2009 Sean Kelly Tour - Almost There

Sean Kelly Tour 2009 Almost There!

The third Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford and what is sure to be one of the most colourful and spectacular events in Waterford’s 2009 sporting calendar is almost upon us, the Tour takes place this Sunday August 30th. As of last Friday (21st August) when entries officially closed, a massive 2000 participants had signed up for this great event. Of those entered almost every county in Ireland is represented in particular Waterford, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Dublin, Wexford, Kerry, Clare, Kilkenny and Galway. This year has also seen a huge increase in overseas entry particularly from our near neighbours in the UK but also from a number of European countries as well as the US and Canada. This huge increase in the popularity of the Tour is due to the hard work and dedication of the Sean Kelly Tour Committee which consists of representatives of Waterford County Council, Waterford Sports Partnership, County Waterford Community Forum, eight local cycling clubs and of course the one and only Sean Kelly.

Volunteers and the Communities involved.
One of the most heartening aspects of this event has been to see that the age of volunteerism is not a thing of the past, as some people would suggest. The organisers of the tour have seen volunteers from all across the county step up to the mark from all walks of life including staff from the council and Waterford Sports Partnership, members of cycling clubs and particularly members of local community groups and individuals from all corners of the county from Dungarvan, Lemybrien, Kilrossanty, Rathgormack, Ballymacarbry, Cappoquin, Lismore and all areas in between as well as help from our near neighbours in East Cork and South Tipp. Considering we will need upwards of 200 volunteers on the day, we are still looking for people who are willing to sacrifice just some of their time on either Saturday 29th or Sunday 30th August. Why not mention it to your club, team, community organisation, friends or family and let’s all get behind ‘The Sean Kelly’. Anyone wishing to volunteer can contact Peter Jones on (058)21191.

Traffic and the Route.
Waterford County Council would like to draw all road users attention to the fact that the Sean Kelly Tour is a leisure cycle which will be taking place over the entire day of Sunday 30th August. Roads will remain open at all times and all cyclists must obey the rules of the road however we would ask all road users and particularly motorists to be extra vigilant for cyclists on the day. The cavalcade will also consist of support vehicles and spectators both young and old, so please practice caution as we want this tour to be a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Gardai, Civil Defence, South East Mountain Rescue Association and event marshals will be present at key points on the routes to help both cyclists and other road users navigate their way safely around the county on the day.

The main routes and times include:
Dungarvan-Lemybrien (N25), 8-10 a.m.; Lemybrien-Carrick-on-Suir (R676), 8-11 a.m.; Carrick-on-Suir-Clonmel (R680), 9a.m.-12p.m.; Clonmel-Ballymacarbry (R671), 10a.m.-1p.m.; Ballymacarbry-Master McGrath (R672), 11 a.m.-6p.m.Dungarvan-Villierstown (via Ballinameela)-Dromana Drive- Cappoquin-Dungarvan (via N72)-10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Ballymacarbry-Dungarvan-via Powers the Pot (R671, R678),12p.m.-3p.m.; Ballyhest Cr. Rd (Dá Rua’s)-Mahon Bridge (R676), 1p.m.-4p.m.; Mahon Bridge-Bery’s Cross via Mahon Falls, Máma Road, Kilbrien, 2p.m.-6p.m.

Parking
No parking will be available at Dungarvan Sports Centre on the day of the tour.Limited parking will be available at Scanlon’s Yard and Grattan Square and a number of other locations which will be clearly marked ‘PARKING’. Organisers would appeal to all local participants and to those staying in accommodation locally to please leave the car behind and avoid adding to the traffic-and an added bonus you will decrease your carbon footprint!

Registration and Start Times
All participants must sign on and collect their goody bags either between 6:30-8:00 a.m. (100 and 160k only) and 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (50k only) on Sunday morning 30th August or to make things run even more smoothly, entry will be open from 2-6 p.m. on Saturday afternoon 29th August. We would encourage as many as possible to sign in on Saturday to avoid any delays on Sunday morning as large crowds are anticipated. At sign on riders will receive their unique event number and goody bag. Any cyclists under the age of 18 must bring a signed parental consent form with them to registration (if you have mislaid it we will have spares).

The official start time with Sean Kelly, event sponsors and other dignitaries present will take place at 8.30 a.m. sharp for the 100 and 160k and at 10:30a.m for the 50k.

Best of Luck
All that is left for the organisers to say is to wish all intending participants the best of luck. Remember it is not a race. Enjoy the scenery, the fresh-air, the food stops, the post-event refreshments, the sports massage, the entertainment, the mobile coffee shop, the souvenir jersey and everything that goes with being part of the Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford. Check out www.theseankellytour.com or contact 058-21104 for more details and event updates.