Hand stands and cycling keeps 83 year-old Annette on her bike

Published: Mon 8 Jul 2019, 6:46 PM

Last updated: Mon 8 Jul 2019, 7:52 PM

Annette Callan from Ardee features on Skoda's WeLoveCycling.ie. Aged 83, in recent times she has been spotted on the challenging Tour de Connamara cycling event and in the past has completed challenges such as the Malin to Mizen cycle. Combining cycling together with yoga and a healthy lifestyle has given this pensioner the agility, attitude and looks that would be the envy of ladies a quarter of her age.

WeLoveCycling.ie is a new online platform powered by ŠKODA. Targeting all genres of cyclists from commuters to seasoned professionals, WeLoveCycling.ie uncovers original stories and special reports from cycling in Ireland as well as further afield.

A hand stand from 83 year-old Annette!

The site will include helpful tips for the amateur and recreational cyclist on buying bicycles, nutritional recommendations and information on cycle routes. For the commuter cyclist there will be content on the latest e-bike trends and technology. WeLoveCycling.ie will also be a hub for registering for ŠKODA Celtic Series sportive cycles and the topical ŠPEED Dating cycle events.
For cycling spectators there will be coverage of current stars of the sport, such as the six-time Paralympic Gold winner JiÅ™í JeÅ¾ek and updates from Belgian based, Irish female cyclist Imogen Cotter. Even for those not interested in cycling there will be interesting topics on diet and endurance and some topics bordering on crazy such as “Is it safe to eat coffee beans?”
Ciara Breen, sponsorship & events manager of WeLoveCycling.ie said: “Since the government Bike to Work scheme in 2008, cycling has seen somewhat of a cycling renaissance in Ireland. In the last 10 years, the membership of Cycling Ireland has increased by almost 700 per cent! In the five years between 2011 and 2016, there was a 43 per cent increase in the number of people who cycled to work in Dublin city and suburbs."

WeLoveCycling.ie is powered by ŠKODA; a brand steeped in cycling heritage, with the manufacturer’s origins stemming from bicycle production back in 1895. In recent times the brand is better known for their long standing association with the Tour de France and closer to home their involvement with sportive events such as the Ring of Kerry Charity Cycle and the Tour de Connamara.