Irish XCO NPS Rd 4

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May 17, 2007, 5:58:11 AM5/17/07

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Irish MTB XCO NPS Round 4

Superb New Venue For NPS

This Sunday, 20th May, the fourth round of the Irish Mountain Bike Cross Country National Points Series takes place at the exciting new venue of Magheramorne Quarry near Larne in County Antrim. The promoting Club, Madigan, are no strangers to mountain biking, having run Ulster League races at Woodburn Forest near Carrickfergus for a number of years as well as organising annual cyclo cross events. This year, in agreement and with support from Lafarge (the owners of the land), the event will take place on part of the former cement works and quarry site at Magheramorne.

This new venue holds great promise for mtb in the future, the area is currently subject to a major planning application which would see it transformed into a unique leisure attraction including a world-class mountain biking centre. Madigan Cycling Club's off-road secretary Bill Mackness explains the choice of location for the event: "We normally run this event in local forests which, if we have bad weather, can be muddy and unpredictable. We approached Lafarge for two reasons – one, because we knew their plans for Magheramorne include a major mountain biking showcase centre; and two, because we thought the terrain would be advantageous. With its limestone base it has good drainage and is therefore much less boggy than the forest locations. "We were delighted when, following extensive safety checks, Lafarge agreed to loan us a section of the site for this event. We are looking forward to an exciting day of races and to seeing some impressive mountain biking skills on display."

With regard to the course for Sunday's race Bill continued; "Riders should really enjoy the set up, the course includes a bridge crossing, a tunnel, a lake splash and plenty of single track. Facilities at the venue are great, we will be using the Blue Circle Sailing Club as the race HQ, and this includes access to changing rooms and showers."

Lafarge Cement's Rating and Regeneration Manager Lloyd McInally is based in England and is himself a committed mtb rider. Lloyd plans to fly over at the weekend and take part in the event. Lloyd expressed Lafarge's delight in being able to help Madigan; "With our plans for Magheramorne including a major focus on mountain biking, this seemed like a perfect opportunity to try part of the site out with some really talented cyclists. Despite not having an operation here, supporting these Irish Championships offered us another way in which we could continue to support the local community. I am really looking forward to today's events and to seeing mountain biking demonstrated at its best."

This years Irish NPS has produced superb racing at every round from the U-8 to the 'oldies' of the Vets class. A good entry and great racing will greatly help with the development of Magheramorne as top class mtb facility, hoefully for both XCO and DH, the ultimate aim being to run a major international event at the venue. As well as support from Lafarge, the event is being sponsored by Larne Borough Council, BHB Safety Specialists and Chain Reaction Cycles.

The plans for Magheramorne which are currently being considered by the Northern Ireland Office Planning Service will make the site rank in the Province's top tourist attractions. They include: Adventure sports – mountain biking and scuba diving in the quarry. A harbour village which would be at the forefront of 'green living'. A mix of ecology areas, film studios, an events area and a family cycling circuit on the peninsula. A working heritage railway and museum.

Sign on will be in the Blue Circle Boat Club which is accessed by turning immediately left after entering the site. The race programme will be as per Irish NPS:

11.30am: U-8/U-10/U-12

12noon: U-16/Sports/U-14

1.30pm: Elite Men/Juniors+Elite Women/Experts/Masters/Vets.

For more information about the cyclists/event please contact Bill Mackness on 0787 2910832

From Belfast take the M2 then unto the M3 follow signs for Carrickfergus. Through Carrickfergus take the A2 signs for Larne. Magheramorne is about 8 miles from Kilroot Power Station on the edge of Carrickfergus.

From Larne take the A2 signs for Carrickfergus driving through Glynn, Magheramorne is 2 miles from Glynn.