Having taken a new approach, numbers for the sportive have absolutely rocketing just hours after registration opened.
Having attracting up to 1,000 riders per year since its inception, the Stephen Roche Atlantic Challenge has seen that number sign up for next year’s event in a matter of hours.
The event has scrapped its entry fee and is instead asking those who enter to make a donation to the beneficiary charity, Seeking Vision.
And with the €30 entry fee scrapped, and a very attractive jersey on offer to those who sign up, the event saw 1,000 riders enter in the first six hours after entries opened a couple of days ago.
The sportive, in Co Clare, was first run in 2011 and as the title suggests boasts Stephen Roche as its star turn.
This year the promotion coincides with the 30th anniversary of Roche’s incredible 1987 season, when he won the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and World Championships.
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The jersey designed for the event on Saturday, April 1st, marks the 30-year anniversary and has undoubtedly attracted some of those who have rushed to sign up.
But clearly the organisers are gambling that the extra numbers who will take part in a free event, couple with the generosity of many of the riders, will make it worthwhile for Seeking Vision.
The new jersey is definitely one that many people will want as it marks the 30th anniversary of Roche's big year.
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The organisation was set up by Paddy Murphy, a former vice president of the old NCA cycling federation, who became visually impaired in the early 2000's.
Seeking Vision aims to assist people who were visually impaired and blind.
And now Mr Murphy son’s Paudge and Alan are organising the Stephen Roche Atlantic Challenge to raise funds for the charity, with the support of their family and friends.
The event was postponed last year for personal reasons but is back again in April for its fifth edition.
In the past it has featured Roche along with Sean Kelly, Caroline Ryan, Magnus Backstedt and Maurizio Fondriest.
Love-Hate actor Tom Vaughan Lawlor, who played Nidge in the series, has also been an ambassador for the event.
Alan Murphy told stickybottle the entry fee had been scrapped in favour of a voluntary donation in a bid to ensure mass participation.
“Cycling has become very expensive in particular the big corporate sportif series and there is no reason for it,” he said.
“The 2017 event is focused on giving back to the cyclists. The 2015 event was more than a cycle, it was an opportunity for people to have a pint with Stephen Roche and Sean Kelly the night before and talk the same stories over and over again.
“We’ll still have the craic and another pint the night before with whoever is around.”
The event is an opportunity to ride the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren and Corkscrew Hill with Stephen Roche and guests, who will be confirmed closer to the day.
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