Downhill National Championships 2024 Round Up
Yesterday, July 21st, saw many of the best Irish downhill riders head to Bree, Co. Wexford and try to get their hands on the coveted National Champion jersey.
Track conditions changed repeatedly across the weekend. Friday track walks saw dry conditions, while Saturday’s practice and seeding runs took to a very wet track. By the time race runs had come on Sunday afternoon the track had again dried significantly, making it a challenge for riders keeping up with the constantly changing conditions.
The track, built by Bree MTB Club, had a mixture of everything for competitors. Fast and flowing near the top, followed by some large features and drops, with some rocky technical terrain for good measure made for a challenging course.
The podium for the Men’s category was filled with UCI Downhill World Cup regulars. YT Mob’s Oisin O’Callaghan grabbed his first Senior National Championship with a time of 1:25.89. He was followed closely by Jacob Dickson of MS Intense Racing at 1:26.20. Christopher Cumming from Continental GT Racing rounded out the podium, crossing the line with a time of 1:30.18. Another World Cup regular and podium hopeful Henry Kerr saw his aspirations fade as he crashed just a few corners from the finish.
Afterwards Oisin O’Callaghan said: “Obviously with it being a tight course, there’s not really much room for error, as I found out yesterday, but really happy to get it done, it feels good.”
The Women’s category saw Leah Maunsell, second last year, claim her second Downhill National title to add to her nine Enduro National Championships. She crossed the line at 1:56.28, followed closely by Hannah Mullin at 1:57.18. Chloe Traynor grabbed the last spot on the podium with a time of 2:02.03.
“It’s my fourth year in a row coming and trying to get that title back, so absolutely over the moon to get it” said Leah Maunsell post race. “Yesterday conditions were so changeable, but I knew today was going to be drier, so I just picked a line and stuck with it for my race run.”
Callum Morris claimed his second National Championship win in a row in the Junior Men. The 17-year-old flew down the course with a time of 1:30.85. Ruairí Steele grabbed second at 1:32.75 and was followed closely by Ben Fitzsimon with 1:33.18.
Speaking afterwards Callum Morris said: “Pretty buzzing with that. It was pretty tight with Ben and Ruairí so it was good racing and just happy to get it done. Really wet at the start of the weekend, but by race runs it was nearly bone dry, so it was pretty good.”
The U14 Boys category saw Diarmuid O Sealbhaigh take the top step with a time of 1:42.17. He was joined on the podium by Ross McGowan and Jamie Harron in second and third place respectively.
Kyle Murray took the title in the U16 Boys, winning with a time of 1:33.96. Bree MTB member Ros O’Keefe came home second at 1:35.19, followed by Michal Michniacki in third at 1:35.91.
The M30 category Steven Smyth narrowly beat out James Macferran. Smyth’s winning time was 1:34.14 with Macferran coming in just 0.64 seconds later. Third in category was taken by Michael Lee at 1:36.52.
Ian Coates ran out winner in the M40 category with a time of 1:38.02. He was followed by Colm Bradley and Dale McMullan at 1:41.56 and 1:45.02 respectively.
The M50 title was taken by Brian Steele coming in at 1:39.67. Hugh Arthur took second spot on the podium with Scott Barkley taking third.
The Women’s Open (Non-Championship) race was won by Roisin McGuinness of New Zealand, with Iris Ihde in second place.
The Men’s Open (Non-Championship) race saw Tommy Magnenat take to the top step of the podium. He was joined by Mikey Cullen in second and Philip Robinson in third.
A full list of times is available here.
Congratulations to all riders who took part across the weekend, and a massive thank you to Bree MTB Club for building a great track and hosting for the weekend. Thank you again to all the volunteers that made the event possible.
Report by Cycling Ireland
