Write a commentMayor of Newry and Mourne District Council, Councillor Charlie Casey has given the Mayoral Seal of Approval to Northern Ireland’s first ever Etape cycling event as local cyclists sign up to go the extra mile for children’s cancer charity, CLIC Sargent.
The Etape event is inspired by the famous mountain stage of the Tour de France and will see participants take on either 70 or 45 miles of stunning mountain roads.
The event will take place on 27 May and is organised by Pioneer Group in conjunction with Newry and Mourne District Council. Local business Chain Reaction Cycles is also lending their support to the endurance challenge by offering goody bags for all participants, great prizes for King of the Mountain stages and for top fundraisers.
Charlie Casey, Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council said; “We are delighted to be hosting Northern Ireland’s first Etape event in the Newry and Mourne area. The picturesque landscapes will not only provide a stunning location, but also a challenging terrain which will test all abilities. Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced rider, there is something for you.”
“We are proud to be involved with this unique event and believe that cycling is a massive growth area in Northern Ireland. During this Olympic year we will all be inspired to learn about new sports and events, and the same will apply to cyclists. I encourage anyone who has not considered an Etape before to get involved and raise money for charity at the same time.”
Johnny Davis, Pioneer Group who is organising the event believes the Etape is a totally unique challenge; “As a cyclist you are always looking for the next big challenge, everyone wants to complete an Etape and what better place than here on our doorstep, in the Mourne Mountains.
“The extra incentive is that participants will be raising money for CLIC Sargent’s Homes from Home Appeal in Northern Ireland, an extremely worthwhile cause. That will be a great motivator when the mountainous roads become tough!”
Eimear McCooey, Corporate Fundraising Manager at CLIC Sargent said; “We are very excited to be nominated as charity partner for the Etape Mourne and were thrilled to hear that cyclists would be supporting our Homes from Home Appeal.”
“On average, families in Northern Ireland have to travel 95 miles, up to five times a week to access the cancer treatment they need for their sick child. Our aim is to build two Homes from Home close to the two main Belfast hospitals so that we can ease this financial and emotional burden on families at an already difficult time. All of the money raised through this event will go towards making that happen.”
Register online at www.etapemourne.com. Registration costs £30 and cyclists are encouraged to raise money for the official charity partner, CLIC Sargent.
