The Banner County will have its very own ‘Ring of Clare’ Cycle event in July 2017.
Previously known as the Granfondo Hibernia, the cycle sportive event attracted over 1000 cyclists to Clare in the first year it was hosted.
Cyclists have two route options of 120km and 160km for the event which takes place in Ennis on Saturday 29th July 2017. It will form part of the international SKODA Celtic Cycling Series linking the Clare event with cycles in Wales, Brittany, Scotland and the Isle of Man.
The decision to change the name to the Ring of Clare was to build on the international profile of Clare as a leading cycling destination and the iconic areas on the route from the Wild Atlantic Way coastline, Loop Head peninsula and the Shannon Estuary.
Ian Falconer, one of the main organiser of the event commented “The post event research from the Granfondo highlighted how much the name of Clare was important to cyclists in making a decision to take part in the event. We felt it would project the brand name of Clare and highlight what a great cycling destination it is”.
He continued “This year we planning to develop the festival side of the event so it will attract people to the county and stay a little longer to enjoy the best of Clare. The first year of the event was very well received under the name of Granfondo Hibernia. The plan is to develop the event with our international linkages and establish it as a major sport tourism event for the county”.
Full event details are available www.ringofclare.ie