Spring Sportif I 20 April – 8 May 2018
Autumn Sportif I 8 – 26 September 2018
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way has become the site of a new cycling event, taking in over 2,000 km of Atlantic coastline in the west of Ireland – from the most southerly point in Co Cork to the northern tip of the island in Co Donegal.
A video capturing the first ever Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif – which took place in September 2017 – is available here.
The Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif is Ireland’s only fully supported, multi–stage cycling event and will take place twice in 2018: in April (20 April – 8 May) and September (8-26).
The Sportif will take in 16 stages in a rewarding and challenging route, featuring twisting coast roads dotted with breath-taking climbs and sweeping descents. The event will treat cyclists to unforgettable views and experiences, taking in islands, peaks, national parks, cliffs, beaches, famous lighthouses and coastal towns and villages.
Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way is the longest defined coastal route in the world at 2,500km (1,700 miles) in length. The Sportif will take cyclists along some of the route’s most iconic locations including the Skellig Coast, with views of Skellig Michael – which featured in the final scenes of Star Wars’ The Force Awakens and is set to take a starring role in the forthcoming The Last Jedi.
The Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif will journey through nine counties, on a route that’s designed by cyclists for cyclists. Challenging climbs and descents coupled with some of the most awe-inspiring scenery on the planet and stop overs in welcoming coastal villages make this a must-do, bucket list Sportif.
Participants in the Sportif will have the choice of covering the full distance (2,152 km) over 20 days; completing 4 days stages or joining the Sportif for a single stage along the route.
The registration fee covers all extras, including meals, lunch stops, overnight accommodation, luggage transfers, bike mechanics, massage therapists, support vehicles, paramedics, lunch stops and a daily laundry service for cycling kit.
A single day stage is €75.00, a block of four stages, including overnights, is €695 and a full tour is €2780.
The Wild Atlantic Way Cycle Sportif will take place bi-annually every April and September from 2018 to 2020.
The route of the Sportif will also be available online on leading cycling platforms Ride with GPS, Map My Ride, and Strava.
Detailed route and further information about the 2018 events can be found at www.wildatlanticwaycyclesportif.ie
For further information please contact:
Sarah Dee, Tourism Ireland sdee@tourismireland.com
+353 (0) 1 4763436 / +353 (0) 87 6851897
ENDS