In Switzerland during the plenary sessions of the Union Cycliste Internationale this week, the dates for the 'Tour of Ireland' were confirmed for August next year.



It is intended that the event now entering its fourth year would revert to a five day. The economic circumstances this year in Ireland prevented it usual five days despite the presence of the Lance Armstrong and Mark Cavendish as participants. Both are rated as the top box office attractions when it comes to the sport of cycling.

Fortunately over the three days it offered the Irish fans to indulge in the good showing by Philip Deignan who went on to win a stage in the Tour of Spain a week ago and who lines up in the world championships tomorrow over a tough 262kms of racing.

The event will run from the 18th to 22nd August 2010. Britain�s Russell Downing (CandiTV-Marshalls) was the the hero of 2009 despite the challenge from major teams Columbia-HTC, Astana, Saxo Bank and Cerv�lo Test Team.

According to the race organisation it achieved fantastic results despite the challenges faced due to the economic climate. The very tough finale in Cork provided dramatic racing watched by thousands of spectators who lined St Patrick�s Hill and the rest of the city circuit. With the major TV and press coverage achieved there is now an excellent opportunity for key sponsors to come on board to capitalise on the domestic, European and Worldwide exposure.