Red Bull Cliff Diving event expected to attract thousands to Causeway Coast

The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series will be taking over Ballycastle Harbour in just ten days’ time as the iconic event heads to Northern Ireland for the very first time.

Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to the Causeway Coast to see the world’s best cliff divers in action across Friday July 19th and Saturday July 20th. Anticipation is reaching fever pitch as the World Series reaches the mid-way point of the 2024 season.

With three stops completed out of a total of eight, Rhiannan Iffland (Australia) and James Lichtenstein (USA) are out in front after podium finishes in Polignano a Mare, Italy in Round Three. The stop at Ballycastle is being viewed as a pivotal point for those hot on leaders’ heels.

Read next: Spectacular Red Bull Cliff Diving event to be held in Northern Ireland for first time ever

Read next: Premier League preparation for Larne as Champions League journey begins with clear end goal

Hoping to cause an upset in Ballycastle is British diver Aidan Heslop who was in town last week to preview the event and get a sneak peek of the location. Heslop, the youngest ever diver to compete in the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, and the youngest ever to win an event, is in a confident mood ahead of next weekend.

“I’m really excited for the event in Northern Ireland next week," Red Bull athlete and 2024 World Aquatic champion Heslop said. "Compared to Italy, conditions will be a bit different but that’s one of the things we have to deal with in Cliff Diving.

"The colder climate is not so bad when you have some of the views that are here in Northern Ireland. I don’t get my parents coming to many events but they are making the trip for this one, and they love this part of the world. I can’t wait for it all to kick off.”

Weather will play a key role in proceedings on the Causeway Coast stop. With high winds and brisk temperatures always a possibility, Heslop will hope to have a slight advantage over other divers on the roster.

12 male and 12 female divers will take to the 27metre purpose-built platform in the Harbour. Reaching speeds of 85kmph before they hit the water, each diver’s skill, timing and form will be assessed by the five judges sitting in the water.

The action will get underway at 4pm on Friday and Saturday. Those unable to attend will be able to watch by tuning in to TG4 on Saturday at 4pm, with the action also streamed live on Red Bull TV. Ahead of Round #4 of the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series at the Causeway Coast, this is how the male and females standings currently sit:

STANDINGS

WOMEN (TOP 5)

1. Rhiannan Iffland AUS – 57pts.

2. Molly Carlson CAN – 46

3. Kaylea Arnett (W) USA – 33

4. Simone Leathead CAN – 29

5. Meili Carpenter USA – 20

MEN (TOP 5)

1. James Lichtenstein USA – 46pts.

2. Constantin Popovici ROU – 42

3. Aidan Heslop GBR – 37

4. Carlos Gimeno ESP – 28

5. Jonathan Paredes MEX – 22

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox