Ballinastoe and Djouce Wood were the venue for an “off road” development day with Roundwood Community Centre hosting the riders for the theory element of the session. The purpose of the development day was to initiate a process for helping young “off road” cyclists develop into what is hoped are riders good enough to represent Ireland on the international stage. 

Development can be a bit of an emotive subject and something that the Irish XC/DH scene has cried out for a number of years. It can’t be called a “new dawn” but it is certainly the start of something that has had little or no real support in the past and just like the riders who are vying to be a part of the development squads the process itself needs to be nurtured and allowed to mature.

With a 9am start on Saturday morning there was an early start for those riders travelling from the North, South and West of the province but the impressive turnout was greeted by Wicklow sunshine at the development day base at Roundwood Community Centre.

 

After putting bikes together and waiting for a few stragglers, the 26 riders, plus Sean Herlihy and Richie Byrne, warmed up by cycling the 4.5k to Ballinastoe where two groups were formed – one heading further up the road a bit to Djouce in the charge of Sean and the other group staying with Richie to enjoy the charms of Ballinastoe. The groups themselves were a mix of both XC and DH riders and the 2 hour ride tested the fitness levels and skills of both disciplines.

 

It was another 4.5k back to Roundwood for lunch in one of the local hostelries and an opportunity for the riders to mix and chat with each other. Before another 4.5k ride back to Ballinastoe the riders took in some valuable advice from Ryan Sherlock and Stewart Carr who passed on their experience and knowledge of nutrition, hydration and preparation for competitions and general training sessions. The afternoon session in Ballinastoe centred around an “informal” time trial over a short section of single track with a fairly gradual gradient.

 

Whilst it was the DHrs who proved themselves the quickest the XCrs did not let themselves down by any means and they all showed determination and skill in the slight descent. The riders then walked the track again and Irish International DHr Dan Wolfe talked the riders through the track and highlighted possible riding lines that could improve their times – useful for both XC and DH riders. For most it was another 4.5k ride back to Roundwood and a final debriefing and review of the day’s activities.

 

 

This development initiative really is a work in progress and none of the volunteers (which is what they are) are going to kid anyone that there will be trials and tribulations along the way and some rider disappointment. It is likely that the eventual development squads will be smallish in nature, partly due to make them easier to manage, but there must also be cognisance of the limited funding available – it will only stretch so far.

Riders are encouraged to enter the XC/DH NPS races in all areas of Ireland as this is likely to be the main showcase for most of them to show off their talents and skills and although some riders will be disappointed if not selected for the initial squads they should not necessarily see this as a complete rejection. Depending on results riders will be moving in and out of the squads which will encourage competition and hopefully act as a motivational tool.

All of the riders that attended plus others that could not attend on this occasion will however be invited to other similar sessions which will act as a stimulus to riders to keep focused. Without a doubt the day was a success and it was refreshing to see riders from two diverse disciplines sharing experiences and skills. This skill transfer will help them develop as riders and nurture respect for each other’s discipline......no longer the baggy short brigade and the lycra clad warriors but simply a bunch of riders enjoying their sport and the company of other riders........that’s one of the aims anyway!

Some great results by some of the Irish DH riders at the British NPS in Wales at the weekend is evidence that there is real talent in Ireland and being part of the development programme will help them improve further.

Muchos gracias to Sean Herlihy, Richie Byrne, Stewart Carr, Alan Ayling, Oisin Boydell, Alfie Wallace, Ryan Sherlock, Damien Mulchrone, John Deegan, Julie Rea, Dan Wolfe and any others that are not listed.....unintentionally. Coilte are to be applauded for their continued development of bike trails and their support of the development day and we hope to build on that relationship. Thanks to Roundwood Community Association for use of their Community Centre and to Cycling Ireland for the lovely grub! If there were no riders wanting to reach the dizzy heights of international representation there would be no point of a development programme so “fair play” (local speak) to those who applied and turned up. They were a great bunch of “deadly, savage warriors”- again local speak and particularly common to those in the EpicMTB debating society. We can’t forget the parents/guardians either.....thank you!