Home to last year's National Champs round, series organisers Biking.ie's HQ and some of the sweetest trails on the east coast, Ballinastoe is the obvious choice to host the opening round.
The event sold out well in advance of the closing date with strong representation and serious talent in all the classes, promising hotly contested competition come race day. Local representation is understandably strong with good entry numbers from the clubs based in the greater Dublin and Wicklow areas but so too there are strong numbers entering from clubs and teams across the country.
New for this year is a check out free timing system, snazzy black number plates, custom made Gravity Enduro Ireland Jerseys and a cool Erdinger Non Alcoholic beer at the finish as well!
That beer will doubtless be appreciated by the 350 competitors who come Sunday will have covered over 25km of Ballinastoe's trails and battled 5 special stages - Not counting practise!
Trails will feature both hardpack and most likely, given the inclement weather of the past few weeks, muddy natural sections, so doubtless, tyre choice and set up will figure strongly in competitors preparations. Whatever the weather, the event promises 2 days great biking, close racing and great fun.
