With the hour having gone forward and the evenings getting brighter from here on in, we thought it timely to bring to your attention some of the best sportives that are being lined up throughout the country this year.
We’ve no political or location bias to any of our chosen sportives and for every one that made this list there are 10 that didn’t.
We were looking for sportives that were challenging, in scenic locations, pass by some stunning landmarks and are among the best organised – and here’s what we came up with.
This is not a definitive list of the '10 best sportives in Ireland'. But these are definitely among the very best.
And we'll be returning to give more in-depth information on many events around the country.
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So if your favourite sportive isn't in here or the event you organise or fundraise for isn't here, don't worry because we'll return to this topic.
Wild Atlantic Mizen Cycle (100 or 130k)
When: Sunday July 9th
Where: Bantry, Co. Cork
Why: The Mizen and Sheeps Head peninsulas are among the most beautiful stretches of road the country has to offer.
Whether you do the 100-kilometre of the 130-kilometre loop you’ll ride adjacent to many miles of coastline and climb some pretty significant hills. If you’ve never been to Barleycove or Crookhaven, then get training and register for this one!
More information: Wildatlanticmizencycle.com
Mayo Pink Ribbon Charity Cycle (51k, 108k or 147k)
When: Saturday May 30th
Where: Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Why: Since its inaugural event in 2010 more than 1,000 cyclists have taken part and almost €600,000 has been raised for breast cancer research. Given the prevalence of the disease in this country, it’s as worthy as any cause and the three different routes should attract a wide range of cyclists.
More information: Mayopinkribbon.ie
Mount Leinster Challenge 2016 (100 or 140k)
When: Saturday May 21st
Where: Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford
Why: Where do we even start? Well, the big news for this year is that the three cattle grids on the descent have been removed and replaced by a safer ones. Yes, apparently someone came along and stole a few of the bars from last year, making it very unsafe!
Next is the fact the event is capped to 300, making it one of the safest in the country.
And finally, anyone who hasn’t ridden up Mount Leinster is missing out on the amazing views it affords from the top!
More information: Slaneycyclingclub.com
The Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford (12k, 50k, 100k, 160k)
When: August 20th and 21st
Where: Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
Why: Get up and close to one of cycling’s greatest ever riders, Sean Kelly. Over the weekend the Carrick-on-Suir man, who spent four years as world number one, meets and greets as many of the 4,000 or so entrants as possible.
The sportive is in its 10th year and has continued to grow year on year.
This year will see the various routes capped, making it a very safe and enjoyable day out. The 50k Kelly Cruise is limited to 1500 participants.
The 100k Kelly Heritage Route will have no more than 1900 participants while the 160k Kelly Comeragh Challenge is restricted to 1600 participants.
More information: Visitwaterford.com
The Wicklow 200 (or 100)
When: Sunday June 12th
Where: Greystones, Co. Wicklow
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Why: Billed as Ireland’s premier cycling challenge, the Wicklow 200 is a serious test of mind and body.
Despite increased competition from other sportives, the allure of this one lies in its relaxed, friendly and welcoming atmosphere as well as organisation.
Several feed stations are dotted throughout the route, keeping riders going before they are welcomed back into Greystones.
More information: Wicklow200.ie
Westportif Cycle Challenge (80 or 160k)
When: Saturday July 16th
Where: Westport, Co. Mayo
Why: If you’ve never cycled in Mayo then you’re missing out on some truly wonderful countryside and hospitality from the locals.
They love their cycling in Mayo and one of the things reported from participants last year – 70% of whom were from outside the county, was the kindness and warmth of the locals.
On the 80-kilometre route you’ll pass Croagh Patrick, Mweelrea (Connaughts highest mountain), Doolough Lake, Delphi, Killary Fjord, Ashleigh Falls, Leenane village and the shores of Lough Mask in Tourmakeady.
Organisers warn that the 160-kilometre route should not be approached lightly and riders need a high level of fitness to complete the challenge.
More information: Westportif.ie
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Gran Fondo Northern Ireland
When: Sunday June 5th
Where: Belfast, Antrim
Why: Following on from the city’s successful hosting of the Giro d’Italia Gran Depart two years ago, this is the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s way of continuing the legacy of the that great race.
Though conditions for the professionals were shocking back in May 2014, it’s hoped a slightly later start will allow for a more favourable climate this time around.
More information: Granfondogiroditaliani.com
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Tour de Leinster (4 days, 600 kilometres)
When: August 25th-28th
Where: All the counties of Leinster
Why: Not only is it a fun way to tour the province and make new friends – one of whom could be former world champion Stephen Roche, but funds from the Tour de Leinster will go to support a number of excellent projects run by Down Syndrome Ireland.
More information: Downsyndrome.ie
Billy Kerr Sportive
When: Saturday August 20th
Where: Ballymena, Co. Antrim
Why: Billy Kerr was one of the country’s greatest cyclists and it’s a fitting tribute that a sportive be held in his honour every tear. He won three stages of the Ras as well as the overall during a glittering career while he also raced on the national team and won the Sealink International.
This year will be the third running of the event and last year saw over 300 riders turn out. With the way the sport is expanding in the north, it’s expected that number will be far surpassed this year.
More information: BillyKerrSportive
An Post Yeats Tour of Sligo
When: May Bank Holiday Weekend, April 30th and May 1st - photo courtesy Yeats200.com
Where: Knocknarea Sports Centre, Institute of Sligo, Ballinode, Sligo.
Routes:
- 60k Lough Gill Circuit
- 100k Innisfree Tour
- 160k Ox Mountain Challenge
Why: The dramatic coastal scenery, great marshalling, superb food at the food-stops and the staggered start makes it extra safe. For anyone who has been to Yeates Country; they won't need to be told how beautiful this part of the world it.
For those of you who have never ridden in this neck of the woods, take it from us that it's absolutely majestic.
This sportive is one of the An Post Series and with 2,500 entrants, it's big enough to give you that really well run feel but small enough to maintain its intimacy. We went last year and we're definitely going back this time around.
More information: Tour of Sligo
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