The tenth annual Tour of Kildare took place on Sunday 14th August and saw over 600 cyclists from all over Ireland take part.
A choice of 3 different routes was on offer ranging from 20km to 100km and the Marie Keating Foundation was the benefiting charity. Martin Earley travelled from his home in the UK to take part in the event and added his usual touch of understated class to the proceedings. Naas Cycling Club were delighted to see one of the three annual charity events that they are associated with attract such large numbers. Mayor of Naas, Darren Scully, sent off the cyclists from outside the Naas Court Hotel on the 50 and 100 km routes at 10am.
Intermittent showers did not dampen the spirits and sociable atmosphere as the peloton made for an impressive sight as it made its way to the food stop in North Kildare Rugby Club outside Kilcock. The Marie Keating Foundation volunteers made sure that all participants were well nourished and sustained before the mad gallop out the Kilcock road heading towards Clane. The 50 and 100km routes split at Boherhole Cross on the Clane road with the 50km heading back to Naas via Clane and the 100km riders heading to Prosperous and Robertstown. The event was entirely staffed by volunteers all keen to contribute to the wonderful work that the Marie Keating Foundation does working to beat cancer through awareness, education and support services.
Pio Murtagh, Chairman of Naas Cycling Club noted that the event attracted 25% more cyclists than last year, with a lot of newcomers to cycling signing on for the first time. He said that the success of the event was due to a massive volunteer effort by the staff and friends of The Marie Keating Foundation, Naas CC Club Committee, the Motorbike Marshals, the Gardai, Naas Court Hotel, Kildare County Council and many others who gave up their time or resources to help with the event. He also thanked Martin for taking the time out to support the event once again. Well done to all who participated for helping to make the day something to be proud of.
Naas Cycling Club
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