A GROUP of cyclists plunged with their bikes into the Atlantic yesterday to launch the 2010 An Post Tour de Burren.
Against the spectacular backdrop of the Burren, local cyclist Noel Shannon was one of a number of cyclists to plunge 15 ft off Ballyvaughan pier to brave the cold Atlantic water temperatures.
After coming out of the water, the Doolin man smiled: “I don’t mind risking my life for this. It is a great event and it will give a great boost to the area.”
The one-day event is taking place on June 19th and it prompted chief executive of the Irish Sports Council John Treacy to remark that there was a “boom in cycling and jogging and it is great to see people investing time in their health”.
Treacy said running “is largely recession-proof”.
“It is cheap. All you need is a good pair of runners and once people get involved in running, they are hooked and they enjoy being healthy and fit.”
The recently appointed Minister for Defence, Tony Killeen, is from the Burren village of Kilnaboy. He said the tour was “more than simply a sporting occasion, it brings people from all over Ireland together and allows the local tourism sector to showcase all that it has to offer.”
The Sports Council is one of the backers of the An Post Cycle Series. Mr Treacy said: “The whole purpose of the . . . series is to get people active. Nationwide, over 8,000 people will participate . . . so they are a great way of encouraging people to train and they give everyone an opportunity to work to their own ability.
“Whether you choose the 10k or the 160k, you can challenge yourself and enjoy the beautiful Burren in June. What could be better?”
Irish cycling legend Seán Kelly is the ambassador for the An Post Cycle Series and he will be taking part in the Tour de Burren.
The Burren Cycling Club and Clare Sports Partnership have already hosted six successful Tour de Burren spins. The tour attracted more than 800 cyclists in 2009 and the organisers hope to double the numbers this year.
There will be three routes to choose from on the day, the 10km Aillwee Cave Family Loop, the 60km Corkscrew Challenge and the 160km Burnin’ Burren route for those who want a really serious cycle.
www.claresportspartnership.ie or www.burrencyclingclub.com
