Sligo is to host a qualifier event in the UCI Gran Fondo World Series masters cycling series this weekend, the first time a qualifier event has taken place in Ireland.
Over 1,000 cyclists will participate, starting from Wine Street and finishing at Cleaverag. The route covers 155km with 1,049 metres of climbing, through Strandhill, Ballisodare, Collooney, Coolaney, Drumfin, Riverstown, Ballygawle, Ballisodare, Carraroe, Sligo Cemetery, Cleaveragh Drive and finishing at Doorly Park.
The UCI Granfondo World Series, formerly UCI World Cycling Tour, is a series of UCI-sanctioned races held for masters and amateurs all over the world promoting the “cycling for all concept. This is the 27th of 29 qualifier events form which the top 25pc in each age group become eligible for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships in Aalborg in Denmark August 28 – September 1.
Event Director Michael Hurl added: “the interest from the cycling community has been incredible. To date 176 clubs across 13 countries are represented. We know that working with Fáilte Ireland to ensure that the economic benefit of this event coming to Sligo is maximised, is yet another significant milestone for the event, the region and a testament to the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.”
