Tour of Ireland dates confirmed for 2010

The dates for the 2010 Tour of Ireland have been confirmed at the UCI Congress in Mendrisio this week. The dates for the 5-day tour are 18th to 22nd August 2010.
“We are delighted with the dates for next year,” said Event Organiser Alan Rushton: “Our spot on the calendar will help us in attracting another world class field in Ireland again next year. This will be the fourth edition of the race which has been gaining larger audiences and press coverage every year. Having Lance Armstrong and Mark Cavendish on the race in ‘09 helped increase the profile of the event.”
Britain’s Russell Downing (CandiTV-Marshalls) won the 2009 race despite the challenge from major teams Columbia-HTC, Astana, Saxo Bank and Cervélo Test Team.
“The race achieved fantastic results for us despite the challenges faced due to the economic climate” continued Rushton “The very tough finale in Cork provided dramatic racing watched by thousands of spectators who lined St Patrick’s Hill and the rest of the city circuit. With the major TV and press coverage achieved there is now an excellent opportunity for key sponsors to come on board to capitalise on the domestic, European and Worldwide exposure.”

*from TOI website