Operation Transformation – Cycle Days
Saturday 7th February saw people across the country participate in Operation Transformation’s first Cycle Day, which was run in association with Cycling Ireland clubs in five locations. The Cycling Ireland clubs came together with local authorities, the Gardaí and other members of the community to offer a free 10km cycle for anyone who wanted to participate in what was for many people their first mass participation cycling event, which was televised for the RTE show.
Operation Transformation is a lifestyle programme that has been running for eight years, where five “leaders” follow a healthy lifestyle plan in the public eye for eight weeks, documented by RTE on both television and on the radio. Throughout the eight week series the leaders take on various challenges, from community walks with the Irish Sports Council and the Local Sports Partnerships, to running events with Athletics Ireland. They also follow healthy eating plans and the ultimate aim is for these individuals to change their lifestyle and by doing it in the public eye, viewers and followers join them on their journey.
Cycling is an ideal sport to help people get active, as it is a non-weight bearing activity, and offers people of all ages a great sense of freedom and independence. However, it is an activity that for some reason people can find a little daunting at first. By offering a 10km cycling event to people, it encourages them to come together in a controlled and safe environment. The overwhelming response from participants across the country was positive, indicating a hunger for an increase in similar opportunities.
These events would not have been possible without the support of the clubs who ran them. The community engagement from Ardee CC, Gorey CC, Lucan CRC, Shannonside CC and West Cork CC was outstanding, with everyone coming together to make sure the roads were safe and well marshalled. Well done to everyone involved.
