Ronan Dunne (22) has solidified his place at the top of World Cup Downhill racing over the past few years with some incredible performances on the top level! Following an incredible string of performances he has joined the Red Bull athlete roster. “A dream come true”
Ronan – who is from Wicklow – found the sport of mountain biking by chance one day when a friend brought him out in the Wicklow Mountains. A multiple-time Outsider Award Nominee, Ronan had a passion for Moto Trials so it’s no surprise that he quickly progressed in the sport of downhill mountain biking. This year he broke onto the elite stage when he joined his pal (and fellow Outsider Awards nominee), Oisin O’Callaghan, on the podium in Snowshoe, a huge achievement for any rider, let alone someone so young and fresh on the scene.
Is 2024 the perfect season for Ronan?
His string of incredible performances started last year when he came second at Snowshoe in West Virginia, USA in 2023.
Ronan used this incredible result as a springboard to an even more incredible 2024. In an impressive display of skill and determination, the mountain biking season of 2024 saw a rider clinch top honours at three major events already in 2024. Ronan secured first place at the Red Bull Hardline in Maydena Bike Park, Tasmania, , and again at the Red Bull Hardline in Dyfi, Wales he showcased his prowess on some of the toughest courses. Adding to this remarkable streak, he celebrated his first Elite World Cup win at the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup in Bielsko-Biała, Poland.
I’m more scared of failure than crashing
When we asked him what he enjoys about downhill mountain biking he told us, “it has to be the pure adrenaline, the feeling when you’re just on the limit, the verge of crashing yet holding on and when it comes down to a race run it’s just you and your bike, there’s nothing else like it.” This passion and adrenaline-fuelled performance is obvious if you have ever watched Ronan race. He has a bold style which leaves even experienced mountain bikers in awe. However, Ronan doesn’t fear crashing, “I’ve never been scared of crashing. I’m more scared of failure and I usually get myself into the mindset that failure isn’t an option”
Ronan’s podium results at the top races always leave him in a state of “pure happiness and also I feel a massive weight off my shoulders.”
The Dream
Red Bull took notice and just before his race at Red Bull Hardline Wales, which he then won, he was presented with the coveted Reb Bull helmet. Ronan took to social media to announce this huge news saying it was a “Dream come true.” We will be closely following the rest of Ronan’s season as he flies the flag for Ireland at the biggest races in the world.
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