The SPAR Tour of Omagh is unparalleled as one of Co Tyrone’s most iconic cycling events, the biggest A4 stage race of its kind in Ireland. Now in its 7th year, the 2016 SPAR Tour of Omagh will take place from 28-30th July and is set to attract some of the region’s most prestigious cyclists.


The widely recognised event has gone from strength to strength over the years and produced some fine winners including two riders who have gone on to ride the An Post Rás, with two cyclist turning professional.

In 2017, the event continues to develop the separate Women’s race which proved very popular in recent years. The prestige of competitor’s who entered the race in 2015 & 2016 was outstanding with female competitor Eileen Burns (Bann Valley CC) coming out on top securing a finishing time that was in the top 10 overall across both races. There has already been great interest in this year’s Women’s event with athletes looking to use it as preparation for the An Post Rás na mBan. The Women’s race will cater for women of all categories (A1/2/3/4) which promises to make some exciting and fast racing.


Returning as Race Director for 2017, Omagh Wheelers man Stevie McKenna is looking forward to another exciting race;

“We are delighted once again to have SPAR back on board as our title sponsor for 2017 and wish to thank them again for their continued support for the biggest A4 race of its kind in Ireland. We’ve got some challenging stages in store for our A4 and women competitors and we’re expecting places to sell out in record time given the interest we’ve received over recent months”.


Bronagh Luke, Head of Corporate Marketing at Henderson Group, owners of the SPAR franchise in Northern Ireland, indicated she was excited about the event;


“SPAR are delighted to once again be the title sponsor of the 2017 Tour of Omagh for a second consecutive year. As title sponsor we are confident that this unique and challenging event will be well supported by not only local cycle enthusiasts, but by cycle clubs throughout Ireland. The Tour of Omagh truly tests cyclists limits by providing a range of competitions within the overall race.


SPAR stores throughout Northern Ireland supply a wide range of fresh healthy locally sourced produce, perfect for participants who are in training and want to prepare well-balanced healthy meals. We are proud to be associated with this exciting event and would like to encourage as many people to take part and stay active.”


The race will once again have plenty on offer in terms of competition. The men’s race will cater for well over 100 cyclists, and there will once again be a separate Womens race available across all categories.


There are plenty of jersey competitions to play for again, with the overall race sponsored by SPAR; the Points competition sponsored by GMG Logos; KOH competition sponsored by JMG Systems; Women’s race sponsored by Sallys of Omagh; and the Combativity competition sponsored by Image Express.


Entries will open online for the event on 29th June and close on 4th July via entrycentral.com. For further details, check the Omagh Wheelers website http://www.omaghwheelers.co.uk/tour-of-omagh-3-day/ or our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SPARTOO17/.