Wind Swept Dungarvan hosts Third Sean Kelly Tour Training Spin

Waterford County Council, Waterford Sports Partnership, County Waterford Community Forum and all 8 cycling clubs involved in the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford were delighted to see a big group of enthusiastic cyclists departing from Grattan Square, Dungarvan on Sunday last 22nd June in what can only be described as slightly less than favourable storm like conditions. It did not serve to dampen the spirits of those present however who were using this training spin as part of their preparation for the tour itself which will take place this year on Sunday 24th August. The Dungarvan leg of Sean Kelly Tour training follows on from two highly successful spins in Clonmel and Carrick-on-Suir earlier in the summer. The spin was lead by experienced members of Dungarvan Credit Union Cycling club who the Tour committee would like to express gratitude to.

Also taking part in the cycle was the newly elected County Mayor Cllr. Tom Higgins who was joined by Cllr. Ger Barron, both of whom are representing the members of Waterford County Council along with Cllr. Mary Greene as part of Waterford Sports Partnership ‘Team Challenge’ aspect of this year’s tour. Check out the Team Challenge Section of the website for more information on the ‘Team Challenge’.

There was a great cross section of participants in this the third such training session, from the very youngest to the very oldest (we won’t say who that was) and all in between. There was also a good mixture of both ladies and men and none were found wanting when it came to doing their bit at the front into a strong headwind on the road towards Cappoquin. Thanks to the large number of volunteers from the organising club there was a distance and a pace here to suit everyone as all riders got a taste of what they can expect on the 24th August particularly on the 50k Kelly Cruise as it takes in part of last Sunday’s route. Well done to all who participated. The committee would like to express its sincere thanks to all at Dungarvan Credit Union Cycling Club and Ger Wyley & Tony O’Mahony in particular.

Time to start that training programme.

For anyone contemplating getting into the saddle for the Tour the time has come to get out there on the bike! The 50k training programme (which can be found on the tour website started this weekend). It has been great to see so many cyclists out on the roads of our beautiful county over the past few months laying the foundations to what will surely be a great tour in August. There are two more organised training spins to come before the tour itself in Waterford City and Youghal. Details will be announced over the coming weeks. In the meantime keep biking!

Entries are now flooding in and the organisers are encouraging everyone to enter early this year a the closing date for entries is 8th August which is less than 6 weeks away with only 8 weeks to go to the tour itself. So far entries have come in from almost every county in Ireland, as well as the UK, Europe and a number have come in from the US, Canada and Asia. So, don't delay - enter today!!!