PARTICIPATION Get On Your Bike with 2010 An Post Cycle Series

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan TD, joined cycling legend Sean Kelly (An Post Cycle Series Ambassador), and his daughter Stacey for an early morning bike ride to officially launch the 2010 An Post Cycle Series.

A joint initiative with the Irish Sports Council, the Series encourages communities around the country to get back on their bikes. With routes catering for everyone from the serious amateur to the enthusiastic beginner, the Series has proven to be a great way for family, friends and work colleagues to spend a day of fun together while the serious rider follows a more challenging route. Family routes will be approximately 10k while short, middle and long distance routes will be approximately 60k, 100k and 160k.

The An Post Series comprises one event per month between May and September, pushing off on Sunday May 9th with the An Post Tour of Sligo. This will be followed by the An Post Tour De Burren in Clare on Saturday, 19th June while the Heritage Cycle Tour of Meath will take place on Sunday, 25th July. The already well known Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford event will be on Sunday, 29th August and finally the Rebel Tour of Cork will be on Saturday, 11th September.

At today's launch in the Iveagh Gardens, Dublin, the Minister expressed his support for the Series: "The An Post Cycle Series encourages people of all ages and abilities to get on their bikes, and out into the community. The health and environmental benefits of cycling are well known, it is a great way to keep fit and get from place to place. The Series has something for everyone of any ability, so whether you are a regular cyclist or haven't saddled up since your bike had stabilizers, I would encourage people around the country to get involved."

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.

This is the second year of the Series, which was a huge success in 2009, attracting more than 5,500 riders across all levels. The Series is a welcome addition to the cycling calendar and this year has the additional support of Cycling Ireland.

"I congratulate all those involved on the great work they have done so far and I'm positive that the Cycle Series will inspire many more people to 'get on their bike'. It is an annual event that will undoubtedly go from strength to strength." Minister Ryan added.

This year's Cycle Series ambassador is former world number one cyclist Seلn Kelly, who will be taking part in the Sligo, Clare and Waterford Tours. "I'm delighted to be an ambassador for this year's Series - there's never been a better time to get cycling. The events are unique in that they offer something to every type of cyclist, from beginners and families to the more serious and dedicated enthusiast."

"Like Minister Ryan I can't stress enough how important is to keep active and healthy and there is no better way in doing so than going for a cycle. Last year's event inspired thousands of people to get back in the saddle and this year we want even more people to come and enjoy the events." Kelly added.

An Post also sponsors the Sean Kelly professional cycling team, and the Green Jersey in the annual Tour of Ireland.