In the women’s category, Rostrevor’s Maeve Baxter added a gold medal to her collection, which includes a 2008 silver world championship medal.  Maeve crossed the line with a time of 3.41.11, 20 seconds ahead of second place!

Maeve pictured with the 2009 European Masters Champions

Less than an hour later, Ballyclare’s Michael Cowan crossed the line to claim the silver medal. After a superb third place in his seeding run the previous day, Michael stepped on the gas and was pipped to the post by less than a second by Italy’s Polo Alleva.

Michael pictured on the podium with his silver medal

Michael was one of nine Irish mens riders who made the trip and other results included 5^th place (40-44 age group) for Team Nutrition’s Colin Finley, 6^th place for Flow Racing’s Tom Sheridan (50+ age group).  In the 30-34 age group, Michael took silver; Flow Racing’s Damien Duggan took 16^th position, while Sean Herilhy settled for 25^th place following a crash.

Sean Herilhy, Michael Cowan, Damien Duggan and Ian McIntyre

Meanwhile in the 35-40 age group, 6^th and 8^th place respectively for Chain Reaction Cycles Ian McIntyre and Potato Bred’s Joe Ward with Flow Racing’s Darren Cox finishing in 12^th place.

Scottish glory was gained in a form of a gold medal for Off Beat Bike’s Alastair Maclennan in the 45-49 age group, while Team Castle Malamine’s Derek Laughland took home bronze in the 50+ age category.

Maeve Baxter, Scotland's Derek Laughland, Michael Cowan and Scotland's Alaistair Maclennan

The Irish riders and supporters were out in force as they turned the venue into a little Ireland for an afternoon and the atmosphere was pure magic.

President of Cycling Ireland and Board member of the European Cycling Federation, Michael Concannon played a leading role at the event and presented both Maeve and Michael with their medals.

Congratulations to all the Irish riders, particularly Maeve and Michael from all in the mountainbiking and downhill community.