Carrick to welcome the Emerald Enduro
WITH an Irish man now topping the table, excitement is set to reach fever pitch ahead of the Emerald Enduro rolling into Wicklow in around ten days times.
Dubliner Greg Callaghan took the lead in the global series with victory in Madeira last weekend and, having won the Emerald Enduro for the past two years, fans are hoping he will maintain his grip on top spot on the slopes of Carrick Mountain, near Glenealy.
The third Emerald Enduro – round four of the Enduro World Series – will take place on Sunday, May 28, and will see the world’s top mountain bikers race over 50km of technical terrain in a rally style format with testing special stages.
2016 was a turning point for Irish Enduro racing with four of the five categories won by Irish riders – an unheralded achievement crowned by Greg Callaghan’s victory.
Event organiser Niall Davis from Biking.ie in Ballinastoe said that last year’s event and the spectators who attended it were truly fantastic.
‘It will be hard to top the amazing weekend we had last year, seeing Greg Callaghan cement his status as one of the world’s best and seeing three other Irish competitors take the top step,’ said Mr Davis.
‘ The crowds helped the riders to fly and the positive feedback from international riders was quite humbling. Irish riding is booming currently and it is great to see so many young riders coming up in all disciplines of the sport!’
In addition to Sunday’s Emerald Enduro, a Challenger event will take place on Saturday, May 27, where riders can dip their toe into the elite level of Enduro by taking on four of the six stages from the full race. Riders from both events will practise on the Friday on stages one to four, with the Emerald Enduro riders practising stages five and six on Saturday while the Challenger event is on.
Four hundred riders will take part in the Emerald Enduro. The event is unique in professional sport as it allows ordinary riders to ride the same race as the pros. The first rider will head off at 8 a.m. with the professionals the last to leave.
A large contingent of Irish riders, both amateur and professional, will take part.
Greg Callaghan was already Ireland’s top professional before his table topping turn in Madeira last weekend while Dan Wolfe had some amazing stage results last year and is on the hunt for a good place.
In the Under 21 category, Greg’s cousin Killian Callaghan has moved into second place overall following a fourth place finish in Madeira, while Leah Maunsell has two victories in 2015 and 2016 to her name.
The enduro weekend will be accompanied by a full race village on Carrick Mountain, featuring a huge expo area, food vendors, exhibitors and the team pit area. Signing sessions will also take place throughout the weekend.
The start/finish and podium are also in this area. However, a short walk along the trails will bring spectators to the bottom of all six stages, making it possible for supporters to get to several different stages during the race and see the riders multiple times.
Admission is free for under 18s with adult admission €5.
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