WHEELIE GOOD SHOW WEXFORD!
A GANG of cyclists some 60 or 70 strong made were welcomed with open arms across County Wexford as they took part in the 2017 Tour de Leinster for Down Syndrome Ireland.
This is the fourth time the event has taken to roads around Leinster, following on from the huge fundraising success of the Tour de Munster. The event took in over 600km of road across the province over four days, including a great opportunity for the cyclists to see all that Wexford has to offer.
The event got under way in Dublin on the Thursday, making a couple of stops in Wicklow before crossing the Wexford border and visiting staff and service users at St Aidan’s Day Care Centre in Gorey.
There the riders received a wonderful reception from staff, service users and members of the general public as they were cheered on upon arrival.
They stocked up on some much needed fuel to ensure their pedalling power lasted well into the evening before hitting the road again with the best hopes and wishes of the people of Gorey behind them.
From Gorey, the cyclists headed south to Wexford town and the finish line for their first day of cycling. While there were some tired legs at the end of the day, the group were in good spirits as they made use of the facilities at The Talbot Hotel and caught some much-needed sleep before waking up to another demanding day.
On Friday morning the cyclists were northbound and visited a favourite stop off of the tour - St Patrick’s Special School in Enniscorthy.
Of the four years the tour has been going, three of them have seen a stop at St Patrick’s and once again they received a massive welcome from staff, students and parents at the school who were all very excited to see them.
While all of the riders received a rapturous welcome, there was a spe- cial welcome for one rider - Andrew Askew - who is a member of staff at the school and was delighted to take up the challenge.
Once again, the riders loaded up on high-energy foods which had been specially prepared by the children. ‘It was a really great buzz here,’ said Principal Lee Rodgers.
‘ This is the third time the tour has visited and there’s always great excitement as they roll in to the kids cheering and waving banners and flags. It’s also great for those taking part to meet some of the people who their fundraising will really benefit.’
There was further excitement as the cyclists handed out Student of the Week awards before hitting the road once more to take on the gruelling task of Mount Leinster as they journeyed on to Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Louth before heading back to Dublin.
To make a donation, visit www.downsyndrome.ie/tour-de-leinster.