The Irish cyclocross scene both north and south of the border has seen phenomenal growth in recent years and it takes another huge step forward this coming season with it’s inaugural UCI race, the Bioracer – Atlassian International Cyclocross, promoted by Kinning Cycles, taking place in Belfast on Sunday October 7th. The event is also supported by co-sponsors McKinley Contracts.
The event, a UCI C2 graded race, is the first of its kind ever to take place in Ireland and will see witness to international riders from the USA, Italy and France so far as well as the best riders on the Irish domestic circuit.
The Bioracer – Atlassian International Cyclocross boasts one of the highest prize funds for any single day bike race in Ireland, with almost 4,000 euro spread across the UCI events. Women will receive equal prize money to men.
With valuable UCI points up for grabs in the Junior, Women’s and Men’s elite events, the racing is sure to be exciting. The course in Mallusk, just outside Belfast has been used for previous Ulster Championships and is a mixture of fast straights, cambers and road sections to provide a diverse range of conditions for riders.
The event was born out of a conversation between Glenn Kinning and Cycling Ireland Cyclocross Coordinator Andy Layhe earlier this year. Layhe said, “Driving to the last World Championships, myself and Glenn saw no reason why we couldn’t organise a bigger event back home because it seemed like a natural progression alongside the huge growth of the sport here.” Layhe added, “I take my hat off to Glenn for organising so many events through the season alongside his own racing – if it were not for committed people like Glenn the scene wouldn’t be where it is today.”
Peter Van den Abeele, UCI Head of Off-Road and Deputy Sports Director echoed the progression of Irish Cyclocross that saw the largest ever team take part in last season’s world championships, “It is great to have a UCI cyclocross event taking place in Ireland for the first time. I thank Glenn Kinning – athlete, coach and event organiser – and his team for taking on the challenge of hosting an international event. This addition to the UCI International Calendar is in line with the continued globalisation of the cyclocross discipline, which is reaching an ever-increasing number of countries outside the traditional cyclocross nations. I have no doubt that the BioRacer Atlassian International Cyclocross will delight the spectators and provide a magnificent showcase for our sport. I wish everyone racing in Mallusk, Belfast, the best of luck.”
The full day’s race schedule is yet to be finalised, but will include a series of supporting events including U14, U16, B race, M40 and M50 events prior to the official UCI races.
The organisers would also like to thank the passionate cyclocross community who have assisted in donating to a Crowdfunding page that was set up to help raise funds for the event. The £1,000 fund target was met in just 7 days. Details of the crowdfunding page can be found here:
https://www.gofundme.com/international-cyclocross-race-irlThe organisers look forward to welcoming everyone to the event which is hoped will generate a great atmosphere and some really exciting racing.
A dedicated web page for the event will be live soon. If you or your company would like to be involved or require more information please email info@kinningcycles.com
