The first round of the 2018 Cross-country Mountain Bike National Point Series (NPS) took place on Sunday 29 April at Tollymore Forest Park. Hosted by Dromara Cycling Club this round also doubled up as Round 2 of the Ulster Cross-country (XC) series. The venue has been used on many occasions over the years to host similar events but course designers were still utilising new sections to keep it interesting for…

The weekend 21/22 April 2018 saw Cycling Ulsters off-road riders in action at round two of the British xc series on the iconic World Cup course at Dalby Forest, North Yorkshire. This was a daunting venue for our younger riders who were here for the first time. With its massive climbs and technical rocky descents every one of them did themselves proud with their attitude and how they applied themselves…

The opening round of the 2018 Ulster Cross-country Mountain Bike series took place on Sunday 15 April at Craigavon Lakes and was hosted by Apollo CT. This year the location of the circuit had to be moved, from the traditional home near the Watersports Centre, due to the works starting on the new leisure centre. The race headquarters was based at Tannaghmore Gardens which had car parking, toilets and a…

Round 1 of the HSBC UK Cross-country series took place at Sherwood Pines over the weekend of 24/25 March 2018.  The Cycling Ulster team and other Ulster riders proved without any doubt that our guys and girls are capable of mixing it with the best in the UK.  The Cycling Ulster team consisted of Ben Wilson, Cameron McIntyre, Darcey Harkness, Lee Harvey, Niamh McKiverigan and Thomas Creighton.  They were supported by Simon Curry, Gareth McKee, Nicola McKiverigan…

A return to sunshine and a sense of spring in the air for Round 3 of the Xmtb Spring Series which took place in Ormeau Park in Belfast on Sunday 25 March 2018. Round 2 had been cancelled due to the ‘Beast from the East’ weather front which had moved in. The series was then just held over 2 events.

Cycling Ulster Off Road Commission held a testing session in Tollymore Forest on Saturday 10 March 2018 for riders hoping to make the team for the British Cross-country first round. Team Manger Simon Curry greeted the riders and gave them a brief of what was going to happen over the course of the morning. In terrible conditions all riders showed great skills and ability in the slippy conditions under the…

Ormeau Park in Belfast was bathed in beautiful spring sunshine as riders from across the country gathered to take part in Round 1 of the Xmtb Spring Series.  The host club has been synonymous with these pre-season races for many years.  The set up is a great introduction to youth and senior beginners as well as giving the seasoned riders a good test.  The track used was in the best…

The Cycling Ulster Off-road Commission is now looking for expression of interest from riders who wish to join this team to compete at the British cross-country mountain bike series in 2018.  As per 2017 the team will be made up of a maximum of 4 riders. Age categories are 2nd year Under 16s, Junior and Under 23 (male or female). Eligibility for the team is as follows: The rider must…

Some details of the Ulster Cross-country (XC) dates and the Irish National Point Series (NPS) dates are given below. Shimna Wheelers has agreed to run the Ulster XC Championships at Castlewellan Forest Park – Sunday 19 August 2018. The NPS dates can be found here The National XC Championships will be held by Banbridge Cycling Club at Castlewellan Forest Park on Sunday 22 July 2018.  

The XMTB Spring League returns to Ormeau Park Belfast for its usual 3 Round Series.  This year’s dates are 25th February, 4th March, and 25th March. A perfect warm up for the Ulster Cross Country season ahead but also the perfect venue to try mountain bike racing for the first time. If you have ever fancied trying off road racing then this would be a great opportunity. Races for all…