PARTICIPATION An Post Tour De Burren Launched in Ballyvaughan Co Clare

A dramatic cycle off Ballyvaughan Pier today by members of the Burren Cycling Club and Clare Sports Partnership launched details of the An Post Tour de Burren 2010.

The An Post Tour de Burren will take place amid the spectacular scenery of North Clare on Saturday the 19th of June 2010 and it is part of the An Post Cycle Series, promoted by An Post and the Irish Sports Council to encourage communities around the country to get on their bikes. Cycling legend, Sean Kelly is the ambassador for the An Post Cycle Series and he will be taking part in the Tour de Burren.

The Burren Cycling Club and Clare Sports Partnership have already hosted six successful Tour de Burren spins. The Tour attracted over 800 cyclists in 2009 and the organisers hope to double the numbers this year.

According to John Sweeney, the Coordinator of Clare Sports Partnership, "We are delighted to announce the routes for the An Post Tour de Burren for 2010. We got very positive feedback from all those who took part last year. Participants were very happy with the level of organisation and many of them plan to return. The An Post Tour de Burren has gained a reputation as a premium cycling event in Ireland that appeals to a wide variety of cyclists. "

There will be three routes to choose from on the day, the 10 km Aillwee Cave Family Loop, the 60km Corkscrew Challenge and the 160 km Burnin Burren route for those who want a really serious cycle.

The 10 km Aillwee Cave Family Loop is all about fun, enjoyment and participation, it starts from the seafront in Ballyvaughan and heads out on a loop to the Aillwee Cave.

The 60 Km Corkscrew Challenge takes cyclists from Ballyvaughan up Corskscrew Hill - a grade 2 King of the Mountains climb on the F.B.D Ras - through Doolin, on to Ballinalacken, and home via Fanore and Black Head to Ballyvaughan.

The Burnin Burren spin takes cyclists on a 160 km journey through North Clare on a route that takes in a number of Grade 2 King of the Mountains climbs, one of which will bring riders past the world famous Cliffs of Moher.

Registration for the 60km and 160 km routes is €30 with a €5 discount for Cycling Ireland members. The fee covers timing facilities, tour T-Shirt, certificate, refreshments during and after the event, changing and shower facilities, and use of various support services during the event.

To help Clare cyclists prepare for the tour there will be 'meet and spin' cycle training groups and workshop in the weeks leading up to the event. There will also be a greater focus on people with disabilities taking part this year with specialized training workshops for wheel chair bike users.

Representatives from the Burren Cycling Club, Clare Tourism Forum, Shannon Development, Clare County Council, Ballyvaughan/ Fanore Walking Club, Clare Crusaders Cycling Club, Go Cycle Ireland, Dolmen Events, Ballyvaughan Development Association and many cycling enthusiasts attended the launch.

Minister for Defence and North Clare T.D Tony Killeen acknowledged that the participation of more than 1,500 cyclists in the event would bring significant economic and tourism benefits for the Burren and wider region.

"The An Post Tour de Burren is more than simply a sporting occasion; it brings people from all over Ireland together and allows the local tourism sector to showcase all that it has to offer. I would like to wish the organisers and participants the very best of luck as preparations continue for what will be a hugely exciting event", added Minister Killeen.

Organisers promise a festival like atmosphere in Ballyvaughan on the 19th of June with opportunities to meet other cycling enthusiasts on the routes or at the famous Monks Bar and Restaurant BBQ arranged for the evening.

At the launch, John Treacy, CEO of the Irish Sports Council was keen to stress the importance of cycling as a means of exercise, "The whole purpose of the An Post series is to get people active. Nationwide, over 8,000 people will participate in the entire An Post Cycle Series so they are a great way of encouraging people to train and they give everyone an opportunity to work to their own ability. Whether you choose the 10k or the 160k, you can challenge yourself and enjoy the beautiful Burren in June. What could be better?"

To register or to learn more about the An Post Tour de Burren please visit www.claresportspartnership.ie or www.burrencyclingclub.com