THROUGH driving rain, thousands of cyclists took to the roads of County Waterford last weekend for the annual Sean Kelly Tour.
The hugely popular event, now in its eight year, saw cyclists from across the country participate in three different routes on Sunday.
Despite the challenging conditions, cyclists of varying ages and abilities took to the roads of the Déise to take on the 50k Kelly Cruise, 100k Heritage Route and 160k Comeragh Challenge.
All routes started and finished at the Dungarvan Sports Centre where refreshments were provided for all participants by an army of hard working volunteers.
The 50k Kelly Cruise route brought participants through scenic Villierstown and Dromana and along the banks of the beautiful River Blackwater.
The 100k Heritage Route travelled through large sections of West Waterford including Cappoquin, Lismore, Knockanore, Ardmore and An Rinn.
The daunting 160k Comeragh Challenge took cyclists from Dungarvan to Carrick-on-Suir via Lemybrien and onto Clonmel, Ballymacarbry, Rathgormack, before returning to Dungarvan via Kilrossanty and Kilbrien.
Along each route, local community centres were hubs of activity as volunteers provided participants with much needed refreshments.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, in weather conditions much different to Sunday, many families participated in the 12k Sean Kelly Spin which ravelled around Abbeyside and Clonea.
In total, over 6,000 participants took to the county’s roads throughout the weekend.
The event is expected to have provided significant economic benefits for Dungarvan and the surrounding areas.
Legendary local cyclist Sean Kelly was present throughout the weekend to wish cyclists well and congratulate them on their achievements.
Stewards were present at various points throughout each route, offering words of encouragement and ensuring all participants completed the cycle safely.
Nominated charities for this year’s event were Waterford Hospice and the Jack and Jill Foundation.
Waterford City and County Manager Michael Walsh pictured with Councillor Michael J O'Ryan, Sean Kelly, John Flahavan from sponsor Flahavans and Chairperson of Waterford City and County Council James Tobin pictured prior to the start of the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford. See Sport 10 and 11 for further coverage. | Photo: David Clynch
