Cycling Ireland MTB News
Irish MTB XC NPS Round 3
Ulster MTB XC Round 1
Magheramourne, Larne

Round three of the Irish Mountain Bike Cross Country NPS takes place this Sunday 25th May, at Magheramorne Quarry near Larne in County Antrim, promote by Team Madigan.  This vast expanse, owned by the Lafarge Company, formerly the Blue Circle Cement Works, was first used last year for a round of the NPS.  The venue may not be what is classed as ‘normal’ mtb terrain, no forest etc, however the course features a number of technical challenges.

Last years event proved a great success for the promoting Club as they moved away from their ancestral mtb home, Woodburn Reservoir Forest.  Once over the culture shock of an mtb race not in a forest, the majority of those that competed last year thoroughly enjoyed the course which provided for fast racing in the ultra dry conditions.  Sign on for the race opens at 10am and will be located in the Blue Circle Sports and Social Club.  The course for Sunday’s event will be similar to last year.  Under 8 and Under 10 riders will have their own mini course while Under 12 competitors will have a mini loop of the main course. All other classes will use the main course.

Race timetable:

U8/U/10/U12 
 11.30am
U-16
 12.15pm
SPORT MEN/WOMEN
 12.16pm
U-14 
 12.17pm
ELITE MEN
 1.30pm
ELITE WOMEN
 1.31pm
JUNIORS
 1.31pm
EXPERTS
 1.32pm
MASTERS
 1.33pm
VETS
 1.34pm


All those attending the event are asked to respect the following safety arrangements.
  • No vehicles will be allowed onto the Quarry site.
  • There will be no spectator access to the Quarry face side of the road.

Riders are reminded that they should ride in their age related class.  Exceptions are the ‘open’ Elite and Sports Classes.  The Experts Class, while also an ‘open’ class, was introduced to provide a stepping stone from Sports to Elite level.

Directions:
From Belfast and the South-

Follow signs for M2 North/Carrickfergus
On M2 keep right and join M5
Roundabout at end of M5-Take exit A2 Carrickfergus/Whiteabbey
Proceed through Carrickfergus on A2 following signs for Larne.
Remain on A2 passing through Eden and Whitehead
The venue is located south of Larne on right side of road.

Further details from Bill Mackness:
Tel: 07872910832
Email: william.mackness@btinternet.com










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