Having extended the National Road Series - for road racing cyclists - this year, Cycling Ireland has now moved on to the sportive sector with the launch of a new Leisure National Series.
It is understood this is the first time the national governing body has become involved in this way in the sportive scene, which is the largest part of Irish cycling and whose riders account for the biggest section of Cycling Ireland's membership.
While Cycling Ireland has promoted the Great Dublin Bike Ride, which will he run again this year, the new series is a bigger concept, including several events with a truly national reach.
For now, the new Leisure National Series involves Cycling Ireland linking and promoting the five featured events. It is hoped this will encourage sportive riders to enter several, or all, of these sportives.
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Furthermore, the back of Cycling Ireland for each of the five events may result in more new or beginner cyclists hearing about the the series sportive in their region and would persuaded to enter.
Cycling Ireland Leisure Commission chairperson, John Maloney, said the commission was delighted to launch the new series with the support of Cycling Ireland.
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"Supporting leisure cycling, and the leisure membership, is our primary goal and the series is all about the joy of cycling and showing that it’s not always about crossing the finish line first but about getting over it, together,” he said.
"All leisure events are open to participants of all ages and ability levels. The 2023 Leisure National Series aim is to support leisure cycling event organisers in the four provinces, to assist the host clubs and its members across the Island of Ireland. Bringing people together for such events will help build a greater cycling community.”
The 2023 National Leisure Series includes an event in all four provinces before concluding with the Great Dublin Bike Ride.
It begins with the Ring of Cilcuigh in Co Cavan on May 7th, before the Tour De Lough Derg in Co Tipperary the following week - on a scenic route that takes in Lough Derg on the River Shannon.
Staying with the lakeside theme, Tour of the Lakes is the third part of the series in Co Westmeath on June 11th. That is followed, on August 13th, by Cunga Ram in Co Mayo, taking in the breathtaking views of Connemara.
The series then concludes with on of the flagship events of the Cycling Ireland calendar in the Great Dublin Bike Ride on September 17th.
