Kerr 9th in the Downhill World Championships
Ireland's Henry Kerr produced a top 10 finish in the Downhill World Championships in Les Gets, France, the best finish by an Irish rider in at an elite Downhill World Championships. Kerr's brilliant run timed at 3:25.363 was enough to secure him 9th place in the final, some 4 seconds down on the World Champion, Loic Bruni's (France) time.
Kerr didn't have the easiest time leading into the World Championships having heard the news that his previous coach had passed away just days before the World Championships.
Kerr said:
"It’s honestly hard to say in words how I feel after this one. This one meant a lot more to me than just the result.
"The week was a super tough one for me having received the devastating news at the start of the week that my old coach Rab Wardell had passed away completely unexpectedly.
"So with all my bad luck this season this result couldn’t have come at a better time for me and means the world. Sitting up on the podium with Ronan was an insane feeling seeing so much green taking over. I couldn’t thank everyone enough for all their kind messages and support and I have been absolutely blown away by it all.
"Now it has all sunk in a bit and reflecting on my run, I find it just as eye opening as frustrating to think I was only 1.5s off a podium position. However, I finally feel like I have done everyone who supports me proud and proved to everyone I have the speed to compete at the top of this sport. There is no better way to turn around a season around than to put a career best result in at the world championships!"
National Champion, Ronan Dunne had an impressive qualifying run, producing the 11th fastest time. In the final, the Wicklow rider finished 16th, 6.88 seconds down on the winner.
Jacob Dickson finished in 25th position while Chris Cumming finished in 67th position after recently making a return to racing after a crash.
Oisin O Callaghan was due to race but made the decision not to compete to allow himself more time to recover after a recent crash. Travis Harkness who was selected to compete in the junior men's cross-country race had an unfortunate crash in practice resulting in a broken collarbone.
Elite Men Downhilll World Championships
Henry Kerr - 9th
Ronan Dunne - 16th
Jacob Dickson - 25th
Chris Cumming - 75th
Niall Clerkin - Did not qualify for the final