Parking restrictions for cycling tour

SOME of the world’s top riders will tackle the country’s steepest hill twice this week as a international cycling race comes to Cork.

More than 100 professional cyclists will race up the city’s lung-busting St Patrick’s Hill at the end of stage one of the Tour of Ireland on Wednesday before a sprint finish in the city centre.

Race organisers have asked hundreds of northside residents living along the last few miles of the stage not to park on the streets.

Major traffic restrictions will come into effect from midnight tomorrow night, with more in place from about lunchtime on Wednesday.

The quays, St Patrick’s Street and bridge, Old Youghal Road, Summerhill, and South Mall will all be affected from at least 3pm.

Up to 112 professional riders from 16 top teams from Europe and the United States will take part in the race which starts in Kilkenny before arriving in Cork at around 4pm.

Riders will race from Midleton along Horgan’s Quay for two circuits of the city — including two ascents of St Patrick’s Hill.

The race will then travel down St Patrick’s Street for a sprint finish before a grandstand on the South Mall.

Race spokesman Alan Rushton said hundreds of leaflets have been dropped into homes and businesses along the route advising people of the parking restrictions and warning that towing will be enforced.

“This is to guarantee the riders’ safety. They will be getting up to speeds of almost 80 kilometres an hour on the descent,” he said.

The Fáilte Ireland supported race will be broadcast live on RTÉ and ITV.

The nationwide five-day 800km race is part of the Union Cycliste Internationale European Tour.

* www.tourofireland.ie