Lakeland Cycling Club have announced plans to promote a three day stage race this season.
The event will be based in County Fermanagh, taking place from 5th to 7th June and consist of racing for men in the A3 and junior categories and women in the W1, W2 and W3 ranks.
Severfield NI are the leading sponsor for the race, a company that have been supporting many other cycling events in the Fermanagh area in recent years.
Speaking following the initial release of details for the event, Race Director, Mark McGirr said:
“The race will cater for those developing in the sport in the men’s ranks with A3s and juniors participating while we hope to see a mix of riders from regional, national and international level lining up in the women’s race.
“The race is a great opportunity to showcase the local Fermanagh area and as a club we have an exciting and challenging course planned. The race would not be possible without the support of our sponsors such as Severfield and other local clubs who are also supporting us with the event promotion.”
Lakeland CC Chair, Paul McMulkin added:
“Lakeland CC has been promoting races for over three decades and we are delighted to see a stage race promotion by the club back on the calendar.
“We are particularly excited by the format of the event which will cater for two distinct races, male and female and one which we plan to run in a similar way to what the Tour of Omagh has been in recent years. We hope this event will help fill the gap left by that race on the calendar.”
Also speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Severfield NI, Brian Keyes said:
“Being part of such a prestigious event as this premier three day cycle race is a huge honour for Severfield and with one of the stages set to take place in Ballinamallard, we hope that many members of our local community will come out to support all of the competitors.
Cycling Ulster Chair, Tommy McCague welcomed the new addition to the Ulster racing calendar, commenting:
“It’s great to have this new race on the calendar and it will help fill the void left by the Tour of Omagh.
“I know Lakeland have a tradition of running excellent races and have experience of running stage races in the past so I’m sure we will see a fantastic race.
“I want to encourage riders to take part in the event, it will serve as a great preparation race for women riders interested in Rás na mBan while also catering for those aspiring to that event in future years.
“I want to wish Mark and all in the Lakeland club the best of luck. Cycling Ulster will do whatever we can to assist and support the race.”
More details of the race will be released over the coming months however if you have any enquiries please contact Mark McGirr (markmcgirr1987@yahoo.co.uk).
