PARTICIPATION An Post Meath Heritage Cycle Tour a Huge Cycling Success

Sunday July 5th seen over 450 cyclists descend on the town of Trim from early morning and return again that evening as part of the first annual An Post Meath Heritage Cycle Tour. Cyclists of all abilities ranging from 12 years of age and up got the opportunity to experience the heritage and the scenery of the county by choosing to participate in either the 40Km Family Spin, the 100Km Royal Tour or to tackle the 160Km Royal Challenge.

Trim played host to the start and finish of the Tour and included participants from as far away as Saudi Arabia to down the street with the Minister Noel Dempsey. Noel led off the cyclists on the Family 40km spin while Barney Whelan Director of Communications at An Post led the field in the 100km and 160km tours. Meath County Council Manager Tom Dowling who waved the flag at the start said "It was fitting that the An Post Meath Heritage Cycle Tour would start in Trim, as Trim is the heritage capital of Meath". On behalf of Meath County Council Tom also pledged €500 to the participating charities if and when Minister Dempsey completed the challenge. Charities benefiting from this event were the Aisling Group International and the Meath Alzheimers Group.

Minister Noel Dempsey did indeed complete the 40km and afterwards described the hills around Tara as a "killer" but added his delight with the number of cyclists that took part and the fact that he managed to complete the cycle. The Minister is now already in training for the 100km Royal Tour next year.

Feedback on the day indicated that this tour was a huge success, with cyclists saying the event was well marshalled, well organised and the routes challenging but very enjoyable. Liam Maguire from Drogheda who took part in the 160 km Royal Challenge said the tour "was as good as the tour of Flanders", while Brian McMahon said "great tour, will be back next year".

Meath Local Sports Partnership Co-ordinator Mary Murphy acknowledged the hard work and support from the staff of Meath LSP, Irish Sports Council, An Post, Meath County Council, the cycling clubs in Meath, the Gardai and the Civil Defence. She also paid particular tribute to the 150 volunteers who acted as stewards on the day, without whom the event would not be possible.

Meath is one of five counties to participate in this year's An Post Cycle Series.
Meath Local Sports Partnership under the auspices the Irish Sports Council and supported by Meath County Council set about putting the wheels in motion for this major event t last December. Waterford will host the tour on August 30th with Cork finishing the series on Sunday September 13th.