Etape Hibernia - August 22 2010

WakeyTyke

Press launch on Tuesday of an Etape in August, obviously in conjunction with the Tour of Ireland, that will take place in County Clare, with a start in Ennis.

Apparently Shannon Development and Clare County Council won the bid to stage the event, which will be on closed roads, for what is being envisaged as a major cycling event which is being organised by IMG World.

CheGuedara

Very interesting - hadn't cycled very much in Clare before the Tour de Burren last year and it's a nice place to pedal around.

Hope it doesn't clash with the Sean Kelly Tour though...

Chips Lovell

*** MOD NOTE: THREADS MERGED ***

This just landed in my inbox:

IMG today, in partnership with Sky, Fáilte Ireland, Shannon Development, the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, Clare County Council, announced details of the country’s first closed road cycle event.
The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia will take place over an 80-mile (approx) course in scenic County Clare on Sunday, August 22nd 2010.

The event organisers expect to attract 2000 entrants from throughout Ireland and abroad this year, bringing significant economic benefit into the local economy, with numbers increasing considerably over the next five years. The mass participation event, which is being marketed internationally and nationally, is open to all standards of cyclists, aged 18-80. The cycle will start and finish in Ennis and travel through County Clare, taking in part of West Clare’s spectacular coastline.

Sky, the UK and Ireland’s leading entertainment company behind the Sky Ride series of events, is the title sponsor of The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia. The sponsorship supports Sky’s aim to encourage one million more people of all ages and abilities to get cycling by 2013. Sky Ride consists of a range of initiatives to get people back on their bikes, with activities like mass city cycling events on traffic-free streets through to local group rides.

TinyExplosions

I'd be up for a nice bit of closed road action!

WolfeIRE

Here is the press release for that event. http://www.dunphypr.com/?p=3520

It appears to be open to anyone to register and take part. good news for hotels in clare.

DirkVoodoo

No mention of a cost?

I've never been cycling in Clare, many hills?

August 22nd, I hope that won't interfere with the Sean Kelly Tour, that's normally on the following week right?

ronanmac

Full press release...

ATTN News Editor and Picture Desk: Images relating to today’s event launch are available from Press 22 at (00353) 61-204222.

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, 09 February 2010


INTERNATIONAL CYCLING EVENT LAUNCHED IN IRELAND

The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia to attract thousands of cyclists to County Clare


Ireland is set to become home to an annual international cycling event organised by the world’s largest sports, entertainment and media company.

IMG today, in partnership with Sky, Fáilte Ireland, Shannon Development, the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, Clare County Council, announced details of the country’s first closed road cycle event.

The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia will take place over an 80-mile (approx) course in scenic County Clare on Sunday, August 22nd 2010.

The event organisers expect to attract 2000 entrants from throughout Ireland and abroad this year, bringing significant economic benefit into the local economy, with numbers increasing considerably over the next five years. The mass participation event, which is being marketed internationally and nationally, is open to all standards of cyclists, aged 18-80. The cycle will start and finish in Ennis and travel through County Clare, taking in part of West Clare’s spectacular coastline.


Sky, the UK and Ireland’s leading entertainment company behind the Sky Ride series of events, is the title sponsor of The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia. The sponsorship supports Sky’s aim to encourage one million more people of all ages and abilities to get cycling by 2013. Sky Ride consists of a range of initiatives to get people back on their bikes, with activities like mass city cycling events on traffic-free streets through to local group rides.


As well as Sky Ride Etape Hibernia, IMG have extensive experience organising mass participation events including the internationally renowned events the Macmillan Cancer Support Etape Caledonia, Tour de Suisse, Melbourne Marathon, The London Triathlon, Triathlon de Alpe d’Huez and UK Challenge


Speaking at today’s event launch in Spanish Point, County Clare, Jo Dytch of IMG said: “The popularity and growth in road cycling is very exciting. Along with our partners we are looking to lead the way in providing a prestige event for cycling in Ireland and to establish a major fixture on the Irish sporting calendar delivering a significant boost to the local economy. This event will bring a welcome boost to the tourism in Clare annually and will see the most scenic parts of the County and its coastline exposed to the world’s cycling enthusiasts and media.”

Ms. Dytch continued: “Sky Ride Etape Hibernia is Ireland's first closed road cycle event and is open to the general public. It affords cyclists with the unique opportunity to cycle safely on closed roads, whilst rising to the physical challenge at the same time. We expect to draw enthusiasts, the health conscious, challenge-seekers, charity fund-raisers and lapsed cyclists. For the inaugural Etape Hibernia, we hope to attract as many as 2000 entrants and plan to grow this number considerably by 2014. IMG are grateful for the support of the title sponsor Sky, and regional sponsors Fáilte Ireland, Shannon Development, Clare County Council, and the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau, without whom staging this event in Ireland would not be possible and we look forward to making it a legacy event for the region”.

Mark Deering, Director, Sky Ireland said, “We are proud to be the main sponsor for the Sky Ride Etape Hibernia. Our Sky Ride initiatives last year encouraged thousands of people to get on their bikes. We hope, through events and sponsorships such as this, that 2010 will provide more opportunities and inspiration for people to get cycling.”

Speaking about today’s announcement Keith McCormack, Fáilte Ireland’s Head of Business and Sports Tourism, emphasised: “As a national tourism authority, we are glad to be ‘in the saddle’ for the Sky Ride Etape Hibernia. This event is a perfect fit for Fáilte Ireland’s sports strategy and our commitment to promoting all of Ireland’s regions as tourism destinations. This event allows us to harness the growing popularity of cycling to the natural charms and allure of County Clare and the Mid West. As well as bringing visitors and revenue to the area, the event will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the Shannon Region as both a cycling destination, in particular, and a tourism ‘must see’ in general.”

Welcoming the event John King, Assistant Chief Executive of Shannon Development said, “Shannon Development, along with its partners, is delighted to have helped secure this very prestigious event for the Shannon Region for the next five years. Winning this event helps us build on our campaign to promote the Region’s growing reputation as a leading sports and events destination. Etape Hibernia is one of a number of international events we are working on this year to bring additional visitors to the Shannon Region which have the potential to generate 10 million euro in new revenue for the Region. This new cycling event complements our strategy to secure more mass participation events, in particular sports events, which can be firmly rooted in the Shannon Region for many years to come.”


Mr. King noted that the Lonely Planet ‘Best in Travel 2010’ guide’s inclusion of Clare in its top 10 list of ‘Super Cycling Routes in the World’ was a great endorsement of the County’s cycling product. “This endorsement is a testament to the amount of work that has gone into the development of the tourism cycling product in Clare in recent times. We look forward to working with IMG and our partners to ensure the success of this event in terms of delivering additional visitors and revenue”, concluded Mr. King.

Karen Brosnahan of the Shannon Region Conference and Sports Bureau noted: “Sports Tourism generates approximately 60 million euro for the Shannon Region annually. We, along with Shannon Development and Failte Ireland, have recently launched a Sports Ambassador Programme to capitalise on this lucrative market even further by getting local people involved in sport to help bid for events like Etape Hibernia that can become legacy events for the entire Shannon Region."

Mayor of Clare Councillor Tony Mulcahy said the economic and tourist benefits associated with the event for County Clare and the wider region were significant. “I have no doubt that the people of Clare will support the event by joining Clare County Council in welcoming thousands of cyclists to the County, which will allow us to showcase all we have to offer. I especially welcome IMG’s commitment to working with local people to maximise the economic return of the event for all local people”, stated Mayor Mulcahy.

The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia was launched today at an event in The Armada Hotel, Spanish Point, Co Clare, which was attended by media outlets from throughout Ireland the United Kingdom. A number of attending journalists also took part in an arranged cycle of a 10-mile stretch of the proposed event route.

Details of The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia are available from www.etapehibernia.com or info@etapehibernia.com.


-ENDS-


Notes To Editor:

- Images relating to today’s event launch are available from Press 22 at (00353) 61-204222

- TV and Radio interviewees are available on request. Please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com

- Why Étape Hibernia? 'Étape' is the name for a stage of a cycle race. Hibernia is the Classical Latin name for the island of Ireland

- For more information about Sky Ride visit: www.goskyride.com

- For more information on IMG mass participation events visit: www.challengerworld.com

penexpers

Wonder will the locals do an "Etape Caledonia" on it with the closed roads.

WolfeIRE

roads were practically closed for three weeks because of ice in January. I am sure they will survive for a few hours if this event is bringing tourists and spend in.

Lumen

Jumpy

Bollocks. Thats my Wedding week.

Lumen

Jumpy wrote: »

Bollocks. Thats my Wedding week.

Can you move it?

Chips Lovell

ten speed racer

Lumen wrote: »

I have to admit I looked at this and thought "Is that Clare? It looks like Norway" before I checked the properties to see what it was called.

Chips Lovell

Jumpy wrote: »

Bollocks. Thats my Wedding week.

As long as you're not getting married on the same day, I can't see a problem. If you are, I'd make enquiries about whether you can get your deposit back. Given the current economic climate, a lot of places might be quite reasonable about this, provided you promise to book the new date with them.

Lumen

€54 :eek:

WakeyTyke

Entry fee will be €54 across the board - no reduction for Cycling Ireland members.

The start will be 7am with groups of around 150 let off at a time, starting with the faster club cyclists.

Was at the Press Launch and it seems to have been very professionally planned. It is the intention to run the Etape in Clare for the next 5 years.

They are also hoping to get the event endorsed by a famous cyclist such as Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche (possibly even Lance;)).

They are looking at being able to comfortably accommodate 2,000 cyclists, with possibly another 500 on top of that, though they are realistic that numbers in the first year may be significantly lower, they do though expect it to grow much larger than that in subsequent years.

CheGuedara

Lumen wrote: »

€54 :eek:

+1

Jumpy

Lumen wrote: »

Can you move it?

Im going to have to now.

I am sure herself wont have a problem.

lafors

Lumen wrote: »

€54 :eek:

CheGuedara wrote: »

+1

€55 :eek::eek:

Lumen

Website wrote:

The Sky Ride Etape Hibernia will take place over an 80-mile (approx) course in scenic County Clare on Sunday, August 22nd 2010.

Confirmation e-mail wrote:

Registration for the race will take place on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st August 2010. You will be required to register and collect your timing chip for the race.

OK, so timing chips are cool, but the early start and previous day registration will be a bit of a PITA. No turning up at 3am for this one.

I optimisitically went for the sub-4hr "seeding preference".

Chips Lovell

It's a race now?

Lumen

el tonto wrote: »

It's a race now?

Anything involving pinning on numbers or timing chips is a race.

WakeyTyke

They showed a DVD of the Etape Caledonia and that looked pretty much like a race. I think there is also a prize for the first cyclist to finish - that is clearly inviting a competitive element into the event.

Chips Lovell

Lumen wrote: »

€54 :eek:

Tis a bit pricey considering that it's shorter and more expensive than the Wicklow 200 and the Sean kelly Tour.

Lumen wrote: »

I optimisitically went for the sub-4hr "seeding preference".

30kph. Should be quite doable if the course isn't that hilly and you stick with a bunch.

Lumen wrote: »

Anything involving pinning on numbers or timing chips is a race.

The W200 has both too!

WakeyTyke wrote: »

They are also hoping to get the event endorsed by a famous cyclist such as Sean Kelly, Stephen Roche (possibly even Lance;)).

Hard to see Lance getting involved given this is back by the sponsor of a rival team. Kelly's own Tour is a week later, which might make him unwilling to spread himself a bit thin.

Chips Lovell

So it's more the continental style sportif with prizes? Interesting...

DirkVoodoo

54 euro for closed roads, I'm still tempted.

Factoring in petrol costs, accommodation, food and possibly a beer or two, it could be an expensive weekend and like I said, it's a week before the SKT in which I will also be spending money on petrol, accommodation, food and possibly a beer or two (plus a trip to that nightclub).

I may have to choose, and at this stage it's an easy choice. If you're possibly competing against an established and popular event, it makes sense to have a first year "low price offer" to attract people.

WakeyTyke

Tony Griffin (the Clare Hurler) was at the launch and he has developed a good friendship with Lance through his cancer charity work. Also their will be a headline charity for the event, which has yet to be announced, which may be an enticement for Lance to become involved.

Chips Lovell

DirkVoodoo wrote: »

Factoring in petrol costs, accommodation, food and possibly a beer or two....

Soon we'll turn you into a proper bike racer and have you sleeping in your car.

DirkVoodoo

Given my recent posts I think I'm not even going to bother racing and turn into a cycling Zoolander, position myself for photo opps on various sportives striking fantastic poses.

Cycling is for losers! Male cyclist modeling is where all the action is.

ROK ON

Lumen wrote: »

€54 :eek:

Where did you see that. Went to skyride site but can't see any mention.
Linky with map etc pls.



Ignore found it.
Know the roads well. Stunning in any weather.
Worth doing but not for 54notes.

blorg

Lumen wrote: »

€54 :eek:

For the only sportive in Ireland (and only one of two across these islands) on closed roads. Cheaper than the Etape Caledonia which I have considered traveling for. Definitely on for this, you can cycle on the wrong side of the road FFS. Hope there are some good descents.

lafors

blorg wrote: »

For the only sportive in Ireland (and only one of two across these islands) on closed roads. Cheaper than the Etape Caledonia which I have considered traveling for. Definitely on for this, you can cycle on the wrong side of the road FFS. Hope there are some good descents.

Threw it into mmr there...
http://www.mapmyride.com/route/ie/ennis/757126573134418461

I've entered anyway, for €54 closed roads and timing chips it ain't that bad
Here's what they say...

Skyride wrote:

The cost of the entry fee is reflective of an electronically timed event with closed roads, a high level of safety, event staffing, feed stations along the route and mechanical support.

So you get feed stations and mechanical support too, not too bad imho.

Lumen

blorg wrote: »

For the only sportive in Ireland (and only one of two across these islands) on closed roads. Cheaper than the Etape Caledonia which I have considered traveling for. Definitely on for this, you can cycle on the wrong side of the road FFS. Hope there are some good descents.

Fair enough, I've entered already so it's worth it for me. I wonder how they'll handle food stops, given the mass start/racy approach to things.

Oh yeah, and 07:30 on a Sunday seems like a grand idea considering the roads will have to be closed. Still not sure how that'll work though.

Clare is my favourite county. It's a right place.

Perhaps "mechanical support" means I can bring proper sportive wheels (i.e. carbon tubs).

WakeyTyke

On the closed roads there shouldn't be any worries.

The Garda and Clare County Council have been very involved in the planning of the event.

Many of the roads in north Clare would have been closed previously for motor rally's.

The exact route hasn't yet been finalised but I would say there is a good chance that it would include Slieve Callan and there is a great descent on that.

WolfeIRE

WakeyTyke wrote: »

The exact route hasn't yet been finalised but I would say there is a good chance that it would include Slieve Callan and there is a great descent on that.

you are right. I hear the ennis to Miltown road via Connolly and The Hand are included. Lot of climbing involved on that road.

Slideshowbob

I didnt see a mention of Cycling Ireland in the press release!

Are they not involved?

Lumen

Slideshowbob wrote: »

I didnt see a mention of Cycling Ireland in the press release!

Are they not involved?

The registration form has a section for British club membership details, but nothing for Ireland.

I suspect an invasion. To the barricades!

Chips Lovell

Lumen wrote: »

I wonder how they'll handle food stops, given the mass start/racy approach to things.

Musettes?

Lumen wrote: »

Perhaps "mechanical support" means I can bring proper sportive wheels (i.e. carbon tubs).

You'll have to buy them first though? Or have you already bought some?

Chips Lovell

Lumen wrote: »

The registration form has a section for British club membership details, but nothing for Ireland.

I suspect an invasion. To the barricades!

WakeyTyke

Heather from Cycling Ireland was at the launch and are very much involved in the event and quite excited by it.

Incidently, it was said that they were planning to have 4 food stops along the route.

Signal_ rabbit

Interesting to see this, if it's as well organised as the caledonian etape then it'll be great. Loads of freebies, great feed stops, free servicing of all bikes by the Mavic boys and even free breakdown assistance!

€54 for closed roads is not too bad.

trek climber

Signal_ rabbit wrote: »

Interesting to see this, if it's as well organised as the caledonian etape then it'll be great. Loads of freebies, great feed stops, free servicing of all bikes by the Mavic boys and even free breakdown assistance!

€54 for closed roads is not too bad.

Not sure that it is that great value, when you consider that for those not living in the vicinity, it will mean driving down to Clare the day before(approx. 3 hours) and accomodation for the night before which I would imagine will not be that cheap when consider how many people will be in the same position. But a days cycling on closed roads, hmmm.........

WakeyTyke

It has to be remembered that Shannon Development, Clare County Council and Failte Ireland are not, primarily, funding this Etape because of their love of cycling. It is to generate spending in Clare and, hopefully, Ireland as a whole from overseas cyclists.

It is no different than cyclists from the west of Ireland doing the Wicklow 200.

trek climber

One other thing - is it a leisure cycle or race, or a combination of the two

WakeyTyke

trek climber wrote: »

One other thing - is it a leisure cycle or race, or a combination of the two

It's not 'officially' a race but it will be, for those who want race. For the majority though it will be a leisure cycle but, because the roads will only be closed for a limited time, there will be a maximum allowed time of about six-and-a-half hours and stragglers will be 'swept-up'.

lescol

Done it, entry is confirmed

WolfeIRE

Story just gone up on breakingnews.ie.

http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/ireland-set-for-first-closed-road-cycle-event-445509.html

was on rte sport on six one too

http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/0209/6news_av.html?2698086,null,230 (FROM 5MINS:50SECS)

seems like its open to anyone.

TinyExplosions

RTE Six One were making out like it's a race, but I'm definitely entering this one... Dirk, do it, give me a lift and bring a tent down -that's accommodation sorted

DirkVoodoo

Hmm...the possibility of going surfing too is also appealing. Is there a deadline, I need to mull this one over.

ROK ON

Would love to do this, but its a week after Tour de Munster and 2 weeks before the Raid.
Clare is stunning this could be a fantastic event.

For folks not from the area forget Ennis and stay in Lahinch. Kenny pub does great grub and Holywell does nice carbs (pasta/pizza).
Also great surfing. A dip in the ocean after the cycle could be just what is needed.

I will probably book it tomorrow just in case.