2025 Downhill National Championships
The 2025 National Downhill Championships took place at Ballyhoura in County Limerick over the weekend of 25-27 July hosted by Limerick Mountain Biking Club. This was the first time that these championships have been run in Ballyhoura. Chris O’Callaghan was the Event Director and wanted to replicate an international European style set up that he was well used to. The trail was longer than usual with the riders starting on a purpose built ramp. A new track had been developed using some of the existing trail network but including some new and challenging sections. The majority of the track was out in the open, on the side of the hill which gave spectators a great view of the riders flying down. The lower end of the track dropped the riders into the trees before they burst out into the finish arena.
One of the blind drops
Course walkers
On Friday evening the riders had the opportunity to do a track walk. This was encouraged as there were line choices to consider and some blind drops to negotiate. Riders were then able to camp on site or stay in the local area. The weather was dry with only light winds. The track walkers were graced with a superb view across the valley.
Saturday morning started early with the first uplifts leaving around 8:30 am. Six tractors and trailers were kept busy moving the riders up the hill. They still had a 3 minute push up from the drop off point to the start line. The weather was again dry for most of the day. Saturday morning was for course practice with the riders having to complete at least two full runs. After the break for lunch it was time for the seeding runs with the riders starting in their respective age groups to put in one fast run. Once this was over the riders could then head back to the race village to relax, get something to eat and enjoy the live band – Blue Herring.
Sunday morning was another early start. Another dry day with only a short light shower. We could see large, grey, rain clouds over the valley but thankfully they didn’t come our way. There was more practice available in the morning. Some riders managed to get five runs done before the lunch time break. After lunch it was time for the race runs. First up were the Under 14 boys with 19 in this category. Diarmuid O’Sealbhaigh (Gravity BC) repeated his win from 2024 with Lochlann Steele (Un-Attached Ulster) second and Caleb Ross (Lisburn BMX Club) third.
The Under 16 boys were the largest group of riders for the weekend with 45 lined up at the top of the trail. Kevin Randall (EPIC MTB) went the fastest in this group and was third fastest overall! Michal Michniacki (GAP MTB) improved on his third place in 2024 to finish second in 2025. Herkus Vitas (GAP MTB) was third.
The number of women was down this year compared to 2024. Last year’s winner Leah Maunsell was injured. Leah was on site soaking up the atmosphere, sadly missing out on racing her local track. For 2025 though the well-deserved winner was Under 16 rider Blaithin Sweeny (Limerick Mountain Biking Club). Lilian Tobin (GAP MTB), another Under 16 rider, was second with Hannah Mullin (Gortin MTB) third.
The M50s went off next. Hugh Arthur (Hush MTB) took the win, improving on his second place last year. Ken Kelly (Kildare Mountain Bike Club) was second with Paul McCusker (Borderline DH Club) third.
There was an open, non-championship category which had 12 riders racing. Álvaro Rafael López Silva was the fastest with Tommy Magnenat (Cycleology Racing Team) second and Andy Yoong (Un-Attached Ulster) third.
The M40s saw a return of Colin Ross (Lisburn BMX Club) back racing and back on the top step of the podium. Last year’s winner Ian Coates (Un-Attached Leinster) was second this year with Glyn O’Brien (Un-Attached Ulster) finishing third.
The M30s saw James Macferran (Cycleology Racing Team) take the win, improving on second place in 2024. Dan Sheridan (Un-Attached Leinster) was second with Alex Nowotynski (Rebel MTB) third.
There were 21 riders competing in the Junior men’s category. Fionn O’Neill (EPIC MTB) was fastest in the category, 7th fastest overall. Kyle Murray (GAP MTB) was second with Alex Hickey (Bree Mountain Biking) third.
The final race category of the day was the Senior men. Oisin O’Callaghan (Limerick Mountain Biking Club) had won the event in 2024 and this was his home track so it was expected that Oisin would win again, and he did in a time of 2 minutes 20 seconds. Jacob Dickson (Rostrevor Mountain Bike Club) was second with Jack Crowley (MBCC) third.
Oisin heading off last
The podium presentation was then held in the race village. Craig Elliott was on the microphone. The jerseys and medals were handed out by Cycling Ireland’s Chief Executive Officer James Quilligan. Galvin Donegans LLP Legal services Cork had sponsored a €500 for the fastest time of the day which went to Oisin O’Callaghan.
The drop from underneath
This was an excellent national championships on a course worthy of a championship. A huge thanks to Chris O’Callaghan, Darragh Sweeney and all from Limerick Mountain Biking Club as well as all the other volunteers and supports for making this event happen. Riders had been able to purchase a commemorative t-shirt for the event with all the names of the riders printed on it. A special thanks to the timekeepers and all the riders for keeping the event running on time. Thanks to the paramedic and first aid crew for patching up the riders. There weren’t too many serious injuries thankfully. The next downhill race will be in Bree on 23-24 August 2025 hosted by Bree MTB.
Commissaire: Martin Grimley
Results here
Report by Martin Grimley
Photos
Eightynine.media – here
