Yeats Tour of Sligo
In 2009 The Yeats Tour of Sligo came about following the selection of Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership by An Post and the Irish Sports Council to be part of The An Post Cycle Series.
The cycle was modelled on the very successful Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford and similar events took place throughout the summer in Clare, Meath and Cork. The event has great potential to promote and develop cycling in County Sligo and the North West region, while also marketing Sligo as both a cycling and tourist destination.
The events from 2009 to 2016 were sponsored by An Post. The 2017 event will now be the Sport Ireland Yeats Tour of Sligo and it will be the ninth year the event will take place in Sligo following wonderfully successful events in 2009 to 2016. Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership will continue to make the 2017 Tour even better than before!
Making it Happen
The Tour can only be made possible through the positive co-operation between local agencies including Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership, Sligo County Council, Mayo Sligo Leitrim ETB and Failte Ireland. The commitment of local cycling clubs, Innisfree Wheelers and Eire Og Cycling Club has been outstanding while local support through key sponsorship from Super Valu and O’ Hehirs will add to the quality of the event. Central to the action when it comes to the foodstops is the nominated charity who provide outstanding support for the smooth running of this aspect of the event. The collective effort of all involved will greatly enhance the planning and delivery of what promises to be an exciting and memorable sporting occasion for Sligo in 2017.
Safety Note:
- The Yeats Tour of Sligo Committee has given due consideration to the planning for the safety of all participants on the Sport Ireland Yeats Tour of Sligo.
- A Health and Safety Statement is in place.
- Emergency procedures and Emergency Services have been identified.
- Extensive signage will be in place for the event.
As part of the overall event, there are five different routes of varying degrees of difficulty.
The 2km Bike Trail is for children aged 6 to 8 years and will take place inside the grounds of the IT Sligo, children must be accompanied by an adult, adults may walk or cycle along side the participating child.
The 10km Hazelwood Spin for All should be accessible to everybody over the age of 9 years who does some regular cycling.
The 60km Lough Gill Circuit is a relatively flat route but includes a few gradual inclines and is suitable for people of a reasonably good fitness level and recreational cyclists.
The 100Km Innisfree Tour, will be suitable for those who have put in the training and would like that little bit more of a challenge than the 60Km. The climbs are tougher than the 60km route but then the reward in terms of personal achievement and scenery on offer will be greater
However, the 160km Ox Mountain Challenge is only for the very experienced, the very fit, and those who relish a serious challenge. It requires lots of stamina and cycling experience – but the sense of achievement on completion will make it all worthwhile.
Have a Go – get on your bike, for the Sport Ireland Yeats Tour of Sligo!
The event will be held on Sunday 30th April 2017 with the Family Fun Day on Saturday 29th April. It’s a chance to be active while also enjoying the spectacular scenery on offer in Sligo. A warm welcome to County Sligo for all cyclists will a big part of the whole occasion and hopefully all participants will leave with pleasant memories of their Sligo cycling tour.
