Unfortunately due to the spread of the tree disease P. ramorum the Cross country nationals which were slated for Tollymore forest have had to be cancelled.  No alternative venue was open to the organisers Banbridge CC due to the sudden and virulent spread of the disease and as such they were faced with no option than to release the race back to Cycling Ireland.

Clubs are now invited to submit applications to host the cross country nationals to the Off Road Commission of Cycling Ireland at offroad.commission@gmail.com.

Whilst the disease has not yet actually affected Tollymore, the threat was too great to go ahead with the race.  The nearby downhill venue of Moneyscalp has had to be clear felled in an attempt to avoid the disease affecting Tollymore.  Riders are asked to keep away from both venues as they could help in the spread of the disease by riding there.  Hopefully the spread can be contained and won’t affect more forests.