CYCLING | Tenth annual Tour of Louth is a huge success
Over 380 cyclists take part in Cuchulainn Cycling Club event
Around 70 cyclists took part in the very first Tour of Louth endurance cycling event, staged by Cúchulainn Cycling Club back in June 2008.
That event was hailed was hailed as a major success so it says a lot about the current popularity of the sport — and also the club itself — that over 380 cyclists lined out on Sunday morning to take part in the 10th annual running of event.
In line with the inclusive ethos of the club, the event is designed to cater for all and cyclists old and young were present at the starting line.
With the sun shining, two groups of cyclists left their departure point at DkIT Sport to tackle one of the two possible routes.
The first of those was a 45 km course which took the cyclists from Dundalk to Ardee and back via Castlebellingham, Kilsaran, the new link road and the old Ardee Road.
The more challenging 105 km route saw the cyclists take the same path before they carried on through the town and headed for the Cooley mountains.
The first major obstacle to confront the group was the infamous Jenkinstown Hill where even the most seasoned cyclist ignores the hocus pocus of the magic hill to concentrate on huffing and puffing up the steep path.
It was on then to the Long Woman’s Grave for a short food stop before descending back to sea level via Davy’s Hill and on through Omeath and Carlingford before turning for home.
The smiles and laughter of the weary cyclists who gathered back at DkIT Sport afterwards to avail of some post-cycle food indicated that a good time was had by all.
A special word of congratulations must go out to the chairman of the leisure section of Cúchulainn Cycling Club, Jason Boyle, on his management and planning for this year’s event.
With the help of his team he created an event that would surely be the envy of any cycling club in the country.
Roll on 2018 where an even better Tour of Louth awaits!
