PEDAL POWER AS THOUSANDS TAKE ON YEATS TOUR OF SLIGO
THOUSANDS of cyclists, young and old alike, took to the roads of Sligo during the Bank Holiday weekend for the ninth Sport Ireland Yeats Tour of Sligo.
This is the biggest cycling event in the Northwest and once again 2017 saw huge numbers taking part across the two days.
Deirdre Lavin from the Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership said it was a tremendous success overall.
There were a number of different routes for the main event on Sunday, while Saturday was aimed at the younger cyclists and families.
Deirdre said feedback was excellent from the cyclists during the course of the weekend. She added: “For the ninth year the Yeats Tour of Sligo supported by Sport Ireland proved to be an outstanding success with close to 1900 cyclists from the 32 counties on their bikes over the two day event. The cycling weekend began with the Family Fun Day with children, parents and those new to the sport of cycling taking part.
“Special guests at the event were Rio Paralympians Eve McCrystal and Declan Slevin.
“The highlight of the family day was the 10 Hazelwood Spin while the younger children cycled the 2K Bike Trail. Participants enjoyed a festival of entertainment including skills and drills.”
Onto Sunday and cyclists set off from IT Sligo for the three routes with strong wind conditions. “The weather conditions didn’t deter the cyclists who had travelled from all over Ireland and the Ox Mountain Challenge got under way at 9 am followed by the 100K Innisfree Tour at 10 am. The more leisurely cycle involving the 60K Lough Gill Circuit departed at 10.30am.
“Feedback from the participants was very positive. A large number of volunteers supported the hosting of the event and local charity Samaritans Sligo benefited from funds raised in conjunction with the cycle.
“The event was co- ordinated by Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership and supported by Sligo County Council, Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB, and local cycling clubs Innisfree Wheelers and Eire Og. This was supported by local agencies, many community groups, volunteers, sponsors and media partner Sligo Champion, all of who contributed to a great event,” Deirdre said.