European Masters Update 08/12/2010

Cycling Ireland were awarded the 2011 UEC Masters downhill and cross-country championships, the location selected being Shronaboy approximately 6 kilometres from Killarney. Planning permission was sought and obtained for a purpose built downhill trail. An application for grant aid to build the facility will not be heard until early 2011, as a consequence it will not be possible to have a downhill trail in place for the 2011 championships. In addition the prevailing economic situation makes it highly unlikely that funding for the running of the championships will be forthcoming, particularly from government sources.

The UEC have been informed and alternative hosts for both the downhill and XC championships are being sought. While it was possible to run the XC discipline as a stand-alone event Cycling Ireland felt that keeping the two championships together presented a more viable option to potential hosts.

Cycling Ireland continue to work on successful completion of the Shronaboy downhill trail and are grateful for the continued support from Kerry CC, South Kerry Partnership, Failte Ireland, and landowners Con and Eileen O'Donoghue. It is envisaged that, assuming the grant application is successful, that the Shronaboy downhill trail will be completed by autumn 2011.

Cycling Ireland are deeply disappointed that it is not in a position to honour the awarding of the 2011 UEC championships to it but look forward to welcoming participants to the 2014 elite marathon XC championships and the 2015 masters downhill and XC championships.