NO TOUR OF IRELAND CYCLE RACE THIS YEAR

Organisers plan its return for 2011

The organisers of the Tour of Ireland international cycle race have announced that the race will not go ahead as planned between 18th-22nd August this year. Despite significant commercial and public sector funding, current economic conditions have meant that the additional investment required to make the event viable has not been forthcoming in time for this season.

The professional race, revived in 2007 after a long absence, has been hit by the current economic situation. Televised worldwide, with exceptional coverage in Europe and the USA, the race has attracted top cycling stars to Ireland during the last three years.

"We fully intend to bring it back for 2011 when the private sector environment is stronger" said organiser Alan Rushton of Tour of Ireland Cycling Events Limited.

For further information contact
The Press Office, Tour of Ireland Cycling Events Limited on 087-320 9895 or +353 87 320 9895 internationally.
www.tourofireland.ie