Clonakilty reaches fever pitch ahead of major cycling race

It’s still more than two weeks away but accommodation in the West Cork town of Clonakilty is already virtually booked out amid feverish preparations for the arrival of a major race which will bring more than 400 visitors to the town.

Some 180 Irish and foreign cyclists and about 200 officials, crew and fans will arrive in the town on May 26 for a stage-end finish to the An Post Rás 8-Day International Cycle Race.

The town last hosted a stage finish two years ago but has now hosted the race eight times.

The Rás, in its 64th year, is included in the Union Cycliste International (UCI) Calendar of International Cycling Races, and as such can award world-ranking points required to qualify for the Olympic Games and World Cycling Championships.

The Rás includes competitors from the UK, US, Australia, NZ, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Austria and France.

The entourage, which will overnight in the town, will be supported by a cavalcade of some 200 team officials and back-up personnel.

“With an estimated spend in the region of €35,000 at what is normally a relatively quiet time of the year the event will be a major boost to the area and a welcome start to the summer season,” said John Forristal, one of the local organisers.

The stage-end will also help to raise the national and international profile of the town.

“Clonakilty has the facilities to host this big event: for some places it can be a big problem accommodating so many people, but we can facilitate this very colourful and exciting group. The town is already nearly booked out for the night.

“Along with the hospitality sector, locals are also looking forward to a repeat of the colourful spectacle of two years ago.”

The Rás starts at Dublin Castle on May 22 and traverses the country over eight days.

On day five, the riders race 165km from Sneem through Kenmare, Glengarriff, Bantry, Skibbereen, Leap and Glandore, arriving in Clonakilty around 2.30pm.

The cyclists will race two laps of Clonakilty, taking in Shannonvale village.

Some traffic restrictions will apply both before and during the race.

Mr Forristal said residents will be kept informed by stewards and gardaí.

On the Friday morning, the cyclists will again start off from Pearse Street for the next leg to Dungarvan.

The voluntary committee is supported by Cork County Council, Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce, and the local Credit Union.