Irish NPS Round 3

Saturday 2nd July

Rostrevor Forest, Co Down

June 05

Following the first two very successful rounds of the Irish NPS DH series, Round 3 kicks off this weekend in Rostrevor Forest organised by Plush Cycles and built by Glyn O'Brien. Riders are asked to note that this is a SATURDAY event, not Sunday as previously advertised.

Following the first two rounds and the IrishDH NPS League Tables, riders will be attempting to better their position on the table. If the first two rounds have set an example, a great turnout is expected for Round 3 - the venue of the 2003 National Championships.

The track is a variation on the Down Hill section of the savage Rostrevor XC course with a few alterations by Glyn O'Brien. Don't let the fact that some of this track is used in an XC course put you off. The course is fast, technical, rocky, has jumps and drops galore and is sure to be the best NPS track so far. Due to the track being very well maintained by local riders it holds up really well, even in very wet conditions Maxxis High rollers or comp 16s could be the racers choice. If its dry it will be fast loose and dusty!

The format for Saturday's ZealOptics Irish NPS Round 3 is as follows:

9-11am sign on
9-12noon practice

12.30-2.00pm 1st run
2.30-4.00pm 2nd run

Uplift will be provided on the day of the event!

Cost of entry

Seniors/Masters/ Vets £20 Stg or 30 Euro

Juniors/U16's/U14's £15 Stg or 20 Euros

The cost of a day licence is £10 Stg or 15 Euros

Mini Bikes Ban in Rostrevor Forest

As Rostrevor Forest is continuously used for the public, and is also in negotiations for long-term trails, we have been asked by the organisers to inform you there is a COMPLETE BAN on mini bikes, for both practice and the event. As with the previous events, the organisers don't want to spoil anyones fun but they do not have permission from the Forestry to allow Mini Bikes or similar in the forest during the event. Please don't put the organisers and course builders in a difficult position by breaking this rule. Riders will be disqualified if this rule is broken.

The Weather

As usual, anyone wishing to keep an eye on the local weather for the event should click HERE!

How to get there

Rostrevor Forest is very easy to find. From Newry follow signposts for Warrenpoint (A2). Once in Warrenpoint, take the second exit (straight on) and when you come to the Promenade turn left. From here, follow the A2 towards Rostrevor. This drive should take 10-15 minutes. When in Rostrevor follow signs for Kilbroney Park. Official parking is beside the cafe. Drivers are asked not to park on the private lane near the bottom of the track. The Forestry Service have been in contact with the course builder and don't want people parking there blocking access to the forest and more importantly the people that live on the lane do not want strangers parking there. Riders doing so puts future events and any chance of permanent trails at serious risk. Parking is available at kilbroney Forest Park beside the cafe only 5-10min ride from the track.

The Venue

If you visit the area, please be aware that it is a public park and in order to ensure future events, please respect the locals and the walkers in the park and take home your rubbish. There is fantastic camping area in Kilbroney park. For more information on camping there check out contact

B&B Accommodation can also be found at

An Tobar - 2 Cherry Hill Rostrevor - Contact Marie Gavaghan on 028 4173 8712

Fir Trees 16 Killowen Old Road Rostrevor Contact Patricia Donnan 028 4173 8602

Glenbeigh B&B 18 Victoria Square Rostrevor Contact Raymond & Paddy Parr 028 417 38281

Glenview 3 Glenview Terrace Rostrevor Contact Kay Kerley & Kevin Dunne 028 3088 9009

Meadowlea 25 Drumsesk Road Rostrevor Contact Colette & Rhode Gordon 028 4173 9810

We at IrishDH.com would like to thank ZealOptics for the sponsorship, Glyn for building and organising the course and to Plush for running the event and would urge all riders, racers and non-racers alike to show your support for both organisations.