This past weekend the internationalization of the World Cup continued, with Ireland hosting a stop for the first time in the hitsory of the series. The race was held at the Sport Ireland campus close to Dublin. The course took full advantage of what was on offer on the mostly-flat grounds, but to be sure it was given a big assist from Mother Nature. Had the conditons been fast and dry I suspect we would be hearing some criticism of the course, especially of the end near the start/finish and the pits. Even with the slippery and treacherous mud, the course was fast, particularly evidenced by the pack racing and quick lap times in the Elite Men’s field.
The organizers reported a crowd of 8,000. It certainly felt and sounded like it. The fans were enthusiastic and supportive of all the riders. And in keeping with the island’s reputation the heckling was literate and quite funny. Overall it was a whale of a time. And unlike a few races I won’t name that made the World Cup calendar in the recent years I’m very much hoping this one will return.
Ethan with the incredible snaps again.