The Inaugural Great Rugby Cycle 2019 covered 1133 miles in
The inaugural Great Rugby Cycle 2019 covered 1,133 miles in March 2019 from John O’Groats to Land’s End in support of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
The Great Rugby Cycle 2020 due to the COVID19 pandemic had to be postponed for a year. The Great Rugby Cycle 2021 will cover over 1000 miles in an anti-clockwise direction around Ireland in eleven days from 1st until the 11th April 2021. Taking in some of the finest scenery Ireland has to offer, the peloton will be joined along the route by rugby legends helping to raise awareness and funds for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
Thursday 1st
Leaving from Stormont Estate , home of the Northern Ireland Executive the peloton will head through the outskirts of Belfast along shore road to Larne, where it will then follow the stunning Antrim coast before climbing over the Glens into Ballycastle. Take in the views along the North coast as the group heads via Bushmills and into Portrush.
Friday 2nd
The second day follows the North coast from Portrush via Castlerock and Limavady before crossing the border into the Republic of Ireland. Continuing west as the group heads to Letterkenny, before heading south to Donegal and the destination of our second nights accommodation.
Saturday 3rd
We leave Donegal taking the coastal road with views of the North Atlantic Ocean. Passing Screedhagh point and if the weather is kind, we will see the Island of Inishmurray. The peloton heads through Sligo and continues along the coast towards Enniscrone, then South to arrive at Ballina for a well-deserved Guinness.
Wednesday 7th
Heading direct South from Bantry the group passes through Ballydehob towards Skibbereen. A few nasty climbs today but thankfully the miles are low, as the route passes along the southern coast of Ireland until it reaches Kinsale then heads direct North into Cork City.
Thursday 8th
The home straight now as day eight is a long 110 miles from Cork into Wexford. A relatively flat start to the ride before the 40-mile mark as we cross into County Waterford when a few climbs test the legs. Following
the coast we head through Dungarvan before a few more climbs around Killmacthomas. We take the ferry at Passage East and cross over in County Wexford for the final 25 miles into Wexford.. Did I hear some say Guinness..
Friday 9th
The peloton now heads North as it follows the coast along the Irish Sea with views across to Wales (weather permitting!). Crossing into County Wicklow just outside Akrow before we head through Wicklow, Greystones,
Bray and the Southern districts of Dublin.
Monday 5th
We leave Galway heading to Munster country with an ‘easy’ 88 miles towards Newcastle West. The peloton travels south via Gort with a steady climb up to the Maghera Mountain bogs, before spinning down to skirt the outskirts of Limerick before passing via Adar and onwards to Newcastle West. Rest up before tomorrow as we take on the second biggest climbing day on Tuesday.
Tuesday 6th
The group leaves Newcastle West and heads to Killarney and on through the Killarney National Park before we cross over Moll’s Gap. Moll’s Gap is a mountain pass that rises to a height of 260 metres and offers stunning views of MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountains. Another couple of ‘gentle’ climbs await before we rest the legs in Bantry as we are now over half-way through the challenge.
Sunday 4th
The peloton leaves Ballina and heads South following the R310 before crossing Lough Conn and passes through Castlebar and Westport as it descends down to Aasleagh before climbing up to Maum Cross. Continuing southwards to the coast where the Aran Islands will be in view before cycling East into Galway
Saturday 10th
The penultimate day is a nice flat 80 miles from Dublin up to the port of Warrenpoint. The route passes through Malahide, Balbriggin, Drogheda and Dundalk before crossing the border just before Forkhill. A climb up to Newry before we descend into Warrenpoint.
Sunday 11th
The ‘ceremonial’ 102 miles on the last day is a beauty. The group will follow the coast into Newcastle in the shadow of majestic Mountains of Mourne to our left. From Newcastle we turn right at Clough and follow the coastal route through Ardglass before catching the ferry at Strangford over to Portaferry. Now on the Ards peninsula we head south and then up the outside through Millisle, Donaghadee and round past Groomsport. One last climb up Craigantlet before the peloton rolls back into Stormont.
My Name’5 Doddie Foundation
The total cost of the trip is £950 which includes:
– 10 nights accommodation during the challenge with dinner
and breakfast included.
– Full nutritional support during the ride.
– Event branded apparel:
Cycle shorts, Jersey & Jacket. T-shirt and hooded top.
– Guided support for the ride lead by three professional
cyclists.
– Van support to transport all kit and available for a ‘lift’ if
needed.
– Full mechanical support and bike checks before and after
each day’s cycle.
Not included:
– Travel to and from Belfast.
– Travel insurance.
– Drinks and any additional food not included in the daily rides.
The total cost of the challenge is £950:
£300 deposit required to secure your place.
Final payment of £650 is due by the 1st February 2021 – you will be invoiced.
The Foundation would like the cycle to raise as much money as possible for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation and you can join up to the group Just Giving page here
Sizes for the apparel and any dietary requirements by the 1st February 2021.
For any questions are further details please contact:
Stuart Thom
Chief Executive
The Royal Belfast Golf Club
M: 07913 611680
E: ceo@royalbelfast.com
The Inaugural Great Rugby Cycle 2019 covered 1133 miles in
Disappointed that the 40th Great North Run was postponed subsequently
Disappointed that the 40th Great North Run was postponed subsequently
