Sean Kelly tour of waterford and the sky etape hibernia are on the same day in 2012

michael196

Last year the etape clashed with the leinster loop, this year the etape clashs with the an post Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford.


what to do ???????

VanhireBoys

Thats a bit of a pity..

Myself and the rest of "The Dirty Half-Dozen" will be doing the Skyride, The An Post Burren Tour, The Croi, Tour de Connemara, and the Ring of Kerry,

We had discussions on the Waterford Tour but thats put the Kybosch on that notion... :rolleyes:

You cant do them all !

trek climber

michael196 wrote: »

Last year the etape clashed with the leinster loop, this year the etape clashs with the an post Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford.


what to do ???????

Any idea what dates the An Post servies is on in 2012, cant seem to find out on the net ..

penexpers

I'd probably still do the Etape because closed roads are more fun than you think (yes the rest of the event isn't that great).

Jawgap

I've done the Etape twice now, probably do something else this year.

I think the Tour de Conamara has closed roads too.

Esroh

Jawgap wrote: »

I've done the Etape twice now, probably do something else this year.

I think the Tour de Conamara has closed roads too.

It has a rolling road closure stated on website.


Re the clash.
Funny how Sky are happy to clash with an event which honours SK when they have used him as a ambassador/promoter the last 2 years

Bikerbhoy

This is a no brainer dilema : Tour of Waterford.

Not just the fact thats it the best ran sportive on the calendar but the craic and atmosphere in Dungarvan post ride makes for a great weekend..

Chips Lovell

There's so many sportives happening during the summer at this stage that you are going to get clashes. And I think there's enough cyclists in the country now that you'd get a healthy crowd at both.

michael196

Esroh wrote: »

It has a rolling road closure stated on website.


Re the clash.
Funny how Sky are happy to clash with an event which honours SK when they have used him as a ambassador/promoter the last 2 years

LOL, yes , very true.......

on_the_nickel

The British company who run the Etape either aren't aware of the date of the SKT (unlikely) or don't care as they figure they're catering for a different audience and/or that celebrities and closed roads will appeal to enough people over the SKT.

I know which I prefer.

Lumen

penexpers wrote: »

I'd probably still do the Etape because closed roads are more fun than you think (yes the rest of the event isn't that great).

I saw/heard of more crashes on the Etape H than most of the sportives I've done. It was also the most commercial and least participant-friendly event I've done due to the day-before registrations, which were supposedly required in order to have the closed roads.

I think closed roads are over-rated for participants, an unnecessary burden on the locals, and contribute to negative perceptions about cycling safety.

Both Sky events I've done (Etape and Sky Ride Dublin) have been just plain weird. We don't need them.

smacl

on_the_nickel wrote: »

The British company who run the Etape either aren't aware of the date of the SKT (unlikely) or don't care as they figure they're catering for a different audience and/or that celebrities and closed roads will appeal to enough people over the SKT.

Paranoid maybe, but it could also be a calculated act attempting to detract from one of the most popular local events in an attempt to gain a stronger foothold on the Irish cycling sportive calender.

I love cycling in Clare, so I reckon Tour de Burren and SKT if I can organise family weekends around them both.

on_the_nickel

smacl wrote: »

Paranoid maybe, but it could also be a calculated act attempting to detract from one of the most popular local events in an attempt to gain a stronger foothold on the Irish cycling sportive calender.

They'll need to change their registration process and the entry free to have any chance of that happening.

Personally, I hope it bites them right in the ass.

michael196

Lumen wrote: »

I saw/heard of more crashes on the Etape H than most of the sportives I've done. It was also the most commercial and least participant-friendly event I've done due to the day-before registrations, which were supposedly required in order to have the closed roads.

I think closed roads are over-rated for participants, an unnecessary burden on the locals, and contribute to negative perceptions about cycling safety.

Both Sky events I've done (Etape and Sky Ride Dublin) have been just plain weird. We don't need them.

the organisers of the etape did relent in 2011 and permittd limited sign on, on the day . I remember crashs in 2010 on descending a hill, but i dont remember much crashs in 2011. the open roads are still an attraction, if at least for safety, but the etape certainly lacks that 'social' aspect that you get on all other sportives. but you must remember the etape is a race at the end of the day .

michael196

on_the_nickel wrote: »

They'll need to change their registration process and the entry free to have any chance of that happening.

Personally, I hope it bites them right in the ass.

the etape was scheduled the same day as the leinster loop in 2011, the loop i believe increased its numbers and the etape lost numbers.

funnights74

Thats a no-brainer for our gang, anyone who takes on the skt, or the ring of kerry needs their head examined

Lumen

michael196 wrote: »

the organisers of the etape did relent in 2011 and permittd limited sign on, on the day . I remember crashs in 2010 on descending a hill, but i dont remember much crashs in 2011. the open roads are still an attraction, if at least for safety, but the etape certainly lacks that 'social' aspect that you get on all other sportives. but you must remember the etape is a race at the end of the day .

Thanks for the info about 2011 sign on, but the etape is not a race.

penexpers

Lumen wrote: »

I think closed roads are over-rated for participants,

I would disagree on this part. Being able to take the "racing line" (I use that phrase in the loosest sense) through corners was great. Going around a corner in a large group and not having to worry about cars coming up the other side of the road and just generally being able to switch off from the fact that cars might be on the road was a real benefit. I'm not doubting that cycling is safe on open roads but I would think that most people would agree that cycling on closed roads is safer and certainly more enjoyable.

boege

Organisers would know of other events. I think they are targeting the UK/Brit tourist market as it is part of a series of events.

Having done it twice I have to say that it is a strange hybrid, being neither a full on race or a proper leisure tour. A decent food stop (with cake) along the way would bring the craic factor way up and recognise the reality that most participants are not racing.

It is not good value for money so this year I bagged enough Zip gels and bars at the stops to last me two months after the event!:D

As to clash, if prepared I will do the SKT again. I'll bag the Burren tour in June and have my cheescake!:)

Limestone1

What is the date ?

Rev

Limestone1 wrote: »

What is the date ?

The date is Aug 26th 2012

dario28

Lumen wrote: »

Thanks for the info about 2011 sign on, but the etape is not a race.

It is a race - You get timing chips and first in gets a prize

That pretty much constitutes a race plus I did it this year and it deffo was a race, avg speed 35km/ph

I think you just had a bad experience I didnt see any crashes and for the first 50kms or so it was pretty good craic everyone chatting away in the bunch ,then the hammerfest begun

Lumen

dario28 wrote: »

It is a race - You get timing chips and first in gets a prize

That pretty much constitutes a race plus I did it this year and it deffo was a race, avg speed 35km/ph

OK, well it's not a proper road race. I suggest the phrase "uniathlon" is used to indicate the fair and participatory nature of the beast.

macken04

Firstly the Sky Ride last year was exceptionally well organised, there was quality food at every stop and some very good mechanics on duty making the event all the better.

Regarding the clash; the date for the Sky ride will have been decided very early and they would have a limited choice as to when they could have it. Closing roads for such a large part of the day would mean the council etc would have quite a large say in the matter.

The Sky Ride does attract a very large number of UK visitors as I experienced last time round.

penexpers

macken04 wrote: »

Firstly the Sky Ride last year was exceptionally well organised, there was quality food at every stop and some very good mechanics on duty making the event all the better.

When I did it in 2010 they only had gels and energy drinks at the stops - did this change?

Plastik

One won't let you sign on on the morning regardless of whether you have pre-registered and leaves at an ungodly early hour. The other is one of the best Sportives in the country. I know which I'll be at in 2012!

michael196

penexpers wrote: »

When I did it in 2010 they only had gels and energy drinks at the stops - did this change?

I have done both etapes, and the food was the same as 2010, with the exception of a few more bananas in 2011 . Realy would not make the 'quality food' bracket of An Post events.

michael196

dario28 wrote: »

It is a race - You get timing chips and first in gets a prize

That pretty much constitutes a race plus I did it this year and it deffo was a race, avg speed 35km/ph

I think you just had a bad experience I didnt see any crashes and for the first 50kms or so it was pretty good craic everyone chatting away in the bunch ,then the hammerfest begun

ditto . it is a race. While the first time around in 2010, participants may not have recognised it as a race, ( was it the first time for an etape in our calander ? ). I reckon 2012 will see a faster time for the circuit.


that final 30 K from the coast back to Ennis is still tortous.

Signal_ rabbit

The Etape website is under going maintenance I reckon as I have been trying to register for the last fortnight!

ratracer

macken04 wrote: »

Firstly the Sky Ride last year was exceptionally well organised, there was quality food at every stop and some very good mechanics on duty making the event all the better.

Regarding the clash; the date for the Sky ride will have been decided very early and they would have a limited choice as to when they could have it. Closing roads for such a large part of the day would mean the council etc would have quite a large say in the matter.

The Sky Ride does attract a very large number of UK visitors as I experienced last time round.

Well organised....at the start and finish maybe, but you took your life in your hands trying to stop at the first food stop, stupid location splitting the road in half coming down a hill.
Quality food...the gels definitly come down to personal preference, i don't like zipvit, but other than that it was just fruit and water, hardly quality, and there was no food at the end, other than the chippie stalls, any chance of a free pasta?

I liked the closed roads though, and will probably be back again this year, as long as the two for one entry offer is given again to Sky customers. The only selling point of this race for me is that it is close to home.

devotional1993

Did the etape last year. Although I did enjoy it it seemed to lack the atmposphere of others. The ROK s a far better day out.

johnam

Signal_ rabbit wrote: »

The Etape website is under going maintenance I reckon as I have been trying to register for the last fortnight!

So...Does any one know what is happening with this? Their Website has been down for over a month, I have emailed, and left comments on their facebook pages, and the only reply I have received was that some "behind the scene negotiations" were taking place, and should be resolved shortly.... that comment on facebook seems to have been deleted, and the organisers don't seem to be answering emails.... Anyone out there have any answers?

Re the clash of dates, the event is organised by a British company, and the 27th of August is a Bank Holiday in the UK if I am not mistaken. Looks like they are trying to make it easier for the British contingent to come over.

Signal_ rabbit

I rang them today and apparently news will be out by the end of this week. When I said 'news what news?' he didn't know. Apparently it's still on ....I hope so as I've booked the hotel! Its a real sham! Should be better organised and better informed!

johnam

Signal_ rabbit wrote: »

I rang them today and apparently news will be out by the end of this week. When I said 'news what news?' he didn't know. Apparently it's still on ....I hope so as I've booked the hotel! Its a real sham! Should be better organised and better informed!

...according to the Etape Website...IMG have pulled out... full refunds will be given by April 11th, but Shannon Development / Clare County Council will be taking over and looking to provide another "premium closed road event"... anyone who wants to enter the new event just needs to email the organisers to get their money transferred over.....

ednwireland

http://www.etapehibernia.com/

Thank you for expressing an interest in the 2012 Etape Hibernia. Regrettably, for business reasons, IMG Challenger World will no longer be involved in the Etape Hibernia. However, we can confirm that our event partners, Shannon Development and Clare County Council, will make every effort to find a replacement premium closed road cycle event for Co. Clare in 2012. Further details will follow from Shannon Development, however, if you would like to contact them directly, please email Shannon Development at skerritta@shannondevelopment.ie



WHAT SHALL I DO IF I HAVE ALREADY SIGNED UP?

If you have already signed up we can transfer your entry to the new event provider once they are in place and assume all other details remain the same (unless they inform you otherwise). Alternatively, we will give you a full refund for your place and any merchandise products purchased with your event entry.

well that was a long term commitment then

RobFowl

ednwireland wrote: »

http://www.etapehibernia.com/



well that was a long term commitment then

Typical attitude from a purely commercial organiser. Blame "lack of participants" and don't look inwards and see what you are doing so badly and so obviously wrong :mad:

If they had even a remote bit of business accumen they would have
1) Made sure it did not clash with possibly the most high profile and popular sportif in the country and
2) Stopped this nonsense of having to sign on the night before thus turning an option of a day trip into a forced overnight stay the night before.....

After the Tour of Ireland debacle and the Halfords crit it's maybe time we stopped looking to UK organisers and instead look at successful organisers here.

The RAS has manged to put on a race every year for almost 60 years and the W200 every year for 30+ and you don't here them whinging about "lack of participants".

Lumen

The lesson here is: don't try and compete with Sean Kelly.

harringtonp

RobFowl wrote: »

Typical attitude from a purely commercial organiser. Blame "lack of participants" and don't look inwards and see what you are doing so badly and so obviously wrong :mad:

If they had even a remote bit of business accumen they would have
1) Made sure it did not clash with possibly the most high profile and popular sportif in the country and
2) Stopped this nonsense of having to sign on the night before thus turning an option of a day trip into a forced overnight stay the night before.....

After the Tour of Ireland debacle and the Halfords crit it's maybe time we stopped looking to UK organisers and instead look at successful organisers here.

The RAS has manged to put on a race every year for almost 60 years and the W200 every year for 30+ and you don't here them whinging about "lack of participants".

They were trying to model it on the likes of the Etape Caledonia which fills up very quickly and has a rider limit of about 5000 if memory serves me correctly. Numbers were down on last year from the first year, you can see this from the publish race times for each year. They targeted the UK audience, there were a huge number of British cyclists, particularly the first year. This is likely to decrease year on year I would think as those who are inclined to travel here for a sportive will probably only do it once (would you do the Etape Caledonia year on year ?).

It has always clashed with something, the last 2 years it was Gael Force which has a huge entry. The start time was way earlier than sportives the first year and was even earlier the second year. That may have been partly due to pressure from local groups, I don't know. That will tend to stop a lot of cyclists travelling. It feels weird to be finishing a sportive around 11am. Have to say I'm not completely surprised they pulled out

Jawgap

Location didn't help - Clare is gorgeous and the people were fantastically supportive but an east coast location would have the larger population to support the type of operation they wanted. It would also be more accessible from the 'mainland':)

However, probably more difficult to get roads closed, which was the selling point of this event.

As for the Etape Pennines, I hope I'm wrong but I can see that ending in tears - having played football in and around there (Richmond, Barnard Castle and Tow Law (highest pitch in the UK, apparently!)), I know the weather can be atrocious at that time of year, as opposed to just plain bad during the summer.

Signal_ rabbit

Is the date going to change? If so will they refund me on my hotel deposit?

johnam

Signal_ rabbit wrote: »

Is the date going to change? If so will they refund me on my hotel deposit?

What hotel had you booked? I work in a hotel in Ennis, the cancellation policy there would allow for a refund right now. ...PM me if you need any help.....also while there currently is no indication that the date will change, I think given the bad publicity this has given the Etape event, clashing with the SK event is a non runner. As I say no indication as of yet regarding date change, but I could see that happening easily enough.

Esroh

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/532134/etape-hibernia-organiser-withdraws-from-event.html

Signal_ rabbit

johnam wrote: »

What hotel had you booked? I work in the Old Ground Hotel, the cancellation policy there would allow for a refund right now. We also have a sister hotel in Dungarvan, should you wish to transfer your booking there for the SK event...PM me if you need any help.....also while there currently is no indication that the date will change, I think given the bad publicity this has given the Etape event, clashing with the SK event is a non runner. As I say no indication as of yet regarding date change, but I could see that happening easily enough.

Thanks for that, we booked via the Supavalu breaks, their deposit is non-refundable. A few of us are coming up with families so if we get stuck I'll give you a shout. thanks again.

ashleey

I did the first sky ride and enjoyed it but once it clashed with the Leinster Loop and the SKT it was never going to get bigger numbers. IMG were trying to make money for themselves and all the local quangos wanted a slice by enforcing Friday night registration. In comparison to locally run sportives organised by a nearby cycling club plus a charity it was dreadful. On the plus side at least the locals don't sabotage it like they do in Scotland.

codie

Agree with you there Ashleey .Done the etape last year.Couldn't believe the food set up in comparision to local events.At the etape we stopped on the first food stop .They had the bananas cut in half.Not even a sandwich at the end,had to go to a chip van .As for the closed roads I very nearly came a cropper about 2 miles on the Ennis side of Lahinch.Two biddies in a blue Micra cruising away towards Lahinch (heading out to mass I'd say).Over all we weren't too impressed .Def heading to Warerford this year.

ashleey

If its the route that interests you, and it is well worth it for the scenery then the Burren Cycle Club run some events up there ( to an extremely high standard!). There's one on the Saturday of the May Bank Holiday.

michael196

sky ride etape hibernia, originaly contracted in for 5 years, lasted 2 ?


better put those medallions on ebay, starting at 100 euro !!


collectors items now !!

Stevewame

I think we're being a bit hard on them - it was clearly a tourism initiative with the support of the local boards and I'd imagine that would have dictated their marketing strategy and pre registration set-up. With the cheap airline bike policies it was never going to be easy to get masses of people over - as hard as I find it to ride in the UK anyway. Plus we have loads of great events put on by locals... so more win for them. wish there was a closed road one though

Signal_ rabbit

"Regrettably, for business reasons, IMG Challenger World will no longer be involved in the Etape Hibernia."

Is that all they are going to tell us as to why? I think it is deplorable and I will be avoiding IMG events in the future!