Barr and Irwin enjoy Team Ireland experience

East Antrim riders Martin Barr and Graeme Irwin gave it their all, but in the end it wasn’t enough on Saturday.

With 19 teams making it through to the final on Saturday, the local riders had to take their chances in the ‘B’ final for that 20th, and last place.

Irwin finished ninth on the Heads and all Threads Suzuki, while Barr, on the VMXmoto.com/Nutt Travel KTM, took 17th.

It meant the team were fourth and missed out on the main event.

Although disappointed, both riders enjoyed the experience. “We were unlucky,” reflected Carrick man Irwin. “We all rode well and tried our best. It was a great experience and I hope to be back next year.”

Barr, who hails from Doagh, added: “I was unfortunate in the heat as I got caught up in a first-lap pile-up and lost a lot of time and could only manage 21st.

“In the ‘B’ final I reckon if we had of got better starts we would have made the main event, but that’s racing. It is what it is.

“The track had changed a bit from the last time I was at it back in 2011. Although very technical, it was still great to ride. Like Graeme, I would love to be back next year in Latvia.”

Both riders will return home for this weekend’s final round of the British championships at Farley Castle.