Get on your bike for Tour of Kerry Sportive

THE SKODA Cycle Series 2014 continues in Kerry on Saturday, May 31 with the Tour of Kerry Sportive which starts in Tralee from 9.30am.

Organised by INM regionals (which includes The Corkman) participants will be able to choose from two routes, either 80km or 136km and cyclists will witness spectacular views of the Kerry countryside. All proceeds from the Tour will go to the Irish Red Cross and The Saoirse Foundation.

The Tour of Kerry Sportive is the third event of the inaugural SKODA Cycle Series 2014, a series of seven leisure cycle events around Ireland between April and September. The Corkman SKODA Tour of Duhallow, in association with IRD Duhallow, takes place on Saturday, July 26.

Each event is chip-timed to allow cyclists the opportunity challenge themselves without the pressure of taking part in a race.

On completing the Tour of Kerry Sportive, cyclists are invited to join the SKODA Cycle Series team at an aprescycle party on the grounds of IT Tralee, close to the finishing line. All particpants are welcome to attend and re-fuel on the North Campus of the IT.

Speaking ahead of the Sportive Ciara Walsh, SKODA Marketing Communications Manager said “We are thrilled with the level of interest in SKODA Cycle Series to date. An excellent route has been selected for the Tour of Kerry Sportive that will showcase some of the lovely scenery the Kingdom has to offer.

“SKODA has a strong relationship with cycling both internationally as an official partner of the Tour de France for over a decade - and here in Kerry as the sponsor of the Ring of Kerry charity cycle.

“As part of the event, participants are invited to come along and avail of a post-cycle sports massage to rub out any little niggles they have and to enjoy an Apres- Cycle Party which will be hosted on the grounds of IT Tralee. 136 kilometres is a good distance and we will be offering participants the opportuinity to recover and relax after the challenge,” added Ciara.

John Feerick, Managing Director, INM Regional's ( West) said the level of registrations for the Tour of Kerry are the strongest yet. “It is also great that all proceeds for this event will go to the Irish Red Cross and The Saoirse Foundation,” added Mr Feerick.

The Tour of Kerry Sportive is still open to registrations and anyone who is interested should visit www. fitmagazine.ie/events for more information.