Now we all know this was a sham from the start.Well the more experienced of us did. I remember speaking to people when I heard about it happening and being incredulous. Its never well attended in other Countries and the risk would be very high as the cost would outweigh the participation.
There are some very experienced riders in Ireland, who have participated in the Olympics and World Champs and World cups and who are what I call " named riders " , thats riders who have built a reputation on the Domestic and International stage.
None of them were consulted. At the XC end at least.
Now if you have an Athlete who has represented the Country solidly for 20 years, wouldn't you consult him ?
Anyway..
This year EPICmtb were behind 2 events that were unprecedented in their Success.
The XC Nationals
and
The EPIC Blast.
The key to all of these events was the people involved. They were all inspired, dedicated , passionate individuals who wanted to showcase what Irish riders and organisers can do.
We had massive help from people from other clubs that wanted to see both these events succeed.
the Blast has put Irish Mountainbiking up there with the Mega Avalanche and the Red Bull Rampage.
it was the creation of EPICmtb. Not Cycling Ireland or anybody else..100% by a lot of people who up until 3 or 4 years ago had never heard of Mountainbiking or Richie Byrne !
Cycling Ireland failed us with the cancellation of the European Champs. It happens but if i'd been in charge you know it wouldn't have.
Because i wouldn't have been afraid to ask for help and advice .The Country appears to be in a bad way but we still have our will to succeed.
This is just another example of paddyism..
"Ah feck it , Hans and Pierre, I can't do it..you'll have to get somebody else to do it instead !"
We're the laughing stock of Europe and this is how they see us but i'll be f*cked if I won't rest till I change that ! I did offer to run the Euros with massive help but unfortunatley i was too late. it took me a day and a half to get a Venue and round up organisers and a few major Sponsors..I'll try and be quicker next time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmJSrVNKnr0
There are some very experienced riders in Ireland, who have participated in the Olympics and World Champs and World cups and who are what I call " named riders " , thats riders who have built a reputation on the Domestic and International stage.
None of them were consulted. At the XC end at least.
Now if you have an Athlete who has represented the Country solidly for 20 years, wouldn't you consult him ?
Anyway..
This year EPICmtb were behind 2 events that were unprecedented in their Success.
The XC Nationals
and
The EPIC Blast.
The key to all of these events was the people involved. They were all inspired, dedicated , passionate individuals who wanted to showcase what Irish riders and organisers can do.
We had massive help from people from other clubs that wanted to see both these events succeed.
the Blast has put Irish Mountainbiking up there with the Mega Avalanche and the Red Bull Rampage.
it was the creation of EPICmtb. Not Cycling Ireland or anybody else..100% by a lot of people who up until 3 or 4 years ago had never heard of Mountainbiking or Richie Byrne !
Cycling Ireland failed us with the cancellation of the European Champs. It happens but if i'd been in charge you know it wouldn't have.
Because i wouldn't have been afraid to ask for help and advice .The Country appears to be in a bad way but we still have our will to succeed.
This is just another example of paddyism..
"Ah feck it , Hans and Pierre, I can't do it..you'll have to get somebody else to do it instead !"
We're the laughing stock of Europe and this is how they see us but i'll be f*cked if I won't rest till I change that ! I did offer to run the Euros with massive help but unfortunatley i was too late. it took me a day and a half to get a Venue and round up organisers and a few major Sponsors..I'll try and be quicker next time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmJSrVNKnr0