Tom Pidcock, then world champion, battles freezing cold conditions during the first edition of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Dublin in 2022 (Photo: Twila Federica Muzzi-Red Bull)

By Shane Stokes

Sport Ireland has confirmed the news broken by stickybottle last week that the Dublin round of the prestigious cyclocross World Cup will not continue, citing the significant costs and the need to support a range of sports as factors in the decision.

The third edition of the Dublin World Cup was run off in December, with Michael Vanthourenhout (Pauwels Sauzen – Bingoal) taking the men’s race and Lucinda Brand (Baloise Trek Lions) best in the women’s.

Both would go on to win the World Cup overall.

The Dublin race was the second round out of the series and their victories gave them valuable momentum as the season started to heat up.

They enjoyed Dublin but won’t get the opportunity to compete there again anytime soon.

“Sport Ireland is proud to have hosted three successful editions of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup at the Sport Ireland Campus,” the governing body said in a statement to Sticky Bottle. “The most recent event showcased world-class talent and attracted thousands of cycling enthusiasts.

“The Sport Ireland Campus, a 500-acre world-class facility, has become a hub for high-performance sports in Ireland. 

“In addition to the UCI Cyclocross World Cup, we have had the privilege of hosting several major international events in recent years, including the European Cross-Country Championships, Northern European Gymnastics Championships and Men’s EuroHockey Championship II.”

It said that spread of events was crucial to its mission, something which will be a factor in the decision to change focus after three years.

“At Sport Ireland we are dedicated to supporting a wide range of sports and fostering the growth of emerging disciplines, ensuring that our world-class facilities benefit athletes and spectators across various sporting domains,” it continued.

“Our commitment to hosting diverse, high-calibre events aligns with the Government’s Major International Sports Events Policy and Strategy Framework.”

GLOWING PRAISE FOR COURSE FROM EUROPEAN CHAMPION NYS:

A wide number of riders expressed appreciation for the Dublin experience, including the nature of the course itself. These included up and coming star Thibau Nys (Baloise Trek Lions), who would withdraw following a crash but took third in the recent world championships.

“I really like it, to be honest,” Nys told Stickybottle before the start.

“This is like a cyclo cross course should be. It’s wide, the weather is all depending on how the race will evolve and how how hard it is. How difficult the technical parts are. That’s it.

“It is nice. If you can combine this in a season with some races in the sand and some races in the forest and some hilly courses, then then you have the perfect calendar.”

While the riders were keen on what they experienced in Dublin, spectator numbers were down this time around compared to the first two years.

That turnout isn’t cited as a factor but is almost certainly part of the decision. So too the expense of hosting major competitions.

“There is a significant subsidy cost associated with hosting any event, and Sport Ireland must carefully consider a diverse range of sporting opportunities to maximise the return on public investment,” the governing body said.

“We will continue to evaluate and pursue opportunities that develop sport, showcase the Campus, inspire future generations of athletes, and elevate Ireland’s standing on the global stage.”