|
|
|
Last Updated: 2 Apr 2018 - 8:45:17 PM |
Cyclists Gear up for Easter P&O Classic
By Anthony Mitchell
12 Mar 2012,
|
Email this article
|
The countdown is on, with just under a month to go to Cycling`s showcase event, the P&O Ferries Tour of the North takes to the roads at Easter.
Covering 4 stages, and just under 220 miles of racing over the Easter weekend, Friday 6th April will see 100 international riders assemble for the now traditional opening Time Trial stage in the grounds of Stormont Estate in Belfast .
Getting the event underway with a Climb, albeit a short 1.1km ascent of the Prince of Wales drive in Stormont, Stage 2 also sees 3 categorised climbs in the AAsponsored King of the Hills competition, with Saturdays Rathfriland-based stage taking in the legendary Spelga Dam as well as the Santa’s cottage climb at Rostrevor before the sting in the tail finish back in the County Down town.
 |
| Local riders with an eye on the Tour of the North`s big prize at Easter include former World Brompton Champion Liam Curran (Curran Racing), local young gun Daniel Stewart, who has been selected for the Ulster team in the Easter International and Belfast`s Kyle Houston (Chain Reaction-Vitus). Race Director Anthony Mitchell shows off one of the overall prizes up for grabs in the 4-day event. |
Counties Londonderry and Tyrone play host to Sunday’s stage with Magherafelt the location for another 70 mile test, before the race moves to Ballymena for the Easter Monday finale, again a shade over 70 miles in length taking in the scenic North Antrim Coast .
Teams from Holland and Belgium will line up alongside the UK and Irelands best, with representation from 3 of Britain ’s top outfits, IG Sigma Sport, Node4 Giordana and Rapha-Condor-Sharp.
Arthur Murphy, Business Development Manager at P&O Ferries, said: "P&O Ferries is delighted to again give its support to such an established and exciting event for cyclists. The event draws some of the biggest names in cycling from across Europe, the UK and Ireland.
With 2012 being such an important year in the sporting calendar it is hoped that our continued support will go some way to encouraging new cyclists to the sport and maybe even produce more international riders for Ulster in the future”
As well as long standing support from P&O Ferries, for 2012 the race organisers are delighted to welcome local company Powerhouse Custom Clothing on board to sponsor the Under 23 rider competition and provide the leaders jerseys. The specialist clothing firm provides clothing for various sports including Cycling, having already supplied the kit for last years Youth Commonwealth Games.
2011event winner Adam Armstrong is not on the entry this time around, leaving the way clear for a new name to be added to the winner’s trophy which dates back to the events origins in 1955.
Full stage details are available for download from the event web-site www.tourofthenorth.com, with regular updates on Facebook & Twitter.
|
|
|
|
