On the fierce cold morning which was Saturday November 6^th, one of ireland's premier mountainbiking club's, the IMBRC (Irish mountain bike racing club) held the final round of the Marzocchi suspension extreme downhill league. Often compared to supercross motorbiking without the engines, downhill riding takes cyclists to the absolute limit as they attempt to hold onto their iron steed's as they slip and slide down steep, muddy, rock strewn forest tracks. The racing is fast and furious with spectacular crash after crash and most of all, it's can be the most fun you can ever have with your clothes on. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush and can't get to a rollercoaster, I suggest you take your bicycle up to one of these races and give racing a go.

Alongside the excitingly competitive national league, the IMBRC ran a Leinster series, which also attracted all the Irish stars of the sport. Nearly 200 of the nations fastest riders battled closely against eachother over the 6 rounds. They were obviously a committed bunch as the elements were miraculously harsh for each event, with storm gale wind, heavy rain and yes, even snow trying to put an end to the riders fun. However, luckily this never happened, as this series brought out a fun and relaxed atmosphere among all those competitors who normally fight it out as enemies on the national scene.

The series truly came to a head in the final round with young Cork rider and Irish team member Rory (Langer) O'Keefe (Team Planet-X), taking the series win from second placed Australian rider, John Jordan (IMBRC-I.T.Tallaght) who finished ahead of one of Leinster's finest party animals and downhillers Leo Quigley (Team MITCH.). For the underage category (under 16), their racing is just as important as the seniors. They are the future of the sport in Ireland and boy are they quick. With 6 out of 6 wins, the young Dublin rider Raging Ross Rossengrave showed his colours and earned the series win. Rossengrave bullied young Raleigh star Jamie Popham (Raleigh Ireland) into second place, but Jamie now at only 14 years of age has plenty of time to take the top spot of the podium and he will! All in all the downhill mob are a strange mix of athlete and party goer, which will be observed by the post and sometime pre race antics of this sociable bunch. Note that all are welcome at these races and to the celebrations and prize givings that follow.

But if this all seems interesting to you and seems like it could be a sport you would like to try, you still have one last chance this millennium. As the final race of the year will be taking place on Monday, December 27^th. The Cycle Inn bicycle shop/IMBRC dual downhill challenge. The dual meaning two riders racing at once. This inturn means double the fun for competitors, double the amusement for spectators and more that double the number of crashes - guaranteed! And to top all of this off the event will be FANCY DRESS COMPULSORY, with a fine being imposed on anybody who forgets to dress up. All money the IMBRC earns through fines will be given to an Irish charity. To witness some of this argy bargy shoulder to shoulder racing action, mark the date into your calendars now and make your way up the Dublin mountains.

The race is being held on Butter Mountain, Brittas, Co.Dublin and begining at 1pm on the 27^th. Come round and see how Ireland earned a very impressive 12^th place in the 1999 world championships. For details call the Cycle Inn bicycle shop (The home of the Irish Mountain Bike Racing Club) on (01) 451-9202.