Motoring giant ŠKODA is making a move into the Irish cycling market after being linked for decades with some of the biggest races in the world, most notably the Tour de France.
The company has just finalised a deal to sponsor the Tour de Conamara sportive which takes place in Co Galway in May.
While it has been a partner of Cycling Ireland for a number of years, the new deal with the Galway sportive is believed to be the first Irish cycling event ŠKODA Ireland has supported.
The event ran last year when five-time Tour de France winner Bernard Hinault lined out. This year the Frenchman will be back again and the organisers have also gotten Irish rugby legend Keith Wood involved, with the retired player set to ride the event on May 25th.
Advertisement
ŠKODA head of marketing, Raymond Leddy said the company was delighted to become the official sponsor to the Tour de Conamara.
Related News
“ŠKODA has a rich tradition in cycling and are the official partner of the Tour de France. To be able to get behind a local event such as this was an easy decision to make and we wish all the participants well. Monaghan & Sons, our local ŠKODA dealership in Galway, will be offering participants the option to get pre tour VIP treatment with further details to be announced closer to the event.”
Event organiser, Padraic Quinn said the 2013 edition had already attracted a large number of entries from Ireland and further afield including the UK, France and US.
“We are hoping to build on the success of last year’s cycle and have made a number of changes to provide a weekend of activity for visitors to the area. The Saturday cycle in Clifden offers 140km and 80km routes. The option to take part in the Sunday team trial event in Carna is something that is already attracting a lot of attention from cycling clubs and corporate teams.”
Quinn is hopeful the events being run in conjunction with the Saturday sportive will see riders and their families visit the area together for a weekend away.
On Sunday, the day after the sportive, there is a ‘Family Funathlon’ in Carna that will include cycling, walking and family entertainment. The Newstalk Team Time Trial event and Family Funathlon are fundraiser events for Cancer Care West.
The two days of activity are sponsored by ŠKODA, Newstalk, PowerBar, www.AliMaySports.ie, Velotec, Galway Water, TG4 and W2 Consulting. Those registering for the 140km or 80km Sportive by April 14th are guaranteed a special edition cycling gilet and PowerBar pack.
Topics
