Dublin City is to host a major new cycling event which will be a flagship event in Ireland for the European Week of Sport in September.
The inaugural Great Dublin Bike Ride will take place on Sunday 13th September and will attract up to 5,000 cyclists riding over two courses of 60KM and 100 KM.
The ride is based on the successful sportif model used internationally, promoting cycling and mass participation. The two routes will start and finish in the heart of the city at Dublin’s Smithfield
It is being supported by The Irish Sports Council, Cycling Ireland the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Dublin City Council and Healthy Ireland. No commercial partner has yet been identified but it has not been ruled out either for this year or for future events.
Coca Cola has a stake in Dublin cycling through its support for the Dublin Bike scheme.
Speaking at the launch, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe said: “I am delighted to announce the launch of the Great Dublin Bike Ride. The event provides a tremendous opportunity for the people of Dublin to participate in a unique event which is based on physical activity and community engagement.”
“I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in this event and any of the other events planned for our National Week of Physical Activity and Sport in September”.
The Great Dublin Bike Ride provides a cross-Departmental, cross-Government approach to mass participation and physical activity.
“Cycling is an accessible activity that provides a gateway to healthy living for everyone. Events such as the Bike Ride are essential in supporting Healthy Ireland’s goal of creating an environment where every individual and sector of society can play their part in achieving a healthy Ireland, added Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar, TD.
Lord Mayor of Dublin, Christy Burke said: “I am delighted to welcome the first Great Dublin Bike Ride. This is a great opportunity for cyclists to take in the incredible scenic routes we have in Dublin and be part of a great event which we hope will see up to 5,000 participants. This is a great opportunity to showcase Dublin and our sports facilities”.
Chief Executive of the Irish Sports Council, John Treacy, said: ‘We are thrilled to be launching the Great Dublin Bike Ride. I have participated in similar events internationally and seen firsthand how successful they can be in increasing participation across all ages and all abilities. I really believe this is a great event to keep everyone active over the summer months and would encourage everyone, whether you are beginner or advanced cyclist, to sign up and get involved’.
The Great Dublin Bike Ride takes place Sunday 13th September 2015. To register simply click on http://greatdublinbikeride.ie/
