Red Bull Foxhunt returns in October 2013!

Red Bull Foxhunt is back and it’s bigger and better than ever! Once again, downhill mountain-biking legend, multiple World Cup winner & current favourite for the 2013 title, Gee Atherton, can hear the baying of the hounds as he returns to Northern Ireland this October for the innovative downhill-pursuit challenge where the hunters become the hunted!

Turning the traditional and somewhat controversial past-time of foxhunting on its head, this time the ‘The Fox', Gee Atherton, is in pursuit of the Hounds, 400 local bikers all competing in this fast-paced cross-country, downhill mountain bike chase.

This year, the event will take place in the picturesque surroundings of the Mourne Mountains in Rostrevor, County Down on the new tracks at Kilbroney Park. The chase will begin on top of Slieve Martin, where competitors can take in the beauty of the Newry and Mourne Scenery before descending through sections of trail, moorland and forest to the sprint finish.

Set over a challenging course, combining sections of existing downhill track with additional mountain and multi-terrain sections, this epic course is not for the faint of heart and is guaranteed to give both Gee Atherton and the massed hunters a seriously tough challenge!

Newry and Mourne District Mayor, Cllr Michael Ruane said, “What a coup for Newry and Mourne. It’s wonderful that Red Bull have decided to bring such an exciting event to Kilbroney showcasing the area on world-wide platforms. Not only do we have the most picturesque and challenging world-class mountain biking trails – hailed by many as the best in Ireland – but now we have a world class athlete competing on them. Combined with the fact that riders both from all over UK and Ireland as well as some international guests have the chance to experience the trails and take part alongside Gee, it doesn’t get much better than that!”

Red Bull Foxhunt will take place over 2 days, with qualifier time-trials taking place on the 5th and the event proper on Sunday 6th of October.

The event will be open to downhillers from all over the UK and Ireland and will once again have a mass-start format. If you would like to compete in Red Bull Foxhunt event this year go to www.redbull.ie to register.

Further event details will be released over the coming weeks.

For further event details go to www.redbull.ie or check out Gee Atherton chasing the pack at the last event on Cavehill -

Follow Red Bull Ireland on Twitter @RedBullIre #RBFoxhunt and Facebook on Facebook.com/RedBull