Offaly Sports Partnership to host second Cycle Relay

Following on from the success of last year's inaugural event, Offaly Sports Partnership will once again host the hugely-popular Grand Canal Greenway Cycle Relay on May 18 next to coincide with national Bike Week from May 11 to 19.

The event, which covers a distance of 55km along a scenic route from George's Bridge in Edenderry to Gallen Bridge in Ferbane, will take place over five stages, and participants can complete the full 55km distance or take part in any one of the five stages along the route.

Pre-booking for the cycle relay is essential, and the closing date for entries is Tuesday, May 7 next. To book a place please go to: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/grand-canal-greenway-cycle-relay-tickets-886514136647

The five stages of the Grand Canal Greenway Cycle Relay are as follows:

Stage 1 - George’s Bridge, Edenderry to Toberdaly Bridge (greenway carpark), Rhode – 8.75km: Depart George’s Bridge at 9am

Stage 2 – Toberdaly Bridge, Rhode to Molesworth Bridge, Daingean (greenway carpark) – 8km: Depart Toberdaly Bridge, Rhode at 10am

Stage 3 – Molesworth Bridge, Daingean to Digby Bridge, Cappincur, Tullamore (greenway carpark) – 11.5km: Depart Molesworth Bridge at 11am

Stage 4 – Digby Bridge, Cappincur, Tullamore to The Thatch, Rahan – 10.75km: Depart Digby Bridge at 12.15pm

Stage 5 - The Thatch, Rahan to Pollagh – 7.75km: Depart The Thatch, Rahan 1.30pm

Stage 6 – Pollagh to Armstrong (Gallen) Bridge (greenway carpark), Ferbane – 10km: Depart Pollagh at 2.30pm

Ride leaders will be on hand on the day to assist and support less experienced riders and families to complete any of the stages along the route, and the event is open to all cyclists.

A limited number of bikes will be available to hire at each of the stage locations, and must be booked at time of registration.

Refreshments will be available for all participants at the following locations:

1. Toberdaly Bridge (greenway car par) Rhode

2. Molesworth Bridge (greenway carpark), Daingean

3. Digby Bridge (greenway car park), Cappincur, Tullamore

4. The Thatch, Rahan

5. Plunkett Bridge, Pollagh

6. Armstrong (Gallen) Bridge, Ferbane

Anyone wishing to find out more information about the cycle relay can do so by contacting Offaly County Council at: sports@offalycoco.ie