Trim to host start of Race Around Ireland cycle

The marathon Race Around Ireland cycle race will commence in Trim on Sunday 9th September at 7.30pm. The start of international and national riders will take place in front of Trim Castle, with Trim Chamber of Commerce organising an evening of Irish music and dance to set the cyclists on their way. Everyone is welcome to come and view the spectacle of cyclists setting off, one after the other, from 7.30pm onwards and enjoy the music and dance which commences at 6.30pm. The event has support from Meath Tourism, Meath County Council and Trim Town Council. Kevin Stewart, director of services with Meath County Council, said: "We are delighted that the Race Around Ireland will commence in Trim and finish in Navan, providing an opportunity for cyclists and teams from all over Ireland to see the history and heritage that makes County Meath unique.  "This is a wonderful opportunity for County Meath to showcase that this county can cater very well to large sporting events and we are very much looking forward to welcoming the riders and their teams on the 9th September." Riders and crew from seven countries will tackle what is considered to be one of the most gruelling cycling events in the world with solo riders having to spend up to 22 hours a day on the bike over the 2,100km route as they pass through 22 counties and over 75,000 feet of climbing. "We want everyone to be able to come out and support these two-wheeled warriors so live bands organised by Trim Chamber of Commerce will entertain spectators on the start line, and thanks to BlackBlox, people will be able to follow each rider using the live tracking feed on our website 24 hours per day," said race director Alan Heary. The event was welcomed to Trim by Chamber president, Noel French, who said people could come to Trim for the day as the local Vintage and Veteran Car Rally returns to Porchfields that afternoon. In The Race Around Ireland, once the clock starts in Trim, it won't stop until each rider reaches the finish line at the end of the 1,350 mile circuit. The Race Around Ireland is part of the Ultra Marathon Cycling Association (UMCA) World Cup series, which includes other huge endurance races such as The Race Across America. It has now become one of the most prestigious events on the Ultra-Cycling World Cup Calendar and is widely recognised as one of Europe's most challenging endurance events. The 2011 men's solo race was won by Monaco rider Valerio Zamboni. His successful completion of the race saw him become the Ultra-Marathon World Champion and he returns this year in the hope of retaining his title. He won't have it all his own way, as 2010 Race Around Ireland winner Bernd Paul from Germany and Irish riders, including Race Across America finisher, Donncha Cuttriss, will be out to stop him. Teams will cycle in a relay format day and night to finish the event in less than four days. Meath Local Sports Partnership, which has supported the race for the last four years, will once again be the location for the official headquarters and finishing line for this year's race. Sponsors include Carvalho Custom, The Ireland Funds, Teneo Strategy, Planet X, Andalucian Cycling Experience, DG Group, Ordnance Survey Ireland, BlackBlox, Brookdale Partners and Cusack Hotel Group. The official launch of the race will take place in the Castle Arch Hotel in Trim on Saturday 8th September with the race starting from Castle Street in Trim on Sunday 9th. Visit www.racearoundireland.com and www.facebook.com/RaceAroundIreland for more information.