The annual Sport Ireland Yeats Tour of Sligo cycle takes place this May Bank Holiday weekend commencing on Saturday 29^th April with a 10K Family Spin from IT Sligo to Hazelwood between 3pm and 4pm. On Sunday 30^th April over 1,500 cyclists will undertake various routes commencing from IT Sligo at 9am and returning by 5pm taking in cycling routes which navigate across Hughes Bridge to Strandhill, Ballisodare, Ballina Road towards Ladies Brae, Coolaney, Cloonacool , Tubbercurry, Ballymote, Collooney, Ballintogher and Dromahair, all on public roads. The final route section will involve both the R286 back to IT Sligo and the Newtownmanor Sligo road. Traffic delays can be expected with Garda support and route marshals to warn other roads users in advance and minimise disruption . Your co-operation is appreciated.

As part of the safety preparations for the Sport Ireland Yeats Tour of Sligo the organising committee has an Event Medical Plan and Risk Assessment Plan in place.

Please read important information about Sign in and events on Sunday at the following link

Information Pack 160km/100km/60km 

Each participant who registers for the 60km, 100km and 160km distances on Sunday 30th April will receive a Long Sleeve Technical T-shirt. Participants will be able to collect this at sign-in. Come early as sizes are handed out on a first come first serviced basis.

The Sport Ireland Yeats Tour of Sligo is delighted to have the ‘O’Hehir Foodstops’ on board for the 2017 cycle. Cyclists will experience quality food along the routes at the various foodstops and on returning back to the event headquarters at IT Sligo cyclists will be enjoy a well earned hot meal at the O’Hehirs food centre.

Don’t want to cycle but still want to be part of this large sporting event! Join the team of over 300 volunteers who help each year to welcome 2000 cyclists to Sligo.

Samaritans Sligo has been selected as the chosen charity for this years Sport Ireland Yeats Tour of Sligo. This is a huge platform for us to raise our profile here in Sligo and nationwide. It’s also a great opportunity to raise much needed funds to keep our branch here in Sligo open. In conjunction with the Sport Ireland Yeats Tour of Sligo Samaritans Sligo has launched a monster raffle with over 30 prizes to be won. Some of these include weekend breaks in fabulous hotels, spa and meal vouchers and many many more. Tickets are €5 or 5 for €20. Raffle tickets can also be requested by cyclists from the SSRP office at 071 9161511. Also, tickets can be purchased by the general public at the Rooftop Restaurant, WB’s Coffeehouse and Specsavers Opticians. The raffle will take place on April 30th during the cycle after party.

In the build up to the Sport Ireland Yeats Tour of Sligo 2017, Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership are running a 6 week Bike for Life course for adults.

Bike for Life is a beginners / improvers  cycling programme, in which a cyclist is brought through the various skills and techniques involved in cycling over an 6 week period. The focus of the programme is on learning and meeting new people, with the group cycle a prominent feature in the programme. Distance cycled will gradually increase each week with the goal of completing the 60km cycle in the Sport Ireland Tour of Sligo.

This is the perfect opportunity for anyone who would like to build their fitness or increase their confidence to cycle in groups and on the road. For further information please contact Theresa Kilgannon at Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership on 0719161511 or email theresa@sligosportandrecreation.ie

Find out more here

View Launch photos HERE

Ambassador for the Yeats Tour of Sligo, 2017 Paralympian Eve McCrystal, officially launched the event on the day.

Registration is now open for 2017 event. See our ‘How to Enter’ page to apply online or download an application form.

Closing date for EARLY BIRD Entries is Wed 19th April 2017.
LATE ENTRIES can be made until Tuesday 25th April 2017.  A late entry fee will apply.

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, TD officially launched the 2017 Sport Ireland Cycle Series

 On Friday 17th February Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, TD officially launched the 2017 Sport Ireland Cycle Series (previously known as the An Post Cycle Series). The Cycle Series will continue in 2017 as the Sport Ireland Cycle Series and will continue to be managed by the Local Sports Partnerships who organise the high quality events in each host County for which they are renowned.

Celebrating its 9^th year, the Sport Ireland Cycle Series encourages people of all fitness levels to get physically active by getting on their bikes and taking part in fun cycling events across the country between May and September.

The Sport Ireland Cycle Series will take place in five locations in Sligo, Clare, Meath, Waterford and Cork and is coordinated by Local Sports Partnerships in conjunction with their city, county and cycling club partners. Whether you want to take part in one event or fancy challenging yourself to compete in all 5, the cycle series has routes for everyone to enjoy.

Family routes will be approximately 10kms while short, medium and long distance routes will be approximately 60kms, 100kms and 160kms.

In this region the Sport Ireland Yeats Tour of Sligo will return once again on Saturday 29^th and Sunday 30^th of April. The event will involve 5 different routes, accommodating for a wide range of cycling interests, including the leisure cyclist, family cycling and of course, seasoned/experienced cyclists. The tour will afford the people of Sligo and visitors to the County, the chance to enjoy stunning scenery ranging from majestic mountains to spectacular sea views and including picturesque country scenery and rural villages from the saddle of their bike.

Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, TD, said: “I am delighted to announce the launch of the 2017 Sport Ireland Cycle Series. It is great to see the series returning for a 9^th year and this clearly demonstrates the growing popularity of cycling as a sport. Each event has a great selection of routes for all levels to enjoy so I would encourage everyone to sign up and get out on the bike over the summer months.”

Also speaking at the launch, John Treacy, CEO of Sport Ireland explained, “We are delighted to be bringing the Sport Ireland Cycle Series around the country for the summer. I would encourage everyone, no matter what your ability of cycling to take part. There is a fantastic array of routes to choose from and I have seen what a great day out this can be for family and friends. I look forward to seeing you all over the next few months.”

Since 2009 Sport Ireland and the Local Sports Partnerships have been supporting recreational cycling across the country through the Sport Ireland Series and last year over 15,300 riders from all over Ireland took part in the Cycle Series. Participants are encouraged to sign up early with family and friends to avoid missing out. Registration is now open for the Sport Ireland Yeats Tour of Sligo HERE 

Cyclists Gear Up for the Return of the Sport Ireland Cycle Series 
Pictured at the launch of the Sport Ireland Cycle Series 2017 are Emma Jane Clarke, Partnership and Governance Director Sport Ireland, John Sweeney, Clare Sports Partnership Sports Coordinator, Geoff Liffey, CEO Cycling Ireland, Deirdre Lavin, Sports Co-ordinator Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership, Ellen Keane, Paralympic swimmer, John Treacy, CEO Sport Ireland, Darren O’Neill, Irish boxer, Rosarie Kealy, Waterford Sports Partnership Sports Coordinator, Dr. Una May, Director of Participation and Ethics, Sport Ireland, Kristine Meenaghan, Coordinator Cork Sports Partnership Ltd, Mary Murphy, Sports Coordinator, Meath Local Sports Partnership, Declan Slevin, Para-cyclist.