Fáilte Ireland believes the new 17-day sportive can generate over €13m and up to 50,000 bed nights annually. Cyclists will be provided with everything from accommodation to laundry services and mechanical back-up; all covered by their entry fee.
Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif launched in Ireland
A new 2,058km sportive has been launched for Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. The Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif takes place over 17 days next month.
And it takes the riders through arguably the most scenic coastal route in Ireland; through nine counties in all.
The format is simple, with the course up the Wild Atlantic Way from Cork to Donegal broken down into 17 stages.
Each day of cycling ranges from 86km to 162km in length. The 17 stages combined totals 2,058km and run from September 13th to 29th.
And those cyclists taking part can sign up for any number of stages – from one single day's cycling to all 17 stages.
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Organisers Ride Wild are providing all of the necessary logistical support for participating cyclists. Entry to the multi-day events will include accommodation, meals and official cycling kit.
The kit includes a cycling jersey and shower jacket.
Also provided to participating cyclists is a kit laundry service and bag transfers as well as paramedic and mechanical support. The costs for these services will be included in cyclists’ registration fee.
A single day entry costs €45. Multi day stages including overnight stay costs €90. The support services are included in the prices.
Next month’s edition is the inaugural running of the Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif. But from next year, it will take place twice per year; once in the spring and again in the autumn.
Fáilte Ireland is planning to invest €650,000 in the event between now and 2020; with the tourism body now determined to market cycling tourism in Ireland.
Top, cyclist tackle the Ring of Kerry. The Irish weather can be mid and sunny in sprint and autumn and perfect for cycling. Middle, the jersey is just one item of kit on offer. Bottom, Fáilte Ireland’s Paul Kelly, Ride Wild’s Michael O’Boyle and Minister Brendan Griffin TD at the launch of the exciting new event.
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The aim is to grow the average number of cyclists per day from 400 next year to 1,000 per day by 2020.
It will promote the Wild Atlantic Way as a cycling destination internationally and domestically. The event will attract visitors to the full length of the route during off-season months.
The fact the event takes place just before and after the tourism high season means many cyclists will be able to take part without interfering with family holiday plans.
RideWild.ie is organising the event with the backing of Fáilte Ireland.
And while the sportive will undoubtedly prove popular with Irish cyclists, the overseas market is also being targeted.
Chief executive of Fáilte Ireland, Paul Kelly, said the route would prove spectacular by bike.
“We have our own natural cycling route along the Wild Atlantic Way,” he said.
“And I would imagine every cycling enthusiast would love to hop on a bike and enjoy its unique landscapes.
“Through the Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif we are creating an added incentive for them.
“We are developing the logistics and events along the route. I believe it will build a strong reputation for the Wild Atlantic Way as an attractive cycling destination.
“Indeed, if we get this right, the Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif will become a ‘must-do’ item. And that goes for both international and domestic cyclists.”
Kelly also said there were very clear benefits for the Irish economy.
“If we can meet our visitor targets, we... could generate over €13m and up to 50,000 bed nights,” he said.
“Importantly, we will also be generating significant visitor activity in off-season months. It will help businesses stay open longer.
“This is a real bonus for areas that are outside the traditional tourist hot spots.”
Ride Wild’s Michael O’Boyle said they were determined to create a first class supported cycling experience in a spectacular location.
“As a cyclist myself, I see the sportif as a fantastic opportunity to experience the Wild Atlantic Way on a fully-supported, multi-day cycling tour,” he said.
“Our focus will always be on the cyclists. It will be on making sure that they have a wonderful experience on the Wild Atlantic Way.
“Our route stages were designed by cyclists for cyclists. They create that wonderful experience which comes from the stunning scenery along the route.
"It's about the remote wildness of the west coast, and the characters you meet along the way. There’s something about that combination that makes this event very special.”
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