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Last Updated: 2 Apr 2018 - 8:45:17 PM |
MD DONNELLY JUNIOR TOUR A TOUGH CHALLENGE
By Tommy Campbell, Irish Independent, Evening Herald, Sunday Independent
8 Jul 2006,
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The M Donnelly Junior Tour competitors will face six days of intensive competition in one of the ancient kingdoms of Ireland whose rulers, the O'Connor's were displaced by the Anglo-Norman De Burghs in the 13th century.
Not that they'll be overawed by that information, but the event is based in Co. Mayo were tourism is a big factor and indeed the cycling promoters in the region have been instrumental in making their contribution.
The 'JT' as it is known far and wide has an excellent sponsor in M Donnelly. The modus operandi is entirely out of Castlebar which makes life that little bit easy for the organisation and the competitors alike.
The route for the 29th edition of an event which in the past has brought past winners to the fore on the world cycling stage is very competitive.
There is a great mix of terrain and this day week (Thursday) the competitors will visit Achill Island which is Ireland's largest island for a complete stage. The island has an area of 148 square kilometres. This will be the first time that an entire race has been run here and the stage distance will be 72 miles.
Details of the route-
Stage 1: Tue 11th July - Castlebar Prologue, 2 Mile Time Trial in Castlebar Starts at 7.00pm.
Stage 2: Wed 12th July - Westport to Westport, 61 Mile Stage - Starts at 12.00
Stage 3: Thur 13th July - Newport - Achill - Newport, 71 Mile Stage to Achill Island - Starts at 12.00
Stage 4: Fri 14th July - Ballina to Ballina, 67 Mile Stage around north Mayo Starts at 12.00
Stage 5: Sat 15th July - Castlebar to Windy Gap, 66 Mile stage with mountain top finish - Starts at 12.00
Stage 6: Sun 16th July - Castlebar to Castlebar, 63 Miles The final stage - Starts at 11.00am
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