|
The 2011 An Post Cycle Series was officially launched today by race ambassador Sean Kelly. The five event series takes place across the country between May and September. The Series is a joint initiative between An Post and the Irish Sports Council, encouraging people to get back on their bikes and out into their communities this summer.
With a variety of routes from a Family 10k to more challenging 50k, 60k, 100k and 160k routes, the events cater for every type of cyclist, from children to serious amateurs.
Joining Kelly at today's launch was former Waterford hurling star Dan Shahanan, and models Vogue Williams and Corina Grant, all of whom will be taking part in the series this summer.
The 2011 An Post Cycle Series gets underway on Sunday May 8th with the An Post Tour of Sligo. This will be followed by the An Post Tour De Burren in Clare on Saturday, 18th June while the An Post Meath Heritage Cycle Tour will take place on Sunday, 24th July. The Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford event will be on Sunday, 28th August and finally the Rebel Tour of Cork will be on Saturday, 10th September. Each county's event is organised by the Irish Sports Council's Local Sports Partnerships in conjunction with their city, county and cycling club partners.
Speaking at today's launch, Shanahan said he was looking forward to training for the Tour of Waterford: "This is the first year in a long time I haven't been involved in championship training. I want to keep my fitness, and I know cycling is a great way for me to do this, so I was keen to get involved. Having spent so much of my life driving to training sessions or matches, it's great to have the time now to get on my bike and enjoy the amazing countryside around Dungarvan."
Over 10,000 cyclists took part in the 2010 An Post Cycle Series, an increase of 100% on the first year, and that number is expected to grow again this year.
"It's been fantastic to see Irish people embrace their bikes again" said Kelly "One of the things I enjoyed most last year was seeing the amount of families who took part. It's great to get children involved from an early age. I hope this summer the events will yet again inspire even more people to get active and enjoy cycling."
|