Castlebar Chamber of Commerce IS delighted to welcome the FBD Insurance Rás to the town on May 22 where there will be a stage finish. The sixth stage of Ireland's premier cycling event will finish in Castlebar and local businesses and sporting enthusiasts are encouraged to come out and give the competitors a hearty Castlebar welcome.
Chairman of Castlebar Chamber's Town Centre Development Committee Colm Hynes has been loud in his praise of Castlebar Cycling Club. "It's on par to the importance of the Tour de France to France. This event is equally important to Ireland and Castlebar where we will host a stage finish. Full credit must go to the committee of Castlebar Cycling Club for all the efforts they have put in to securing this stage finish. Cycling is a sport that is growing and every evening now we see cyclists on the roads. In these recessionary times sport is the answer."
The Chamber also wishes Castlebar Cycling Club every success in the race where they will be entering a five-strong team to chase the coveted yellow jersey.
Local members of Castlebar Cycling Club have been training since last October with the team due to be announced shortly.
Last year the club was represented by Chris Toy and David Brennan on the nationwide challenge.
On Friday May 22 the Rás will arrive in Castlebar with the first cyclists due to cross the stage finish at approximately 2.20pm as they make their way from Scariff in Co Clare. They will depart the following morning for Clara in Co Offaly.
With the national media focused on Castlebar for that afternoon it will be an excellent opportunity for the town to showcase itself to potential tourists, shoppers, and businesses across Ireland.
The chamber is encouraging all local businesses to have their premises looking in tip top shape for the arrival of the Rás competitors and their entourage.
