Cyclists from across the country will descend on Clare in mid July for the Eurocycles Eurobaby sponsored Junior Tour 2022.
After the pandemic led to the cancellation of the past two hostings of this competition, the event will now take place across Clare with stages running from Tuesday July 12 to Sunday July 17.
There will be six stages in total with a 48km first stage that starts at the Auburn Lodge, Ennis. Competitors will subsequently travel through Beagh, Tubber and Crusheen before finishing in Barefield.
On July 13, the 103km route will see racing start on the Ennistymon Road at Inver Filling Station before cyclists will travel through Inagh, take part in a KOH at Bawnslieve and pass through Lahinch and Liscannor. Another KOH at the Cliffs of Moher follows before passing through Kilfenora, Killanaboy, Corofin and finishing on the bypass.
The following day, racing starts in Ballyvaughan before the 104km route sees competitors travel through the Bell Harbour in Carran, a KOH in Carran, a KOH long drag, the Ailwee Caves. The cyclists will then travel to Kilfenora and Kilshanny before finishing in Ballyvaughan.
Stage Four will see a ceremonial start outside the County Council Office before racing starts on the Scarriff Road. The route sees cyclists travel along Clooney, Bodyke, Tuamgraney, Scarriff, a KOH in Scarriff, Beagh and Crusheen before the 87.8km route finishes in Barefield.
On July 16, racing starts at Inver Garage on the Kildysart Road before the event passes through Drumquin, Ballynacally, a KOH at Cooga, Kildysart and Labasheeda.
Then there is a 6km KOH with the route taking cyclists in to Moneypoint, Kilrush, Moyasta, Doonaha, Carrigaholt and Kilkee. There is another KOH at the Cliffs in Kilkee before the stage finishes. This stage lasts 93.7km.
The 79.1km final stage sees racing start at the flyover on the Kilrush/Kilkee Road with cyclists completing six laps in total before finishing at the Watertower.
Aidan Joyce from Eurocycles Eurobaby expressed his delight at being able to sponsor this prestigious event.
“Eurocycles Eurobaby’s are proud to be the Title sponsor of the Junior Tour for 2022. Cycling is in the DNA of our company and it is great to be a part of such an important event on the racing calendar. Alice (Sherratt, Race Organiser) and her team of volunteers continue to make this a cracking event and Eurcycles Eurobaby are delighted to support them once again.”
“The event has grown from strength to strength since it first ran in 1978 with a worthy winner in Martin Early. Some International names have since been added to the Cup.
“The popularity of this event is entirely due to the hard work and professionalism of a small team of volunteers (past and present) whose efforts over the years have made the race the success it is today.”
“Thank you to all our sponsors but there are some who need a special mention: Cycling Ireland, Irish Veteran Cycling Association which sponsor the mountains jersey (Wicklow 200), Cross Insurance for the green jersey, Clare County Council for the young riders jersey and Spin 11 who produce and provide us with all of these jerseys. Without all this help the race could not go ahead.”