Fighting for pink again as 'AmberGreen Energy Tour of Ulster' is announced
CYCLING enthusiasts will relive the legacy of the Giro d'Italia in May 2015 as teams from across Europe will take to the Northern Ireland roads for the 'AmberGreen Energy Tour of Ulster' - one of Ireland's longest established races.
The race, which was established in 1957 and is embedded in the local racing calendar, is attracting riders from Belgium, Portugal, Poland, Italy, Holland, GB and Ireland.
Launched on Tuesday (NOV 4) outside Stormont, The 'AmberGreen Energy Tour of Ulster' will see cyclists compete for the coveted pink jersey of the race leader yet again as they compete through the four stage route.
The race takes them from Belfast to Newry then onto Armagh and finishing in Cookstown during the 2015 May Bank Holiday weekend.
Neil O'Brien, chairman of the host company, AmberGreen Energy, said: "The appetite in Northern Ireland for cycling is unbelievable. Earlier this year, figures revealed that cycling and mountain biking tourism is worth about £100m to the Northern Ireland economy. This is a sport which has phenomenal support with people donning their cycle gear, at every available opportunity, in hail, rain or shine.
"The atmosphere during the Giro d'Italia was amazing. Everyone seemed to embrace the 'Fight For Pink' as the teams travelled the length and breadth of the country.
"We are delighted to take this opportunity to show our commitment to the people of Northern Ireland, to celebrate the legacy of the Giro d'Italia and to begin a long term relationship with Ireland's most famous cycling race.
"Our slogan is 'More Power To You'. This is certainly true of the people in Northern Ireland who showcase the region as a great place to live, work and visit, who embrace sport as a means of connecting with our own landscapes and communities and who welcome our overseas athletes with Northern Irish hospitality."
Echoing his words, Dr Howard Hastings OBE, chairman of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, said: "The AmberGreen Energy Tour of Ulster will be a fantastic way to celebrate the legacy of the Giro d'Italia. This will be yet another platform to showcase our region as a great place to visit where sporting events, like cycling races, are celebrated by everyone."
Race director Garry Nugent said the AmberGreen Tour of Ulster reflects how sport can often lead the way in promoting ‘joined up’ ways of working which impact positively on many aspects of people’s lives.
He said: "The 'AmberGreen Energy Tour of Ulster' aims to impact on society and how we engage with sport. It presents us with yet another opportunity to capitalise on cycling enthusiasm, promote the wellbeing of our population and promote our province nationally and internationally.
"It will capture the legacy of the Giro d'Italia as this too is a spectators' event and we are encouraging people to come out and celebrate the athletes as they race through our towns and villages."
The AmberGreen Energy Tour of Ulster starts on May 1 at Stormont and ends with a circuit race in Cookstown on May 4.
The AmberGreen Energy Tour of Ulster Route:
Stage 1 - Belfast Prologue – Stormont Estate 2 up race.
Stage 2 - Belfast (AmberGreen Energy Boucher Road) – Carryduff – Saintfield – Crossgar – Downpatrick – Clough – Newcastle (Bryansford Road, Spelga Dam) – Kilkeel – Rostrevor – Hilltown – Rathfriland – Mayobridge – Warrenpoint – Newry.
Stage 3 - Newry – Camlough – Newtownhamilton – Keady – Markethill – Hamiltonsbawn – Richill – Armagh – Caledon – Aughnacloy – Ballygawley (Whitebridge Road) – Pomeroy - Donaghmore – Cookstown.
Stage 4 -Cookstown – William Street – Orritor Road – Tulnacross Road – Flo Road – Omagh Road – Tullagh Road – Fairhill Road – James Street – William Street – Cookstown.