'A real test of fortitude and willpower': cyclists set off on 600km Tour de Munster

Cyclists set off from Cork’s Grand Parade early this morning, on the first of four gruelling days of pedaling 

Former professional cyclist Sean Kelly and Olympic rower Gary O'Donovan, lead the pelethon of cyclists down Grand Parade Cork at the start of the Tour De Munster in Aid of Down Syndrome Ireland. Picture: Don MacMonagle

Cycling legend Sean Kelly had a rowing legend on his shoulder on Thursday as he saddled up to lead cyclists off on a 600km four-day charity cycle around Munster.

The former professional and world number one cyclist, who competed in some of the world’s top stage and one-day tour classics, was joined on the first stage of the annual four-day Tour de Munster by European, World, and Olympic rowing star Gary O'Donovan, as they led dozens of amateur cyclists off on the first of several testing stages across the provinces six counties, while raising funds for Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI)'s Munster branches.