Mayo Youth Tour attracts a bumper entry
All roads lead to Kiltimagh this weekend when for the nation’s best young cyclists compete in the Mayo Youth Tour, a three-day race which is being hosted by the town of Kiltimagh.
This is a new event on the cycling calendar and has attracted an outstanding field of 128 riders, with the possibility of more to come.
Boy and girls ranging from under 11s to under 16s are coming from every province in Ireland plus contingents from Belgium, Scotland and the Isle of Man.
The cyclists will compete in a Tour de France-style event, starting on Saturday afternoon with a road race stage, continuing on Sunday with a time trial and road race and concluding on Monday morning with a spectacular circuit race. All the stages will take place in and around Kiltimagh.
It is the first time that the town has hosted a major cycle race, and local hotels and B&Bs are looking forward to a busy Bank Holiday weekend.
Wearing the national colours will be the Irish Development team which includes Mayo’s Francis Sheridan, while the Connacht squad comprises local riders Darragh Reidy, Aaron Chambers, Cian Gavin and Brendan Scullion.
The three main Mayo clubs – Covey Wheelers, Western Lakes Cycling Club and Castlebar Cycling Club – are all fielding strong teams.
The event is organised by Connacht Youth Cycling, who will be pulling out all the stops to ensure that the first Mayo Youth Tour is a success and becomes an annual feature on the local sporting calendar.
Race headquarters is at the Park Hotel, Kiltimagh and will be open from 11am Saturday morning until Monday afternoon.
Safety is the major consideration and other road users are asked to show consideration to the young cyclists and to cooperate with race marshals.
Stages:
Saturday, Aug 1: Stage 1, Kiltimagh-Swinford-Kiltimagh. Start 2.30pm Bohola Road, Kiltimagh, left on to R320 through Attavally to N5. Continue on N5 to Bohola, turn left on to R321, finish on outskirts of Kiltimagh. One lap = 22km.
Sunday: Stage 2, Kiltimagh time trial. Start 9am in Kiltimagh town, proceed on R321 towards Bohola, finish at Listrisnan after 4km.
Sunday: Stage 3, Kiltimagh-Barnacarroll- Kiltimagh. Start 2.30pm at Credit Union, Kiltimagh, turn left towards Cloonmore Upper and Ballyfarnagh, turn right to Barnacarroll and right again on to R320, back to Kiltimagh to finish at Credit Union. One lap = 22.7km.
Monday: Stage 4, Kiltimagh circuit race. Start 9am at Credit Union, Kiltimagh, turn left direction Cloonkedagh and Cloonoolough, left at cross roads direction Trannagleragh, left at T junction to complete lap in Kiltimagh. One lap = 5.7km.
Mayo Youth Tour is assisted by Mayo North East LEADER through the Rural Development Programme, Mayo/Roscommon Chapter of Credit Unions, the Irish Sports Council and Cycling Ireland.
For further information contact:
Chairman of Connacht Youth Cycling Ian Gourlay on 086 814 5611
or
Race Director Martin McNally on 087 222 6260.
CONNACHT CYCLING
