At the first time of asking, the Irish cycling community has rallied to the defence of the Junior Tour in a bid to save it from collapse. Above, Felix English wins stage 6 back in 2010 (Photo: Stephen McMahon - Sportsfile)
After news emerged last weekend that a financial crisis had pushed the Junior Tour of Ireland to the brink of collapse, the Irish cycling community has mobilised to try to save the race.
In a statement today the organisers of the Irish showpiece said because of the goodwill of the cycling community they were now confident the race would go ahead next year.
And while a massive shortfall in funding still has to be overcome, race director Alice Sherratt and her team of organisers are now working to establish a trust fund people can contribute to to raise the badly needed money.
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She also revealed that since a motion was defeated at the Cycling Ireland annual general meeting in Athlone last Saturday to impose a €2 levy on all 2015 racing licences to save the race, plans for sportives had emerged across the country.
“Countless phone calls have been made and discussions have taken place over the past few days in relation to the proposal made by Martin O’Loughlin of Iverk Carrick to hold a fundraising sportive for the Junior Tour in advance of the coming season,” the organisers said in a statement today.
The race has attracted riders that went on to be the best in the world, including Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins. It looks like it's future is inching towards security (Photo: Stephen McMahon - Sportsfile)
Donors will soon be able to pledge sums of money to the Junior Tour Trust Fund via a new PayPal account on the Junior Tour website and on the site of the Irish Road Club, whose members have run the race for many years.
Stickybottle will keep everyone informed when that fund is up and running and we will lead efforts to push news of the fund out to as many cyclists as possible at home and abroad.
While a number of sportives were also being planned, the main event looks set for the Dublin west and Kildare areas for Sunday, February 1st.
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The event headquarters and route is yet to be confirmed, but the Junior Tour organisers said it would take the form of a 100km reliability cycle and a shorter 50km route for youth riders.
Again, stickybottle will keep everyone informed when details are finalised.
Daire Feeley leading the bunch in this year's event, won by Team Ireland's Eddie Dunbar (Photo: Stephen McMahon - Sportsfile)
Sportives will also be taking place in Cork, organised by Will Curtin of Cork County CC, and in Derry; organised by Sean McNicholl of Church Island Cycling Club. Full details will follow shortly.
All of the events will run under the umbrella title of 'Junior Tour Trust Sportives'.
“It is offers like these and many more that will help us succeed in securing a 2015 promotion and beyond,” said the Junior Tour organisers’ statement of the cycles already planned.
“Finally, the organising committee would like to once again thank everybody for their kind words of support.
“It is certainly heart warming to see that the future of this event is as important to all of you as it is for the volunteer organising committee.
“We hope to see you all out on your bikes in early 2015 at one of our Junior Tour Trust Sportives.”
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