Forced to close its entry system early in the past because of the huge demand for places, the Ring of Kerry Sportive has made some big changes for the 2016 edition.
Having grown hugely in recent years and been forced to close its entry system early this year and last, the Ring of Kerry Sportive has decided to make changes for 2016.
The organisers have launched a new lottery entry system, with riders hoping to take part in the event being asked to pay €10 to be in contention.
And once you’ve paid that fee and put your name forward, you will go into a random selection system that will now be used to fill up the field.
Those lucky enough to be selected to ride the event will have their initial €10 fee taken off the €85 entry – which is the minimum charity donation payable for those who want to ride.
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But in an usual move, those who do not make the cut won’t get their €10 back.
However, with the event having raised €1.85 million for charity last year and more than €10 million since its inception, all the €10 fees belonging to those who don’t get in will be added to the charity fund.
The new system means everyone will have an equal and random chance of riding, and those who delay in entering won't be caught out again.
The lottery system was trialled by the event this year to re-allocate 500 spare places in May.
This year more than 11,000 riders entered but thousands were left disappointed when the entry system was closed early because it was felt allowing any more entries would have compromised safety.
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The Ring of Kerry Sportive was also forced to close entries early in 2014; shutting up shop nine weeks ahead of the July event after 9,500 riders signed up in record time.
In a statement issued yesterday, Thursday, the organisers set out the timetable for the new entry system.
“On Friday, December 11th, we’ll be opening up our pre-registration page on our website,” they said.
“It will remain open for six weeks and this is where you’ll enter your details for the lottery.
“There’s no need to rush – final selection is not based on how early you register. In line with any lottery, selection will be random.
“Pre-registration will remain open until midnight on Sunday, January 31st, 2016.
“Then on Monday, February 15th, 2016, the lottery winners will be emailed to let them know they’ve been successful along with final instructions on how to confirm their place.
“On Sunday, February 20th, 2016, those who have not accepted will see their place reallocated.”
So mark it in your diary folks; this day week Friday, December 11th is your first chance to get your name down along with your initial €10 fee.
If you don't make it, at least you know your tenner will end up in the coffers of one of the event's dedicated charities.
You can get more information by following this link.
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