The Dublin Bike Ride is on

MORE than 6,000 riders will set out from Smithfield in Dublin next month as they take part in the third Great Dublin Bike Ride. 

The popular event will return on September 24 following a sold-out ride last year.

The Great Dublin Bike Ride is an initiative of Sport Ireland who work in conjunction with Dublin City Council, Healthy Ireland, Fingal County Council, Cycling Ireland, Meath County Council and  the gardai to create the only cycling event of its kind in Dublin.

The event offers two unique scenic routes; a 60km run for those looking for a slightly less strenuous day in the saddle, and a challenging 100km route for experienced riders.

The Great Dublin Bike Ride will be a flagship event in Ireland for the European Week of Sport (September 23-30) and it welcomes cyclists of all abilities to take part.

Last year’s event sold out with 5,000 novice and experienced riders taking part, including over 26 nationalities from around the world.

The 32 counties in Ireland were represented on the day with participants ranging from 17-73 years of age.

All entrants will receive a Great Dublin Bike Ride tech top, medal and goodie bag and registration is now open at www.greatdublinbikeride.ie.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Mícheál Mac Donncha, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin, Minister of State at the Department of Health, Catherine Byrne, and Deputy Mayor of Fingal County Council, Adrian Henchy attended the launch last week.

Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor Mac Donncha said:

“I am delighted to welcome the Great Dublin Bike Ride to the streets of the city for an amazing third year.

“I congratulate Dublin City Council on its continued involvement and support with this event.

“The number of people cycling in Dublin city continues to grow year on year and this event is a great opportunity to showcase what Dublin can offer as a cycle friendly city.

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Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin, added:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for people to participate in a unique event based on physical activity and community engagement.

“I would like to wish all of the cyclists and volunteers the very best in what will be the biggest event of its kind to happen in Dublin.

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Minister of State at the Department of Health, Catherine Byrne, said:

“Whether you are a complete novice, experienced or commuter cyclist, it is never too late to take on a new challenge, like the Great Dublin Bike Ride.

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 The Chief Executive of Sport Ireland, John Treacy, said they were delighted to be supporting the Great Dublin Bike Ride for a third year.

“Having sold out last year we can firmly see the appetite for cycling is growing in the right direction,

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Deputy Mayor of Fingal County Council, Adrian Henchy said:

“We are very excited to be part of the third Great Dublin Bike Ride and look forward to showcasing the beautiful scenery of Fingal to nearly 6,000 cyclists.

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The triple national road race champion and regular member of the Irish National Track Team, Lydia Boylan, said:

“It’s great to have such a big event like Great Dublin Bike Ride in Dublin. It’s my home town and where I fell in love with cycling. Although racing is my passion the part that keeps all of us most interested is the people we meet on the road.

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The Great Dublin Bike Ride takes place Sunday, September 24. To register, simply click on to www.greatdublinbikeride.ie.