Tour of Ireland to Start From The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt

Organisers of the Tour of Ireland professional cycle race, held in association with Fáilte Ireland, have announced a three day format for 2009.

The race, from Friday 21st to Sunday 23rd August, should provide some spectacular racing with some of the top teams and names in cycling taking part.

112 cyclists from 16 teams will head out from The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, County Wicklow on Friday 21st August.

The prestigious hotel is the Race Headquarters and the main media hub for the days prior to the event and has also been chosen as the starting line for stage one to Waterford.

“The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt is a proud sponsor of the Tour of Ireland,” said general manager of the hotel, Allan Federer. “It is an exciting time for the hotel to have a race like this commence in the grounds and I believe guests staying here will enjoy the atmosphere.”

The 196km first stage will be starting from The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt on Friday 21st. It is a rolling stage that sees the peloton competing for the king of the mountain points after only five kilometers.

The race travels over beautiful countryside and takes in the handsome climb of Mount Leinster en route to Waterford where the race will finish on the Quays.

Six times Tour de France stage winner Mark Cavendish (Columbia – HTC) returns to Ireland where he scored three consecutive stage wins last year. Lance Armstrong and Team Astana will also be among the participants.

The race has established a big reputation in the professional peloton and this year’s event, held in association with Fáilte Ireland, will not disappoint the athletes or the thousands of spectators expected to line the roads.

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