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The An Post Tour de Burren will take place amid the spectacular scenery of North Clare on Saturday the 18th of June 2011. Hosted by the Burren Cycling Club and Clare Sports Partnership, 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 ambassador for the An Post Cycle Series and he will cycle in the Tour de Burren.
The Burren Cycling Club has already hosted seven successful Tour de Burren spins. The Tour attracted over 1,700 cyclists in 2010 and the organisers anticipate that even more cyclists will participate this year. Last year they distributed 1600 litres of water, 2000 metres of red tape, 4000 'hang sandwiches', 500 cheesecakes, and 100 spare bicycle tubes on the day.
According to Patrick O'Donoghue of the Burren Cycling Club, "We are delighted to announce the routes for the An Post Tour de Burren for 2011. It was fantastic last year to see so many people of all ages and cycling abilities out on their bikes and enjoying all that North Clare has to offer. The Tour has gained the reputation as being one of the premier sportif cycling events in Ireland. We offer excellent cycling options and top quality organisation."
Following feedback from many female participants last year, another route has been added this year to allow even more choice for cyclists. There will be four routes to choose from on the day, the 10 km Aillwee Cave Family Loop, the 60km Corkscrew Challenge, the Burren 100 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. Over half of the journey is cycled on green roads and there will be a very welcome refreshment stop at the Aillwee Caves.
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.
Burren 100 is a new 100km route for those who feel that 60km is too short yet 160km may just be a bit too far. This route includes 2 climbs; a short pull out of Corofin and then the Cliffs of Moher which is a Cat 2 climb, then downhill all the way to Doolin and home by the very scenic coast road.
The fourth and most challenging route is the Burnin Burren. This takes cyclists on a 160 km journey through North Clare. The route has been adjusted this year to provide variety for returning cyclists but still 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, 100km and 160 km routes is €30 with a 10% discount for Cycling Ireland members. The fee covers refreshments during and after the event, a certificate, changing and timing facilities, and use of various support services on the routes.
A new website www.tourdeburren.com has been launched with information on registration, accommodation, training, route maps and contact details.
Some cyclists are encouraging their work colleagues to take part. Twenty five members of staff at the fashion retailer, A Wear, are in training for the Tour already.
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 strong focus on people with disabilities taking part with specialised training workshops for wheelchair users.
Representatives from the Burren Cycling Club, Clare Tourism Forum, Shannon Development, Clare County Council, Ballyvaughan/ Fanore Walking Club, Go Cycle Ireland, Clare Sports Partnership, Ballyvaughan Development Association and many cyclists attended the launch.
Maureen Cleary, Marketing Executive with Clare Tourism Forum, acknowledged that the participation of almost 2,000 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. Visitors will enjoy spectacular scenery, tremendous hospitality, first class accommodation and a really well organised premier cycling event."
Organisers promise a festival like atmosphere in Ballyvaughan on the 18th of June with opportunities to meet other cycling enthusiasts on the routes. They also promise an endless supply of cheesecake.
At the launch, John Sweeney, the Coordinator of Clare Sports Partnership, 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, almost 10,000 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. You can choose from four great routes in beautiful surroundings. It's the perfect day out for all the family."
To register or to learn more about the An Post Tour de Burren go to www.tourdeburren.com
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