RDS ‘Irish Cycling Show’ reports brisk trade as cycling booms in the recession

Ireland’s first cycling expo-style event, The Irish Cycling Show, is reporting brisk trade in selling stall space for the event in the RDS in May, with the bike sector in Ireland having apparently escaped the recession.

The organiser, Hugh Bonner of Donegal-based Mara Media, said before moving ahead with his plans, his research had suggested cycling was booming in Ireland like never before.

However, he said despite that knowledge he has still be surprised at the high level of interest in the show from commercial interests both at home and abroad.

“It’s no exaggeration to say we’re delighted with how it’s going so far,” he said.

“Obviously we want to keep a lid on all of the details until closer to the show, but lots of businesses have already signed up and we’ve very strong interest from lots of others. So we’re very confident it’s going to go well and we’re going to meet and pass our expectations.”

Bonner told stickybottle he was keen the show would be filled with activities that visitors can themselves try and also demonstrations from a variety of specialists across all of the cycling disciplines.

Related News

Lara Gillespie attacks Dolomite stage as Giro hits high mountains

Video - Italy's hero Balsamo mobbed mid-stage during Giro TT

“We want people to come and to be really taken with some spectacular things that we’re going to put on; you could call them ‘the main show pieces’ that everyone will be talking about and will keep people entertained.”

“But as well as that, we’ll have a huge number of leading brands so it won’t be just a couple of eye catching exhibitors; they’ll be lots to take the interest of people who’ve been involved in cycling and racing for years and who’ll be looking for something really special to catch their attention.”

Bonner also said while planning such a large show in the first year was always a challenge, he was now very confident he had made the right decision in aiming for a large-scale event.

“It’s the first time a show like this has been put on, but we’re very confident it’s going to be big and spectacular and we’re definitely very happy we went ahead and booked the RDS for it rather than starting smaller in the first year.”

The ‘Irish Cycling Show’ will take place in the main hall at the Simmonscourt pavilion in the RDS, Dublin 4, on May 19th & 20th.

Between 100 and 150 exhibitors are expected to take stands at the two-day event, with those behind the show hoping as many as 10,000 visitors will attend.

Bonner, whose company Mara Media has a history of organising commercial fishing and angling expos and publishing maritime magazines, has been a cyclist for many years with Errigal CC in his native Donegal.