Tour of Down returns for 2013

WEST Down Wheelers for the third year are hosting the Tour of Down Leisure Cycling Challenge on Saturday February 16 which departs from Katesbridge.

This year for the first time there are two planned routes on offer.

Route A - 65 mile sdeparting at 10am from Katesbridge, Castlewellan, Newcastle, Annalong, Ballymartin, Kilkeel, Rostrevor up the Newtown road climb to Hilltown, Castlewellan and finishing at Katesbridge.

Route B - 43 mile departing at 10.05am from Katesbridge, Castlewellan, Newcastle, Bryansford, Hilltown, Castlewellan and finishing at Katesbridge.

Both event will start and finish at Katesbridge with sign-on from 8.45am. Changing facilities, toilets and car parking at the hall, toilets and parking on the opposite side of main Katesbridge Road at the picnic park.

The normal refreshments will be served at the end of the event - hot soup, tea, coffee, juice, sandwiches and buns. The event will be a fundraiser for the St John’s Ambulance. Many race promoters have been glad to use the services of this organisation and it is a very worthy cause.

Entry fee Cycling Ireland licence holders, £10/12Euros. Please bring evidence of CI licence approval. Entry non-Cycling Ireland, £13/15Euros

In the interests of safety all riders must wear a helmet, spare tube, pump, food and drink. It’s also advisable to carry a mobile phone.