It’s full steam ahead for the Lough Key Classic Cycling Sportive which will start and finish in Boyle on Sunday 15th.
Organised by local cycling club – Curlieu Wheelers – the event will cover two distances – 120k for the more experienced cyclist and 60k for those who like a challenge.
Both routes will include the Geevagh – Highwood and Curlew Mountain climbs.
In addition there will be an optional King of the Mountains route taking in Staunton’s Brae just outside Ballyfarnon. Riders who want to undertake this challenge can turn off in Ballyfarnon and re-join the route again in Geevagh. There will be a time cut off for this section.
The 120k cycle sees riders leave Boyle at exactly 9am and head to Ballinameen, Croghan, Elphin, Hillstreet, Drumsna, Leitrim Village, Keadue, Ballyfarnon, Geevagh, Highwood, Corrigeenroe, Doon and then cross the N4 at Tawnytaskin to face the Curlew Mountain climb, crossing Garrow to the Ballymote road for the descent into Boyle.
The 60k route will see riders leave Boyle at exactly 10am and travel along the N4 to Ardcarne on to Keadue where they will join the 120k route.
There will be water stops along the way with the official food stop for both cycles in Ballyfarnon.
A welcome cup of tea will be available before the event in the Classic HQ in the Sports Complex where there will be adequate, secure parking and hot showers available.
A hot meal will also be served following the event.
The Lough Key Classic is a recognised Cycling Ireland sportive and is open to those aged over 18 only.
Participants for the 120k and 60k cycles can register at the Sports Complex in the grounds of Abbey Community College in Boyle on Saturday 14th from 5pm – 7pm and on Sunday 15th from 7am – 8.45am for 120k riders and 9.30am for 60k riders.
Entry is €20 for Cycling Ireland members and €25 for non Cycling Ireland members.
Last year’s successful event saw a donation being made to the Brothers of Charity. It is hoped to make a similar donation to a local charity again following this year’s event.
Curlieu Wheelers Chairman Eddie Conroy said this week that following the success of the last two Classic’s, this year’s sportive should attract a large number of cyclists to Boyle.
“The Lough Key Classic is organised by cyclists for cyclists and as such has been commented on as one of the best run sportives that was held in Ireland last year”
“This year will be no different, in fact I think it will be even better”.
“It is important to make the riders feel welcome here in Boyle and in this regard, I would ask the residents of the town and those along the route to come out in large numbers to show support for the cyclists, especially as they enter Boyle to the finish on the Crescent around lunch time Sunday”.
“I would also ask dog owners on the route to ensure their animal is not roaming free on Sunday 15th.”
“ This is a great event for Boyle and one that is now established on the town’s calendar” Eddie concluded.
