Wicklow Welcomes Enduro World Series to Ireland

Next May 24th the Worlds best Enduro mountain bikers will descend on Carrick mountain, just outside Wicklow town for round 2 of the Enduro World Series.  The Chain Reaction Cycles Emerald Enduro takes place in the garden of Ireland, the perfect setting with lush rolling mountains and a wide variety of trails including open mountain, deciduous and coniferous forests in Carrick alone.  The Enduro World Series is now entering its third year and is setting the benchmark internationally for elite level competition while also being unique in allowing grass roots racers to compete on the same stage.  The best of Irish riding will be on display with riders enjoying the breathtaking vistas and legendary Irish hospitality.

The Big Hitters - Who's Coming

With 225 of the worlds top riders pre-registered to race, the start list is a veritable who's who of mountain biking.  World Champions abound with the likes of Nico Vouilloz (10x World DH Champ), Anne Caroline Chausson (12x World DH Champ, 2x Dual Slalom World Champ, 2x 4-Cross World Champ), Fabien Barel (2x World DH Champ), Tracey Moseley (2x World DH Champ, 2x Enduro World Champ), Jerome Clementz (2013 Enduro World Champ) and Jared Graves (3x 4-Cross World Champ, 1x Enduro World Champ) lining up.  This is no play ground!

2014 was notable for a horrific injury to one of the sports stars - Fabien Barel. Riding at the opening round in Chile he fractured his back in what should have been a career ending injury and could well have cost him his life.  Barel actually raced on with the injury but decided to seek medical attention for what he thought was a cracked rib.  He had actually fractured his 8th dorsal vertebrae, where the nerves connecting all leg movements are.  Barel spent months on his back recuperating but made a remarkable recovery to make the start line at the final round in Italy. Thrilled to still be riding a bike, albeit with some serious changes to his setup, Barel shocked himself and the world with an incredible win. Several top names from other disciplines are due to line up on race day and we'll bring you details on them closer to the off. Suffice to say that this is a race you do not want to miss!  Here's a teaser though - the flat pedal thunder from down under Sam Hill is rumoured to be racing!

Entries for Dedicated Irish Riders

As a special thanks to the Irish clubs that have supported the Gravity Enduro Ireland Series over the past few years, event organisers Biking.ie have offered one Wild Card entry to each of the 20 clubs.

Let's get to know the Wild Card riders, check out their top tips for visitors to the Emerald Isle and see what their chances are of causing an upset next May!

Essential Information

Carrick mountain is situated outside Wicklow Town in the village of Glenealy. Practice is closed until Friday 22nd, with racing commencing on Sunday 24th of May. Spectators are in for a treat with easily accessible trails and a trade area with team pits in the event village, allowing fans to get up close and personal with their favourite professional riders. There will be lots to see and do, so why not make a weekend of it! 

There are many hotels, hostels, guest houses and self catering options in the area. To view all available options please visit the local tourism website, Visit Wicklow here. Check out our website for a local area map and travel tips.