and trails. On the racing scene, cross country is bringing back a third category which we hope will lead to more competitive racing and perhaps encourage more riders in from the road.
On the downhill front, it looks set to be the best domestic race season ever – we have some fantastically talented junior and underage riders who I have no doubt will go on to become world beaters."
He is aware of challenges ahead though, continuing "Carding (Sports Council grants) has been cut for downhillers and cross country has a shortage of up and coming riders but we have a good team on the Commission and I am confident that we have the commitment and ability to get the job done.
With his infectious enthusiasm and larger than life personality, Richie is one of the most well liked, loudest and, dare I say, respected mountain bikers in the country. His election as Chairman will be warmly received among the rank and file off-roader and with his experience, enthusiasm and motivational ability, the future for mountain biking certainly looks promising.' Justin May PRO Off-Road Commission.