Well, that’s another MTB World Champs over for another year and what an event. All the hype and expectation largely lived up to its word although the weather did do it’s best to dampen the occasion. An anticipated crowd of 30k+ for the Sunday finale was estimated as being closer to 20/25k and even the deteriorating weather couldn’t detract from the occasion and the enthusiasm of the crowd who lined the course from top to bottom with the inevitable mass at the finish area enjoying the massive screen beaming live coverage down most of the track.

Opening ceremony in Fort William Town

Fort William was voted the World Cup event of last year and it was the first time that the MTB champs had ever been organised on British soil. The British team were as expected there in force and in high profile with the DH juniors giving interviews and freebies to whoever cared to listen to them. The event was as expected well organised with a programme that tried to accommodate all 4 disciplines being represented – 4X, XC, trials and of course DH. The early morning schedule of some of the training runs probably didn’t suit all of the riders but did help other disciplines become the focus of attention. The massive car park was filled with National Teams and trade stands with Event Scotland and the Forestry Commission very visible and active in promoting MTB-ing in Scotland – for anyone reading this from the Forestry Service in NI please take note and perhaps learn from your colleagues across the Irish Sea . The coverage by the BBC on a national basis was excellent and can only help raise the profile of all the disciplines with DH getting the lions share of the action – it can only be good. MTB Cut was also in attendance and they produced quality coverage via the net, so the options for keeping in touch with what’s going on and seeing real action seem to be improving. Our very own John Lawlor was seen up and down the track with his camera and we can look forward to some quality action and reports in the future.

Trials action during the qualifying heats

The 4X was exciting (after the qualifying runs which are boring) and the XC was well, XC! Those guys and gals are super fit and they all deserve something for their efforts – locked up probably! The start of the mens U23 race was a total manic affair with all 70 riders making a bee line for the first corner and pandemonium on the first hill. Congrats to all the Irish riders who took part in the XC events. The trials event was simply awesome with the skills shown being both brave/stupid and incredible – by both men and women. No Irish competitors so I’ll not dwell on it.

Start of the Mens’ U23 XC event

The DH Event.

Everybody probably knows by now who won the events and how the Irish did in their respective categories – results at bottom anyway. Nevertheless all of the Irish riders deserve congratulations for their performance and attitude. The 4 Irish Juniors all finished within the top 40 (Seanan 14 th – great result, Ewan 27 th Karlo 35 th and Jason 39th ) which is an exceptional feat at this standard of event, particularly considering that most of the top juniors in the “major” countries are fully factory supported or sponsored and have easy access to international standard and length tracks. The Irish Elites were as expected headed by Ben Reid who as usual did us all proud and was only beaten by the heavily sponsored professional riders from around the globe. The two Wolfe brothers were as usual very competitive and the smile on Ger’s face when he crossed the line showed the enjoyment and buzz that he had got from his race run. Darren Quille gave it all on his trusty 222, surely the oldest bike in the event, and he could be heard rattling down the “motorway” at the finish area. Unlike some of the pros he gave it his all and finished the course in style. The makers of the TV series “Heroes” are apparently looking for Greg O’Keefe to sign up with them. What a guy! Greg had a big fall on one of his training runs that resulted in a visit to the hospital and crutches to help him walk. Battered and bruised he climbed onto his bike on race day and not only finished the run but did so with a time that kept him on the score board for a very long time. The commentators whipped up the crowd when he came over the Nissan/Tissot jump and he undoubtedly got one of the best cheers of the day. Stevo Beattie was the unlucky member of the party and just when he was getting to grips with the course, off he went, with the result being a broken collar bone and an end to his attempt at world domination. Unfortunately the teams travelling reserve, Tom Power, was unable to take his place due to red tape and bureaucracy, but rules are rules I suppose. Two unlucky riders then, but both were up there every day giving their support to their team mates. The team spirit was at all times high and the morale was excellent with the team and management bonding as is needed in these events. Any rider that I spoke to was clearly impressed by the occasion and the experience and all will benefit and come back stronger and more determined.

The Irish DH team/CRC supported pit area was colourful and upbeat as well as being impressive and professional at all times, with a constant flow of admirers and curious onlookers in attendance. The Manager Joe Ward was ably assisted by Glyn OB and they were always there for support and motivation as the riders left for, and returned from runs. Team Mechanic Dale deserves a special mention.

Ewan Doherty