Merrion Square Park, Dublin, Thursday 22nd March: The 2012 An Post Cycle Series was officially launched today by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Mr Michael Ring TD alongside the 2012 ambassadors; cycling legend Sean Kelly, Cork hurler Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and model Sarah McGovern. All three ambassadors will be taking to their bikes for the An Post Cycle Series this summer.

The five events in the Series take place across the country between May and September. The Series is a joint initiative between An Post and the Irish Sports Council, encouraging people to get back on their bikes and out into their communities.

At today’s launch in Merrion Square Park, Dublin, the Minister expressed his support for the cycling participation events: “The An Post Cycle Series has been a great success and underlines the potential of events to boost participation and bring visitors to beautiful parts of Ireland.  The Series is a great example of a governing body working with the Irish Sports Council and sponsors in providing exciting new participation opportunities in sport”.

Seán Óg O’hAilpín, who kept fit last year by cycling regularly and also took part in the Race the Rás charity cycle last May, said he is looking forward to participating in the An Post Rebel Tour of Cork in September.

“Last year I wasn’t involved in championship training for the first time in years and I found cycling was a great way of keeping my fitness. I was asked to take part in Race the Rás and really enjoyed being in the saddle, so I was delighted to put my name down for the An Post Rebel Tour this September.”

Over 13,500 people took part in last year’s series, which provide a variety of routes from a family 10k spin to the more challenging 50k, 60k, 100k and 160k distances, ensuring the events cater for every type of cyclist, from families to serious amateurs.

New mum Sarah McGovern is taking part because the events are a great way to keep fit and involve your children at the same time. “My bike will definitely have a child seat at the back of it, and I’m looking forward to the chance to get out and about in the fresh air, enjoy great exercise and include Jude in the fun.”

The 2012 An Post Cycle Series gets underway on Sunday May 6th with the An Post Tour of Sligo. This will be followed by the An Post Tour De Burren in Clare on Saturday, 23rd June, while the An Post Meath Heritage Cycle Tour will take place on Sunday, 29th July. The Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford takes place on Sunday, 26th August and finally the An Post Rebel Tour of Cork will be on Saturday, 15th September. Each county’s event is organised by the Irish Sports Council’s Local Sports Partnerships in conjunction with their city, county and cycling club partners.

Former world number one cyclist, Sean Kelly, who will be taking part in the Clare and Waterford events, is thrilled to see so many people keeping active by getting back on their bike year on year.

“The An Post Cycle Series has been a real cycling success story in Ireland over the last few years. 5,500 people took part in 2009, over 10,000 in 2010 and 13,500 last year, so it’s been amazing to see so many people get back cycling. It’s a great way of keeping healthy and these events provide all types of cyclists and families of a really enjoyable day out during the summer months.”

Further details on each of the events in the Series, and how to become involved, are available on www.anpost.ie/cycling

Sligo: An Post Tour of Sligo, Sunday, 6th May

• Hazelwood Spin* (Saturday 5th May)      10km
• Lough Gill Circuit                                     60km
• Innisfree Tour                                         100km
• Ox Mountain Challenge                          160km

For more information: www.tourogfsligo.ie  Tel: 071 916 1511

Clare: The An Post Tour De Burren, Saturday, 23rd June

• Aillwee Cave Family Spin                         10km
• Black Head Battle                                     66km
• Burnin’ Burren                                         108km
• Fr. Ted’s Day Out                                   162km 

For more information: www.tourdeburren.com  or info@claresportspartnership.ie Tel: Clare Sports Partnership 065 6865434

Meath: Heritage Cycle Tour of Meath, Sunday, 29th July

• Family Spin                                            11km
• Tara Loop                                               50km
• Royal Tour                                            100km
• Royal Challenge                                    160km

For more information: www.meathsports.ie Tel: 046 906 7337

Waterford: Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford, Sunday, 26th August

• The Kelly Ten*    *(Saturday 25th August)         10km
• The Kelly Cruise                                               50km 
• The Kelly Heritage Route                                100km
• The Kelly Comeragh Challenge                        160km

 For more information: www.theseankellytour.com or info@theseankellytour.com Tel: 058 21104

Cork: Rebel Tour, Saturday, 15th September

• Rebel Pedal                                                     10km
• Rebel Cruise                                                    50km
• Rebel Rider                                                     100km
• Rebel Challenge                                              150km

For more information www.corksports.ie or info@corksports.ie Tel: 021 4665081

Pictures courtesy of Maxwells Photography 01-8308072