Over 2100 Cyclists get on their bike for the An Post Tour of Sligo

The An Post Tour of Sligo, an Irish Sports Council initiative which took place over the Bank Holiday weekend proved to be a huge success with 2110 cyclists from all over the country on their bikes along the roads of Sligo. In ideal weather conditions for cycling the participants thoroughly enjoyed the stunning Sligo scenery as they peddled their way along the roads of Sligo. Cyclists travelled from all over to the event with every county in Ireland represented, cyclists from Northern Ireland and a number of oversees visitors. The An Post Tour of Sligo main events took place on Sunday with cyclists arriving from early morning to the headquarters at the Institute of Technology Sligo. The place was a hive of activity with cyclists getting their final preparations in order and their bikes ready for the road. An Post Tour of Sligo 2012 Ambassador John Treacy Olympic Medallists and Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council completed the 60K Lough Gill. On completion of the event he paid tribute to the excellent organisation that went into ensuring the event was enjoyable and safe for everybody involved.

The Ox Mountain Challenge got under way at 9 am with 440 cyclists involved and this was followed by the 100K Innisfree Tour at 10 am involving 660 cyclists and finally the 60K Lough Gill Circuit event departed at 10.30am with 515 cyclists involved.

On Saturday 5th May a very successful Family Fun Day took place including the 10K Hazelwood Spin for All involving 495 enthusiastic cyclists of all ages.

Feedback from the participants was very positive with everybody enjoying a great weekend of cycling and while there were many tired bodies crossing the finishing line the overall feeling was one of a great sense of achievement.

Reflecting on the An Post Tour of Sligo 2012, Event Co-ordinator Deirdre Lavin SSRP paid tribute to the many people who contributed to making the event a safe and enjoyable occasion for all. Many cyclists commented on safety and marshalling on the various routes which was overseen by the Garda Siochana with support from Civil Defence, Red Cross, Mountain Rescue and a large volume of marshals from community organisations. The cyclists were very complementary of the welcome they received at the foodstops which were co-ordinated by St. Johns Hospital Garden Room Committee. Central to the success of the event was the local organising committee which includes representatives from Innisfree Wheelers and Eire Og cycling clubs and local agencies including Sligo County Council, Sligo VEC, Sligo Borough Council and Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership.

The next event in the An Post Cycle Series is the Tour de Burren on Saturday June 23rd. For more information go to: www.tourdeburren.com