With the exception of the Wicklow 200, which has been round a while, the idea of Cycle Sportives has really taken off in Ireland. Read on below for a list of events coming up over the next few months which I have put together. I will update with new events as announced. They are suitable for all levels and are located all over the country. They can be great events to compliment your Triathlon Season or to just do something different.
Cycle Sportives are organised touring rides of a fixed distance and can be anything between 60K and 250Km. Usually cycle Sportives are organised in areas of natural beauty and offer a mixture of a challenging cycle challenge and a chance to enjoy an area of the country.
****Update - Additional Swords event on this weekend.
Swords CC Annual Leisure Tour - Sunday 31st May 2009
Waterford Copper Coast Sportif - Sat. 18th April - 50km and 100km
Stephen Roche ‘Tour de Cure’ Charity Cycle Sportif on Saturday, 9th May 2009 in Midleton County Cork.
'An Post Tour of Sligo' - Sunday 10th May 2009 - 10km/60km/160km
Tour of Ireland - 7th -11th May
Mount Leinster Challenge over 100km and 140km on Saturday May 16th.
Wicklow 100/200 - Sunday 07th June - 100km and 200km
The Tour De Burren, 20th Saturday June - 10km/60km/160km
Cooperation North 27-28 June 2009 - 200 miles 2 day
Ring of kerry - July 4th
Heritage Cycle Tour of Meath, Sunday 19th July - 40km/100km/160km
Tour of Kildare Sunday August 9th 2009
Sean Kelly Tour - Sunday 30TH August
Lap the lough Sunday 30th August -
Tour the Kingdom - 2-5 September - 3 days cycling 300miles
Joe Loughman Randonnée - Sunday 13th September 2009 - 20km, 80km or 12km
Cork: Rebel Tour, Sunday 13th September - 50KM/100KM/150KM - info@cclsp.com
Piranha Triathlon Club
http://www.piranhatri.com/article.php/20090405184820904