Cyclo-cross World Cup to be hosted at Sport Ireland Campus
Sport Ireland and Cycling Ireland are partnering to host a leg of the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup next month, with thousands of cycling fans watching some of the best riders in the world compete on the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin.
Cyclo-cross (also known as CX) is one of the most exciting and fast-paced disciplines in all of cycling and this round of official World Cup races will come to the capital on Sunday, December 1st.
Dr Úna May, CEO of Sport Ireland, said: “The return of UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup Dublin reflects the demand for events of this scale in Ireland and the huge response from both Irish and international fans over its past two editions. This includes the large TV viewing figures across Europe, as well as the thousands who flocked to the Sport Ireland Campus.
“We look forward to working with our partners Cycling Ireland, the UCI, and Flanders Classics to host an event for all the family that’ll inspire future generations of cyclists and sportspeople across the country. It also allows us to showcase the world-class facilities of the Sport Ireland Campus and the potential to host similar scale events in line with the Government’s Major International Sports Events Policy and Strategy Framework.”
In December 2022, 8,000 fans descended on the Sport Ireland Campus to witness Ireland’s first-ever Cyclo-cross World Cup event, and last year this expanded to showcase World Cup men’s and women’s racing for all categories – elites, U23s and juniors. Cycling remains one of the most popular sports in Ireland according to the Irish Sports Monitor (ISM).
All categories will again be in action in 2024, including a programme for domestic racing on the Saturday, which has increased from last year with the addition of a specially-designed skillzone course for youth riders. The fanzone is now closer to the track than ever before which, together with large screens, will provide increased viewing for spectators.
The world-class field will compete on a 3,500m purpose-built course at the Sport Ireland Campus in Blanchardstown, a sporting facility of over 500 acres home to many of Ireland’s leading high-performance sport programmes, facilities and events.
Cycling Ireland CEO James Quilligan said: “We’re delighted to welcome the UCI Cyclo-cross World Cup back to the Sport Ireland Campus for a third year. The past two years were very successful and attracted large crowds, so we are looking forward to the same again this year. From the world-class racing, the fanzone and the participation and skills zones there will be something for all the family.
“The event creates a brilliant atmosphere on the campus and is a rare and great opportunity for Irish riders to complete on home soil. We are looking forward to seeing plenty of Irish jerseys going around the course.
“We are delighted to host domestic racing on Saturday, 30th of November, giving some youth riders and masters riders a chance to ride around the World Cup track. It’s set to be a great weekend and we’re very much looking forward to it.”
Cyclo-cross - likened to cross-country running on wheels - combines many of the skills used in standard road and mountain biking with an added emphasis being placed on bike handling skills as the riders navigate often bumpy and muddy terrain, with competitors having to carry their bikes over some sections. The first Cyclo-cross World Championships were held in 1950.
UCI Cyclo-cross Information:
Where: Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Co Dublin
When: Domestic races on Saturday, 30th of November 2024
World Cup races on Sunday, 1st of December 2024
Tickets: Saturday is free for all / €20 per person for Sunday, children go free
Link - https://dublin24.tickets.ucicyclocrossworldcup.com/selection
Parking:
- Parking is available at the M3 Parkway. A shuttle service will take you to and from the course.
- Parking for people with health conditions or impairments is available on Campus.
Key Points:
- Organisers have worked hard to make the shuttle service run smoothly, and the announcer will be audible throughout the entire course.
- Cycling Ireland will host a participation and a skills zone for youth riders to take part and enjoy the cyclo-cross experience in a safe and enjoyable environment.
- The fanzone will include excellent viewing of the course, including big screens.
- This will be a family-friendly event, with something for everyone.
Timetable for the World Cup:
- 09:00 - Men Under 19
- 10:00 - Women Under 19
- 11:30 - Men Under 23
- 13:10 - Women Elite
- 14:40 - Men Elite
Information on the course:
- Purpose-built course around the Sport Ireland Campus.
- The riders will face a tough course where the course designers are making maximum use of the available gradient.
- Due to the adjustments, the riders will have a longer straight line after the start towards the first corner in the field.
- The planks have also been placed uphill, increasing the challenge for the riders.
- As a result of these changes, both the pit area and the sand have been relocated.
- The second part of the course remains almost unchanged, with the often decisive hills between the rugby fields.
- Overall, the course is now more compact and spectator-friendly. There are many interesting obstacles around the fan zone, where spectators can again enjoy the race this year with food and drinks offerings under the public marquee, a big screen and a new partner zone.
Links and Additional Information:
2023 Results: