ACHILL SET FOR THE STAGE ELEVEN FINISH OF THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY CYCLE SPORTIF
The inaugural Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif got underway on, Wednesday 13th September, and Galway and Mayo are gearing up to host the eleventh stage of the unique 17-stage cycling event. The Cycle Sportif covers over 2,000km of the Wild Atlantic route winding through the coastlines of nine counties from Co. Cork to Co. Donegal from 13th to 29th September 2017. Cyclists can register for any stage up to the day before.
On Saturday 23rd September, stage 11 will see cyclists depart from Leenane to Achill covering 138km. A core element of the Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif is how the spectacular coastline scenery combines with the local culture in each of the communities to deliver a unique experience and welcome for the cyclists, with the chance for participants to immerse themselves in the towns along the route.
As the cyclists depart Leenane, past one of only three fjords in Ireland - Killary Harbour - Connemara is left behind and more of the Bay Coast awaits via Mayo. The vivid scenery of the Wild Atlantic Way unfolds as the group reach Doolough Valley after 6km. Riders will enjoy spectacular views up the valley and across the Doolough shoreline as they follow the road’s winding path along headlands and inlets. Back on to the open road towards Louisburgh, past a rugged coastline exposed to the elements, this road is best enjoyed with a tailwind. Cyclists will get an impressive view of what is considered the holiest mountain in Ireland, Croagh Patrick.
After a lunch break at Newport, the group will continue along the coast to Mulranny which once again offers incredible views across Clew Bay. Hugging the quiet coast road through Currane, participants leave the mainland for the next short break at Achill Sound. Weaving their way around the island, the riders then encounter the White Cliffs of Ashleam Bay. A final 19km stretch leads to the village of Keel, a haven for those wishing to take in the sights and sounds of the ocean.
The Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif is a fully supported event, with participation open to leisure cyclists, amateurs and those who simply want to challenge themselves to an epic adventure, on one of the longest and most spectacular touring routes in the world.
Commenting on the Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif, Chief Executive of Fáilte Ireland, Paul Kelly, said; “Through the Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif we are showcasing the spectacular scenery on our coastline to a new audience, giving them the chance to experience the Wild Atlantic Way in an engaging way and immersing them in a range of local communities over 17 days. Leisure cyclists will be further incentivised by the support we are offering with logistics and events planned along the route and we believe that this year’s Sportif will build the Wild Atlantic Way’s reputation as an attractive cycling destination. The event will take place biannually from 2018 in April and September.”
Michael O'Boyle, Tour Director at Ride Wild commented, “This event is like no other on the Irish cycling calendar and will deliver widespread appeal to people with a passion for cycling, and for the Wild Atlantic Way. We’re confident that this multi stage Sportif will attract a lot of interest this year, further building in 2018 and beyond. We have had great feedback from the cycling community along the route, and I’m sure our cyclists will receive a warm welcome as they enjoy this wonderful cycling experience on the Wild Atlantic Way.”
Local communities along the route also will play a major role in the spring and summer events in 2018 and beyond with a range of initiatives planned, to include the chance for each host town along the route to nominate a local ambassador who they feel represents the best of their local community to act as the official starter for the Sportif as it leaves their town. Additionally, local food champions will have the opportunity to be nominated across the route celebrating the range of local fare on offer to the cyclists.
A range of community initiatives will be rolled out for the next Sportives from 2018 to include the chance for each host town along the route to nominate a local ambassador who they feel represents the best of their local community to act as the official starter for the Sportif as it leaves their town. Additionally, local food champions will have the opportunity to be nominated across the route celebrating the range of local fare on offer to the cyclists.
From spring 2018 each Host Town along the route of the Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif, including Leenane and Achill, will have the opportunity to partake in the Best Host Town Welcome Award initiative, and highlight how their welcome stood out, so each town needs the support of their local community to give the Sportif a warm welcome. Schools will also be involved with a Transition year students initiative whereby one school along the route can nominate up to five TY students to join their local stage of a 2018 Sportif.
See www.wildatlanticwaycyclesportif.ie for 2017 registration information.
