As most of Irelands top riders will be back from their Maxxis Cup adventures in Portugal a good turn out is expected and indications are that Irelands number 1 DHer, Ben Reid, will make his first local competitive outing of 2008. Other riders to look out for the fastest time of the day (subject to their appearance) will be the Wolfe boys, Dan and Ger (Flow Racing), Greg O’Keefe (021 Racing), Stevo Beattie (Big Tree Joinery) and local hero Glyn OB (Kona/Sombrio). Top Juniors like Sean O’Riorden (Flow Racing), Jason Murphy (Killarney DH) and Ewan Doherty (Wheelbase/Eze Fitness) will be out to put one over on their more “senior” colleagues and watch out for newbie Junior David Graham (Banbridge CC) and the fast improving Dave Keenan (Flow Racing). The Masters and Senior riders will also be keen to show their pace and they’ll no doubt set some fast times as well. The Winter Series was a massive success and the Chain Reaction Cycling Club and Irish DH hope that the same level of competitiveness and participation is found throughout not only the race in Rostrevor but in every round.

As with the Winter Series the Chain Reaction Cycling Club are offering free entry to any rider that provides a Marshal or the equivalent to any volunteer Marshals who have no connection with a rider. Please note that this is a 2 day event and Marshals must be available for both days. Marshals will be provided with whistle, flags and high viz vest as well as a lunch on both days. All prospective Marshals must contact Dale McMullan prior to the event This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Organisers also hope to have portaloos on site and some form of catering/food outlet – and there will be uplifts!

Please note that riders who don’t have a complete licence , a valid receipt from cycling Ireland or a letter from their club secretary that their licence has been paid for, will need to buy a day licence . All under age riders (under 18) must ensure that a parental consent form has been completed and either sent to Cycling Ireland or given to the race officials on race day

The CRC Club would like to remind all riders and spectators that the race is on Forestry Service land and as DHing relies heavily on the FS for race venues it is important that the positive relationship that has been built up by the race organisers is not jeopardised by leaving litter in the forest. You are also reminded that mini bikes and the like are not permitted under any circumstances.

Please note the day licence fees for U14/U16 and Junior riders. U14/U16 riders must pay a €5/£3.50 fee and Juniors a €15/£10 fee rather than the €5 previously charged. Please note that this is consistent with day licence fees in other cycling disciplines. All riders are also asked to provide details at sign on of any club, sponsor, team that he/she is representing so that the details can be included in the race reports and give the clubs, sponsors, teams a well deserved mention.

Saturday will be an official practice day and there will be medical cover available. Riders are asked to note that there will be a 30 second gap between start times on race day but if a rider feels he/she needs more time, he/she should inform the starting timer – it’s anticipated that the course will be about 2.30+ in duration. The new timing system is working out well and all riders will be given a start time(s) – it is however imperative that riders turn up in time for their race runs!

Prizes – Aside from the usual 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd awards there will be a cash prize of £100 to the rider who has the biggest winning margin in his/her category.

Saturday

Sign on 9.30am – 12.00pm and 1.00pm – 3.00pm

Practice 10.00am – 3.00pm (

Sunday

Sign on 9.00am -10.00am

Practice 9.00am – 11.30am (10.30am – 11.30am full runs only – no sectioning!)

Course inspection 11.30am – 12.00pm

First race runs 12.00pm approx. onwards

Entry fees – (Standard at all DH NPS events this year)

Elites/Seniors/Masters/ Vets/Super Vets/Sports/Ladies - £35/€50

Juniors/U16/U14 - £20/€30

Guidance on age categories –

Elite/Senior/Sports (aged 18+) Masters (30+ in current year) Vets (40+) Super Vets (50+)

Junior (born in 1990/1991) U16 (born in 1992/1993) U14 (born in 1994/1995)

** If you need help or advice on what category you should be in either by age or ability please speak to the CRC Team on race day and they will advise.

Race licence - (day) €15 or £10 (price set Cycling Ireland). U14/U16 €5 or £3.50*

If you intend to race regularly consider an annual licence – it can work out cheaper, particularly for younger riders. The licence fees are available on the Cycling Ireland WEBSITE

Other information –

Uplifts

Uplifts will be provided on both Saturday and Sunday. Riders are reminded that they need to have a race number before they ride the course. Any rider caught riding the course without a number plate will be disqualified from the event. No sign on means no number board, no uplift, no authorised course use and NO MEDICAL COVER!

Rubbish

Kilbroney is a public park, and to ensure the use of the venue for future events, riders and spectators are asked to take their rubbish home with them. There will be rubbish bags placed throughout the course.

Parking

Car parking is available in the public car park at the main car park in KilbroneyPark. However, due to the anticipated use of the field at the bottom of the course, riders can park in the field and riders/spectators are asked to be considerate when parking in either location as a large crowd is expected. There will be a collection in the finish field with the proceeds going to the owners nominated charity – please give generously - particularly when you know that Liam Baxter is giving the field to us free of charge.

Walking the course

All riders are welcome to walk the course. Riders are however not permitted to push their bikes up the course and risk disqualification for doing so – this is applicable to all practice/race sessions. Please stay outside the yellow tape if pushing up the course.

Weather

Keep an eye of the weather for Rostrevor HERE!

Getting to Rostrevor

Multimap link for Rostrevor HERE

Travelling to Rostrevor by car:

From Dublin take the M1 northbound for Dundalk. Follow signposts for Newry (A1). From Newry take the A2 dual carriageway to Warrenpoint. From Warrenpoint, follow signposts for Rostrevor (B25). Rostrevor is a five minute drive from Warrenpoint. This journey should take approximately 1 1/2 hours.

From Belfast take the M1 southbound. Leave the M1 at junction 7 (signposted Sprucefield). Follow signposts for Newry (A1) and when in Newry take the A2 dual carriageway to Warrenpoint. From Warrenpoint, follow signposts for Rostrevor (B25). Rostrevor is a five minute drive from Warrenpoint. This journey should take approximately 1 hour.

For directions from other places try the AA route planner for details.

Accommodation

Camping

There is fantastic camping area in KilbroneyPark with good showers and toilets, however it is popular and usually books up quickly. For reservations please contact-

The Park Warden - Tel: 028 417 38134- This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

B&B & Guest Houses

B&B Accommodation can be found at

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

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

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

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

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

The Boathouse Inn, Warrenpoint - 028 4175 2082

Whistledown & Finns, Warrenpoint, - 028 4175 4174

If any further information is needed please feel free to put a post on the forum where we'd be only willing to help with as much information as possible. In the meantime, see you in Rostrevor.