Tour hero Kelly backs event’s return

THE world’s leading cyclists contest the five day Tour of Ireland next August.

The race, run in association with Fáilte Ireland, will get under way in Kilkenny on August 22 and end in Dublin on August 26.

And guaranteeing the success of the event will be many of the those who were involved with the old International Classic which ended 22 years ago after bringing professional cycling to the cities, towns and byways of the country during a golden era for the sport.