Team Ireland manager Richard McKeown hails World Championship challenge as 'great learning experience' for young riders
Thirty-eight teams from around the world gathered in Jinín, Czech Republic, for the FIM World JMX Championship, with Team Ireland represented by nine of the country’s top young motocross riders under the guidance of team manager Richard McKeown.
The competition was fierce, with Brendan McAreavey delivering Team Ireland’s standout performance by qualifying 14th in the 65cc class. McAreavey enjoyed top-ten starts in both of his races but was unfortunate to collide with another rider in the opening moto before suffering a slip-off in race two.
Although the remaining Irish riders missed out on reaching the finals in their respective classes, team manager McKeown praised their efforts.
“They all gave their best and, despite not making the cut, it was a great learning experience for the boys,” McKeown said. “I’d like to thank all the sponsors and the Federations for their support in helping make this possible.”
While the results may not have reflected the team’s potential, the experience of competing against the world’s best young motocross riders will undoubtedly benefit Team Ireland’s rising stars in the future.
Meanwhile, round four of the Scottish Motocross Championship took place at Rhynie, Aberdeenshire, with Ulster riders producing a string of impressive performances.
In the MX2 class, Glenoe’s Glenn McCormick, aboard the Chambers KTM, claimed three second-place finishes to secure the runner-up spot overall behind Charley Heyman.
“I was happy with my performance,” said McCormick. “The track was in great condition, but it was heavy and difficult to pass on, especially on the 250 against the 450s.
“I crashed in the opening race while challenging Charley Heyman, and then got caught up in a Turn One pile-up in race two. Although I finished second, Charley had already pulled clear. In the final race I was closest to him, but not close enough to challenge for the win.
“Overall, I’m pleased with second place. Now my focus turns to this weekend’s British Championship at Canada Heights before, hopefully, stepping up to the Chambers KTM 450 for the British round of the World Championship at Foxhill.”
Loughbrickland’s Jack Meara also returned to the podium aboard the Moto-Cycle Yamaha, with fourth, third and fifth-place finishes securing third overall.
“I qualified fourth, which I was happy with after struggling in qualifying this year,” said Meara. “I had a poor start in race one but worked my way through to finish fourth.
“I made a much better start in race two, running second before settling for third. I tried to stay with Glenn, but he had a bit more pace.
“It started to rain before race three and I clipped another rider at Turn Two and crashed. I fought back to fourth but crashed again while trying to pass an MX1 rider, dropping me to fifth. Considering the crashes, I was happy to finish on the podium again.”
Loughbrickland’s Jason Meara narrowly missed out on an MX1 podium finish, taking fourth overall on the Moto-Cycle Yamaha after recording two fourth-place finishes and a third in the final race.
“I had a steady weekend,” Meara said. “The pace was there, but I just didn’t put myself in the right position at the right time, and a few silly mistakes cost me. I’ll keep chipping away, and I’m confident that first race win isn’t far away.”
Ballyclare’s Charley Irwin finished seventh overall on the Discount Beds Honda, with his best result being fifth in race three.
Ballyclare’s Samuel Logan was another rider to stand on the podium, securing second overall in the Youth 250 class with three consistent second-place finishes.
Ross Graham also finished second overall in the Adult C class, while Rory Cultra rounded off another strong showing for the local contingent by taking seventh overall.