Cyclists from all over the world will gather in Ennistymon this Saturday for the biggest cycling event to take place in County Clare.
This is the 6th year of the SRAC Atlantic Challenge as it continues to grow from strength to strength.
3,000 cyclists from 18 Countries have already registered to cycle the SRAC Atlantic Challenge. Cyclists are travelling from the USA, Mexico, South America, Asia, Australia, UK and all over Europe to cycle the SRAC Atlantic Challenge.
Over the years, guest cyclists from around the World have cycled the Atlantic Challenge including Tour de France winner Stephen Roche, Sean Kelly, Paris Roubaix winner Magnus Backsteadt (Sweden) and World Champion Maurizio Fondriest (Italy)
This year’s guest line-up is very impressive and includes legends Stephen Roche, Sean Kelly, Phil Anderson (Australia) and Malcolm Elliott (UK).
Stephen Roche – 1987 Triple Crown Winner of the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia and World Champion.
Sean Kelly – Winner of the Veulta Espana, 4 times winner of the Green Jersey at the Tour de France, 7 times winner of Paris –Nice, Ranked Number 1 in the World for 6 years.
Phil Anderson – first non-European to wear the yellow jersey at the Tour de France, stage winner at the Tour de France, stage winner at the Giro d’Italia, winner of numerous classics.
Malcolm Elliott (UK) – 3 stage wins in the Veulta Espana, Winner Points classification Veulta Espana, Winner Tour of Britain and Commonwealth Games and winner of numerous classics.
The SRAC Atlantic Challenge is a world cycling event and recognised as Ireland’s premier cycling event.
From the rolling hills of the Burren and the Wild Atlantic Way, the location, the route, the scenery is all breath taking and include the 2 climbs of the famous Cliffs of Moher and Corkscrew Hill.
All proceeds raised from the cycle go to support the local charity, Seeking Vision.
This year there are 2 routes, 80km and 125km, both starting from the Community Centre in Ennistymon at 9am.
The 80km route
Ennistymon, Lahinch, Liscannor, Cliffs of Moher, Lisdoonvarna, Fanore, Black Head, Ballyvaughan, Corkscrew Hill, Lisdoonvarna, Ennistymon.
The 125km route
Ennistymon, Lahinch, Liscannor, Cliffs of Moher, Lisdoonvarna, Fanore, Black Head, Ballyvaughan, Corkscrew Hill, Lisdoonvarna, before completing a second loop around Fanore, Black Head, Ballyvaughan, Corkscrew Hill back to Lisdoonvarna and Ennistymon.
Further information is available from social media sites
Facebook / SRAC Atlantic Challenge
Twitter @sraccycle
Traffic delays are expected along the route between 9 am and 4 pm.