Tour of Ulster

This year's Tour of Ulster in Ireland will take place on bank holiday weekend, from Saturday, April 29 to Monday, May 1. It marks the 50th anniversary of the race, which was first run by Seamus McGreevey of Newry, from Newry to Bundoran and back. It's not going to Bundoran this year, but to mark the occasion, the 2006 event will start and finish in Newry. After 50 years, Seamus McGreevey is still very involved in cycles port, and will be on hand to help out at the 2006 Tour.

While last year's winner, David McCann (Giant Asia pro team) is in Australia for the Commonwealth Games, he is unlikely to make a decision on taking part for some time yet, but the organiser has already had enquiries from half a dozen top racing teams about the 2006 event.

The main sponsors for the 2006 event are Newry and Mourne District Council, Cookstown District Council and Omagh District Council. With stage finishes in Newry, Omagh and Cookstown.