The second annual Lough Key Classic take place this morning.
Registration opens from 7.30am until 8.45am for 120k riders and remains open until 9.30am for the 60k participants.
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 Stanton’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.
The 120k cycle sees riders leave Boyle at exactly 9am and head to Ballinameen, Elphin, Hillstreet, Drumsna, Leitrim Village, Keadue, Ballyfarnon, Geevagh, Highwood, Corrigeenroe, Doon and then cross the N4 to face the Curlew Mountain climb, crossing Garrow to the Ballymote road for the decent 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.
Post sportive food will be served in the event HQ in the Sports Complex where there will be adequate parking and hot showers available.
The event is a recognised Cycling Ireland sportive and is open to those aged over 18 only.
The sportive is limited to the first 250 riders with on line expressions of interest via Eventbrite.
Entry is €20 for Cycling Ireland members and €25 for non Cycling Ireland members.
All competitors will be entered in a free draw for cash and their entry fee back.
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.
Lough Key Classic director Brian Nerney said this week that following the success of last year’s event, the 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 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”.
“I would also ask dog owners on the route to ensure their animal is not roaming free on Saturday 16th.”
“ This is a great event for Boyle and one that is now established on the town’s calendar” Brian concluded.
