Financial woes force cancellation of Tour of Ireland

THIS year’s Tour of Ireland international cycle race has been cancelled due to “financial difficulties” but the organisers are already making plans for its return in 2011.

The race attracted worldwide attention last year when Lance Armstrong returned to the Irish roads – this time with the Astana team – to mix it with a star-studded field.

While he did not figure in the general classification at the end of the race, the Tour de France legend brought the crowds out in their thousands despite some very inclement weather.