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The backing of this year’s Gorey Three Day by Bertoni was official marked this week when sponsor Eddie Lynch and Irish cycling legend Sean Kelly stood for photographs in the Bertoni clothing store in the Blanchardstown shopping centre.
Orwell Dundrum TC rider Lynch came on board when he heard that the race had no backing this season. “Since starting cycling in 2001 I have enjoyed the sport a lot. I want to give something back and this is the perfect opportunity,” he said. “It is great to be involved with the race, especially on its 40th anniversary. I think it is one of the most important events for non-first category riders. It is like the Rás for them, and it has a great history.”
Kelly echoed these sentiments. “I rode the race twice, winning it as an amateur and then riding it again a couple of years ago,” he said. “It is a great experience for the young guns to do a stage race like that. They build good experience of riding in a big bunch, which is something that some of the riders here don’t often get a chance to do. In addition, it is always good to get stage races in the legs.”
This year’s race will have an important addition with points and king of the mountains competitions being marked by special jerseys. “There will be hill primes during the stages and also points given to determine the most consistent riders,” said Lynch. “It should help make the race even more competitive.”
The veteran rider was a fine twentieth overall last year and is hoping to improve on that placing this time round.
Bertoni is a casual and smart-casual menswear Danish brand, with Irish stores in the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, the Dundrum Town Centre and on Duke Street. Lynch feels that the backing of the race is a logical one. “I think it is a good match. Cyclists are a trendy bunch and they seem to like the brand, so the sponsorship is a natural fit.”
The Bertoni 3 Day takes place over the Easter weekend from 15th to 17th April.
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