2023 Cross-Country National Series Launch
Excitement is building ahead of the 2023 Cross-Country (XC) National Series, featuring five action-packed rounds beginning in Co. Dublin on May 7th.
Raced over a mix of fire road, singletrack, and some mountain sections, the high-octane discipline demands the perfect mix of physical fitness and technical skills.
Taking place over short circuits, the discipline also offers a great experience to fans getting up close and personal to the action.
After a successful 2022 edition of the XC National Series, fans are looking forward to five rounds in 2023 as Epic MTB hosts the opening round in Leadmines, Dublin on May 7th.
A Dublin favourite, the fast flowing single track is suited to the true cross-country specialist with tight corners and technical climbs in a stern test for the opening round.
Just two weeks later, Fermoy CC in Co. Cork will host the second round on May 21st. This course is suitable for riders of all levels and includes wide open sections and the more challenging singular tracks.
We stay in Munster for the third round on June 4th as Killarney CC play host in Fossa, Co. Kerry. Taking place in the unique and beautiful woodland areas around Killarney, the tight and twisty single track sections will challenge all riders.
The penultimate round brings the series back to Leinster as Team WORC host round four in Co. Wicklow on June 18th. Designed by Master XC World Champion and former Olympian Robin Seymour, this venue set in the beautiful Wicklow hills is sure to delight and surprise all.
Bree MTB will host the final round in Co. Wexford on July 2nd, with long climbs and even longer flowing descents, Bree is guaranteed to be an enjoyable but stern test for riders.
The National Series categories range from U8-U16 as well as junior and senior. Information on point scoring and categories can be found here.
For those new to the discipline, senior categories S3 for women and S4 for men are raced at a level suitable for beginners.
Cycling Ireland Off-road Commission Cross Country Coordinator Caroline Martinez said:
"It's great to be back again in 2023 for another NPS series full to the brim! This would not happen without the local clubs hosting each round and the volunteers who spend a lot of their spare time maintaining and perfecting the trails we all love to ride. Whether you are new to the sport of a seasoned racer, the series will give you all the thrills, fun and start line excitement we all crave."
Entries for Round One close on Friday, May 5th, at 8 pm.
More information on the Cross-Country National Series can be found here.
2023 Cross-County National Series
Round 1: Leadmines, Dublin – May 7th - Enter here
Round 2: Fermoy, Cork – May 21st
Round 3: Fossa, Kerry – June 4th
Round 4: Wicklow – June 18th
Round 5: Bree Hill, Wexford – July 2nd