Tour of Ulster consolidates in Omagh District

The Tour of Ulster confirmed its route and dates for 2007; the premier cycle stage race in the province, will take place on bank holiday weekend Saturday May 5- Monday May 7.

The significant modification for 2007 over the 2006 Tour of Ulster is the departure from point-to-point stages. With all of the racing being this year based on the Omagh District Council area, organiser Colin Boyle, having worked on the event for the last few years, is enthusiast about the sporting route he has devised. In particular, Boyle says Stage two, held on Sunday and finishing up a tough climb at Gortin before the riders tackle a short time trial the same evening is a highlight.

Despite the route changes, the 2007 event will follow the event's historic format of four stages over three days; 87-mile road stage on Saturday, a 59-mile road stage on Sunday followed by a 2.5-mile time trial that evening and finally finishing with a 65-mile road stage on Monday.

The winner of last year's event was former Irish Road Champion Tipperary's Ray Clarke (Dan Morrissey) with second place going to Monaghan's Conor Murphy (Murphy & Gunn) & third place Dublin's Paul Helion (Murphy & Gunn).Most of the top Irish riders are expected to make up the expected field of around 100 cyclists,

In addition to the Omagh Sports Forum being main sponsors, the race has also attracted support from the Sports Council for NI, Gallen Vehicle Hire, The Irish News, and NI Electricity.

Entry forms can still be downloaded on the race website www.tourofulster.com.