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Following on from the success of Northern Ireland’s first ever Etape cycling event in 2012 Councillor Michael Ruane, Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council, is delighted to announce that the event is back for Autumn 2013 and encourages 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 27th October 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.
Mayor or Newry, Councillor Michael Ruane said; “We are delighted to see the return of the Etape Mourne for Autumn 2013. Following on from the success of the first event which takes cyclists through the picturesque landscapes, which 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 offer a different challenge for the growing number of cyclists in Northern Ireland. 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 delighted to be the charity partner for the Etape Mourne and are thrilled to hear that cyclists will be supporting the NI Homes from Home Appeal.”
“We really encourage participants to help raise some much needed funds, no matter how big or small. By taking part in this event and supporting CLIC Sargent NI you will help make a real difference to families affected by childhood cancer. All of the funds raised will go towards building two Homes from Home beside the main cancer treatment hospitals so that families can stay free of charge and be close to their at an already difficult time.”
Neil McGuigan from Chain Reaction Cycles said; “The Etape Mourne is growing to be a simply phenomenal event in a stunning location that is why Chain Reaction Cycles are proud to support this event in its second year. It is important that the flagship store on Boucher Road supports and invests in local events for local cyclists, as we take so much from the local cycling community, it is essential that we also give something back and this is the ideal way. We look forward not just to being involved in 2013 but for years to come as the event gets larger and stronger, and becomes one of the major cycling calendar events of the year, and without a doubt the great Northern Irish weather will be kind on October 27th!”
Register online at www.etapemourne.com Registration costs £20 and cyclists are encouraged to raise money for the official charity partner, CLIC Sargent.
