ENNIS, IRELAND, April 14, 2010
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Two public information events relating to Ireland's first closed road cycle event, The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia, will be held in County Clare later this month.
In an effort to increase public awareness of the August 22nd mass participation cycle, event organisers IMG will host public meetings in the Old Ground Hotel, Ennis (3-6pm, Monday April 26) and The Falls Hotel, Ennistymon (11am-4pm, Tuesday April 27).
An estimated 2000 people from throughout Ireland and the UK are expected to participate in the cycle, which is open to all standards of cyclists, aged 18-80. It is proposed that the cycle will start and finish in Ennis, and travel through the Clare towns and villages of Ruan, Corofin, Kilnaboy, Ballyvaughan, Fanore, Liscannor, Lahinch, Spanish Point, Connolly, Kilmaley and Inch.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming information meetings, Jo Dytch of IMG said: "We are working closely with Shannon Development, Failte Ireland, Clare County Council, Clare Sports Partnership and the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, to ensure we communicate effectively with all residents throughout the event planning process. We are also liaising with the HSE and An Garda Síochána to ensure the event is run in the safest possible way."
She continued: "This mass participation cycling event will bring significant financial gain to the Clare economy annually and will see some of the most scenic parts of the County and its coastline exposed to the worlds cycling enthusiasts and media. We are, collectively, committed to working with local people to maximise the economic return of the Etape. Furthermore, we regard the involvement in this event of local people, community groups and regional agencies as key to its overall success".
Speaking about the potential of the event Pat Daly, Tourism & Marketing Division Manager, Shannon Development said; "Shannon Development, as the Tourism Authority for the Shannon Region, has been driving the development of sports tourism which is worth an estimated EUR60 million to the region annually. We were delighted to have helped secure the Sky Ride Etape Hibernia, in association with the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau. This major event will boost Co. Clare's reputation as a cycling destination and complements our campaign to promote the Region's growing reputation as a leading sports and events destination."
Meanwhile, IMG have announced details of a logo design competition aimed at promoting participation in sport and raising awareness of The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia. Fourth, fifth and sixth class students in Clare's 127 primary schools are being encouraged to design a logo that reflects the true spirit of participation in sport in the context of the upcoming cycling event.
The winning logo design, which will be worn by event participants on the day of the cycle, will be chosen by a panel of judges comprising representatives from IMG, Clare County Council, Shannon Development, Clare Sports Partnership, Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau and Failte Ireland.
IMG have extensive experience in organising large mass participation sporting events, including The Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia which is now in its fourth year and attracts more than 4,500 competitors.
Anyone wishing to participate in the Sky Ride Etape Hibernia, sign up as an event volunteer or register a local event on the weekend of August 21-22, should contact IMG by emailing info@etapehibernia.com or calling +44 (0)20 8233 5900.
Details of The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia are available from http://www.etapehibernia.com or info@etapehibernia.com.
-ENDS-
Notes To Editor:
- High resolution images are available on request. TV and Radio interviewees also are available on request. Please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- Why Étape Hibernia? 'Étape' is the name for a stage of a cycle race. Hibernia is the Classical Latin name for the island of Ireland
- For more information on IMG mass participation events visit: http://www.challengerworld.com
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