News

Chris Dawson hopes to build on his experience as he targets a strong showing when he represents Ireland at next week’s UEC MTB European Championships.

The Championships, held in Cheile Grădiștei, Romania, take place from May 8th to 12th and will see Dawson compete in both the Men’s Elite Cross-country Short Track and Cross-country Olympic races.

The Belfast rider enjoyed a busy 2023, competing with Ireland at the UCI Cycling World Championships while also representing Team Ireland at the 2023 European Games, incorporating the UEC MTB European Championships in the same event.

After a strong winter of training, Dawson has been in fine form in recent weeks as he picked up three top five finishes at UCI Class 1 events in the lead-up to the 2024 MTB European Championships.

Following a 39th place finish at the championships last year, he’s hoping to channel his growing experience competing at the top level to improve on his performances and take strong result in Romania.

Dawson said, “I’m really excited to be representing Ireland again at the European Championships, this is my second season competing in the Euros – so I’m coming in with some more experience. Training and racing has been going really well, I’ve been hitting power PB’s and this has translated into some strong results with a 5th, 3rd and 2nd at UCI Class 1 events over the past few weeks. I was 39th last year and I’m aiming to improve on that this year, a top 30 would be great to achieve!”

Schedule & Start list

The Men’s Elite Cross-country Short Track (XCC) will see Dawson take part in qualifying on Wednesday, May 8th, as he aims to book a spot on the start grid for the final on Thursday, May 9th.

The Men’s Elite Cross-country Olympic (XCO) race takes place at 4pm local time on Sunday, May 12th.

Start lists will be published HERE.

Live Timing

Live timing from events can be found HERE.