“Carrick Mountain in Wicklow was a new addition to the Enduro series calendar in 2015 and it proved to be a hugely successful event. The 2016 event will again consist of eight rounds across three continents and will include four completely new venues in Chile, Argentina, France and the USA. The event will attract several thousand spectators and dozens of journalists, photographers as well as film crews to Co. Wicklow.
“The event will take place 13-15th May at Carrick mountain in the Wicklow mountains. It is really great news for Wicklow and for all mountain biking enthusiasts in Ireland. Considering the locations of the other rounds of the competition such as volcanic terrain and Patagonian coastline in Chile, the Andes mountains, ski resorts in South America, Colorado, Canada and Europe; one realises that this is a really prestigious event to host and it speaks volumes for both terrain and the character of the location in Wicklow as well as for the mountain biking community and organisations of Wicklow, to be selected two years in a row.
“The 2015 event was an incredible experience for participants and spectators alike. The Wicklow round with it’s spectator–friendly route will likely host a similar number of riders in the 2016 event with a similar route to last year where the best bike riders in the world will complete seven timed technical downhill stages, in a rally style format called ‘Enduro’ and the rider with the fastest combined stage times on the day shall be crowned the winner.
“The sport of enduro has a long history in Ireland, and the race will follow the classic Irish format – single day, plenty of climbing and a high number of shorter stages. It’s a chance for riders and spectators alike to experience at first hand the terrain that marks Wicklow as the perfect Mountain Bike location, with its stunning views, rolling hills and mountain trails, showcased on a world stage.
“This event further emphasises the need to develop a better cycling network in the County. Wicklow is ideal for both greenways cycle based tourism; which is generally flat or undulating and are suitable for beginners, families and all participants and also for mountain biking. I am continuing to seek commitment to develop both the mountain bike trail network and greenway cycle networks around Wicklow.
“Enduro 2016 will provide a huge benefit for County Wicklow from an economic and a tourist perspective. It’s an opportunity to showcase the stunning backdrop of the Wicklow mountains to an international audience as well as an opportunity to recognise the potential and develop a strategy to provide better cycling facilities in the county of Wicklow.”
