The Irish Mountain bike Cross Country Championships will be hosted by Dromara Cycling Club at Dunmore Mountain near Spa, Ballynahinch on Saturday 18 July 2009. This is the first year that Dromara CC have proudly held these prestigious championships but it is the third time that the club have used the Dunmore course. Special thanks to the landowner, Mr Wightman, for continuing to support this sport by allowing this race to take place. The course will be very similar to the one used in the Ulster Championships in September 2008 . The senior course is approximately 3 miles and winds its way up and over both peaks of Dunmore mountain. From the top of the mountain there are magnificent views of much of County Down and as far as the Isle of Man. The club are proud to have Belfast cycle shop, Bikedock, as their main sponsor for the event. More details about the race are given below. Please note that this site is private land and as such will not be available for use before or after the event day.
Programme and schedule of competitions:
On Saturday the course will be open for official practice from 9:30 am, with registration open from 9.30-12.00.
The race programme is as follows:
| Start time | Category | Laps |
| 11:00 | Under 8s | 3 (mini course) |
| 11:15 | Under 10s | 6 (mini course) |
| 11:30 | Under 12s | 3 (main field) |
| Start time | Category | Laps |
| 12:00 | Under 16s | 2 or 3 (main course) |
| 12:01 | Sports men & women | 2 or 3 (main course) |
| 12:02 | Under 14s | 3 (half course) |
13:30 Prize giving for under 8s, 10s, 12s, 14s, 16s and Sports Men & Women
| Start time | Category | Laps |
| 13:45 | Elite Men | 7 (full course) |
| 13:46 | Elite Women & Juniors | 5 (full course) |
| 13:47 | Experts (18+) | 4 or 5 (full course) |
| 13:48 | Masters (30-40) | 4 or 5 (full course) |
| 13:49 | Vets (40+) | 3 or 4 (full course) |
16:15 Prize giving for Elites, Juniors, Experts, Masters and Vets
NOTE: Number of laps may change on the day depending on the condition of the course.
NOTE: If this is your first time entering a cross-country mountain bike race please note that there will be club members on hand on the day to give you any advice you might need about the event. If you want more information as to which category to enter then please email Martin Grimley, Assistant Club Secretary of Dromara Cycling Club.
Fees
| Category | Online Entry | Entry fee on the day |
| Elite Men, Elite Women, Experts, Masters, Vets | £15 | £20 / €20 |
| Sports Men, Sports Women | £12 | £15 / €15 |
| Juniors | £10 | £15 / €15 |
| Under 16, Under 14, Under 12 | £5 | £5 / €5 |
| Under 10, Under 8 | £3 | £3 / €3 |
Pre-entry
NOTE: Pre-entry is now closed. You can enter on the day. Sign on opens at 9:30 am.
Refreshments:
Free tea, coffee, water and snacks will be
available from 13.00 onwards.
Hot food stall on site.
Car Parking:
On site
Toilets:
Portaloos will be provided at the event car
park.
Ladies changing facilities:
A large tent will be available on site for ladies changing.
Race Licences:
All competitors are required to produce
their Cycling Ireland licence in order to receive their race number.
Day
licenses will be available to purchase on race day, the cost of a day licence
will be £18 (€20) for non-CI members and £10 (€10) for CI members. More information on
race licences can be found here.
Click here for more details
Report from 2008 Ulster MTB Championships held at Dunmore
Click here
