Down Syndrome Ireland’s Westmeath branch is calling on cyclists to get on their bikes alongside Irish cycling legend Stephen Roche for a unique cycling tour around Leinster, all the while raising much-needed funds for the charity.
The annual Tour de Leinster cycle, which is now in its fourth year, takes place from Thursday, September 14, to Sunday, September 17, and will cover 600km across four days.
The challenge gives cyclists the chance to cycle with Irish Tour de France and Giro D’italia legend, Stephen Roche, who will cycle shoulder to shoulder with participating cyclists for the four days. The event kicks off from TV3 headquarters in Ballymount, Dublin, and the route traverses Leinster in a spectacular route taking in counties Wicklow, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath and Louth, with some amazing scenery along the way.
Each participant will cover their own costs, so all funds raised from the Tour de Leinster event will go directly towards Down Syndrome Ireland to help support essential services in the participating Leinster branches, including the Westmeath branch.
Stephen Roche commented: “I am delighted to be part of this fantastic event for Down Syndrome Ireland once again. The Tour de Leinster is a magnificent cycling challenge, it’s so well organised and you get amazing support from people with Down syndrome and their families along the way. I look forward to meeting many of the friends I made last year and to a very enjoyable four days of cycling.”
A registration fee of €190 is required from each cyclist to participate. This fee covers two Tour de Leinster jerseys, all tea/coffee/lunch stops, fully experienced support crew including outriders and medics, luggage vans, and a Sunday evening homecoming reception.
Each cyclist also covers their own hotel cost of €195, which includes three nights bed and breakfast with evening meals on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. The total cost of participation is €385 per person. Each cyclist is required to raise a minimum of €500 in sponsorship for Down Syndrome Ireland.
Visit www.downsyndrome.ie for more information and to register, or call Sandra or Mark on (01 ) 4266500.
