Cyclists urged to get on their bikes for Leinster tour

DOWN Syndrome Ireland’s Dublin branch is calling on cyclists to get on their bikes alongside Irish cycling legend Stephen Roche for a unique cycling tour around Leinster to raise much-needed funds for the charity.

The annual Tour de Leinster cycle, which is now in its fourth year, takes place from Thursday, September 14 to Sunday, September 17 and will cover 600km over the four days.

The challenge gives cyclists the chance to join Irish Tour de France and Giro D’italia legend Stephen Roche, who will cycle shoulder to shoulder with participants for the four days. 

The event kicks off in TV3 in Ballymount, Dublin and the route traverses Leinster, taking in counties Wicklow, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath and Louth with some amazing scenery along the way.

Each participant will cover their own costs, so all funds raised from the Tour de Leinster event will go directly towards Down Syndrome Ireland to help support essential services in the participating Leinster branches.

The charity is also encouraging people to come out and support the cyclists as they pass through their counties.

Speaking at the launch of the 2017

‘Tour de Leinster’, Stephen Roche said:

“I am delighted to be part of this fantastic event for Down Syndrome Ireland once again.

“The Tour de Leinster is a magnificent cycling challenge, it’s so well organised and you get amazing support from people with Down syndrome and their families along the way. I look forward to meeting many of the friends I made last year and to a very enjoyable four days of cycling.

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Down Syndrome Ireland President, Mary Doherty, added:

“We are delighted that Stephen Roche has decided to come on board again this year to help raise much needed funds for people with Down syndrome in Ireland.

“It is great to see so many people out cycling to support the important work our Leinster branches are doing locally for the children and adults with Down syndrome as well as their families. We cannot thank these generous people enough.

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A registration fee of

?¬190 is required from each cyclist to participate in the event. This fee covers two Tour de Leinster jerseys, all tea/coffee/lunch stops, fully experienced support crew including outriders and medics, luggage vans and a Sunday evening homecoming reception. 

Two consecutive days cycle options are also available for those unable to commit to the full four day Tour de Leinster.

Interested cyclists can visit www.downsyndrome.ie for more information and to register or call Sandra or Mark on 01 4266500.